Operations and Project Management: Sample Assignment

Operations and Project
Management

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1Introduction to Jaguar............................................................................................................3
1.2 Operation Vs operation management....................................................................................4
1.3 Implementation of operation management principles by Jaguar..........................................4
1.4 Comparison of operation management in relations with Six Sigma and Lean principles....5
1.5 Concept of continuous improvement ...................................................................................6
1.6 Preparation of continuous improvement plan.......................................................................6
1.7 Recommendations for improving functions in Jaguar..........................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Summary of case study.........................................................................................................7
2.2 Application of each stage of PLC in given project...............................................................7
2.3 Rationale for the use of WBS, project management software and leadership for project. .10
2.4 Justification of time and cost taken by project manager for ensuring systematic recording
of each stage..............................................................................................................................10
2.5 Use of relevant theories models and concepts applied for large and small scale projects..10
2.6 Effectiveness including justification of PLC in application of this project........................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operation management is all about conversion of raw materials into finished goods for
offering it to the end-users. Their main objective is to create or design unique and attractive
products for gaining competitive advantage at marketplace. Jaguar is one of the leading
automotive organizations which engage in manufacturing innovative cars or vehicles for their
final users (Turner, 2014). In fact, company is expanded across the international boundaries as
well as merges with Land Rover and named as Jaguar Land Rover. Therefore, initially
assignment is going to highlight the operation management of Jaguar and in what ways they are
implementing principles of manufacturing process. Along with this, continuous improvement
plan of an association is also outlined in the project. Furthermore, PLC stage of hotel
construction project will be framed in the assignment for understanding significance every phase
while handling any large or small assignment.
TASK 1
1.1 Introduction to Jaguar
Jaguar is a very luxurious British multinational car producer of Jaguar Land Rover by
having its headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, England and owned by Indian company Tata
Motors since 2008. Initially, this company was engaged in producing Jaguar cars before getting
merged with Land Rover to form a Jaguar Land Rover on 1st January, 2013. Basically, this
business was originated as a Swallow Sidecar company in almost 1922 and at their initial stage
company was engaged in manufacturing motorcycle sidecars. However, name of an organization
was renamed from S.S Cars to Jaguar Cars in almost 1945. After that get merged with British
Motor Corporation in almost 1966 which resulted in enlargement of an association which now
renamed as British Motor Holdings (BMH). Furthermore in 1968 company again merges with
Leyland Motor Corporation and then itself nationalized in 1975. In 1990, Ford acquired Jaguar
cars and combined with Land Rover in 2000 which resulted into selling of Jaguar Land Rover to
the Tata motors. Hence, Jaguar created this company as a subsidiary holding organization but at
operation level in 2013 Jaguar cars was merged with Land Rover in order to form Jaguar Land
Rover Limited as a single manufacturer of cars, single designer as well as brand owner for both
company (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
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According to given case study, presently Halewood plant is getting attentive for
producing new Jaguar X’ Type for 21st century. Main reason behind developing this car is a
feedback from a massive global consumer research programme. However, programme is making
sure that designers of Car’s, engineers and marketers remain in tune with the requirements or
expectations of desired clients in every phase in development of Car’s.
1.2 Operation Vs operation management
Operation is a term which means by the use of various raw materials production team
will make finished goods for the end users. Their main motive is to design creative items with
the help of several ingredients in order to satisfy the needs of desired clients. For example; in a
given case study operations management of Jaguar wanted to minimize the wastage while
operating due to which they are engaged in another new project that is Jaguar X’ Type in 21 st
century (Jacobs, Chase and Lummus, 2014). Hence, various types of materials are used by
Jaguar while manufacturing vehicles. Thus, it is essential to manage all these things or various
factors of operational department such as; assigning of job to various employees on the basis of
skills, talent and so on. Hence, management of all the factors related with operational department
is known as operation management.
Operation Operations management
Conversion of materials into finished products
is known as operation.
Management of all the materials and factors
during operations management such as;
labours, assigning of job, allocation of
resources, time management henceforth.
1.3 Implementation of operation management principles by Jaguar
Jaguar is well developed organization which is famous for its attractive cars with high
quality features. Thus, they are very serious towards principles of operations management and
always implement all the major principles while manufacturing process. Therefore, some of the
major principles of operation management that is implemented by Jaguar in the given case study
are discussed as follows-
Reality- Jaguar always believes in analysing problem instead of worrying about
techniques such as; in given scenario company is trying to fulfil the expectation of clients. It
shows that Jaguar is following the principle of reality while operating their business like;
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understanding the issue which was raised instead of going and asking with customers for the
reason behind rising this question (Harrison and Lock, 2017).
Accountability – Jaguar is a very large organization by having its branches in various
regions due to which managers always assign a job or work to specific employees for proper
functioning. In fact, analyse the performance of employees also by assessing it on regular or
weekly basis for understanding their efforts they are investing for company success. It means,
every individual at workplace are taking accountability of their job role without blaming their
errors on some other person.
Organizations – Procedures of manufacturing are interconnected with each other due to
which it is essential to be predictable and consistent for attaining a same outcome in profits.
Fundamentals- Rule of Pareto is also applied in the operation management of an
organization which is followed by Jaguar. This rule states that; 80% of organizational success
arises from precisely maintenance of inventory records, BOMs, general system disciplines
whereas only 20% of achievement comes from application of new techniques to the processes. It
means, maintaining of proper record is really indispensable for the success of an association
because it aids in controlling the losses of a company (Fleming and Koppelman, 2016).
1.4 Comparison of operation management in relations with Six Sigma and Lean principles
According to given scenario an organization is going to launch a new or innovative
product for the success of an association as well as in order to fulfil the expectation of customers.
However, there are various elements of operation management are identified which is followed
by company while manufacturing process and all of them differently applied or used. Thus, lean
principles and Six Sigma are also used by jaguar for distinct purpose that is discussed as follows-
Lean principles Six sigma
Lean production is used for standardizing the
work processes as well as cut out the
duplication and waste. Thus , Jaguar has set a
new standard for an organization which is
consider as best identified tool of operation
currently available. However, this standard is
continuous enhancing as a result it has been
analysed that Halewood have the ability to
In order follow six sigma policy an
organization must not produce more than 3-4
defects in millions of opportunities. However,
DMAIC is a most appropriate process which
needs to follow in enhancement. Basically,
main objective of this process is to enhance the
quality of output by reducing the causes of
defects as well as tried to minimize the
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manufacturer at least 100,000 vehicles in a
single year.
variability in manufacturing process (Martins
and Martins, 2012).
1.5 Concept of continuous improvement
Continuous improvement plan is a term which shows the efforts of an organization in
enhancing the productivity and their performance by taking measures. Main objective for
continuing is to cope up with current changes which might incur at marketplace. For example;
modification in political policies for trading across the international boundaries, changes in
currency rate and so on. These entire things enforce Jaguar to continue their improvement on the
basis of fluctuation in order to enhance the image of an association at marketplace. In other
words, continual enhancement plan also known as on-going process of enhancing organizational
products, services or procedures through incremental and breakthrough improvements (Pemsel
and Wiewiora, 2013).
1.6 Preparation of continuous improvement plan
In the given cases study of Halewood, Jaguar is making efforts to enhance their vehicles
for coping up with current demand of customers of 21st century. Their main motive is to reduce
the waste materials or defects for controlling the amount of losses. However, four step model is
known as a continuous improvement plan which is adopted by Jaguar for managing their new
project of Halewood (Robichaud and Anantatmula, 2010). Along with this, trying to fulfils the
expectation of desired clients in order to protect their goodwill.
 Plan – It is the first stage in which Jaguar needs to determine the demand and needs of
consumers which must be included in the new models of car. After determination of
needs and demands, company has decided to introduce a new model of car i.e. Jaguar X’
Type for meeting the demand of customers in 21st century. The strategies, budget list,
resources list etc. will be developed in this phase for developing the new car.
 Do – After doing the planning for new model i.e. Jaguar X’ Type, second stage starts. In
this stage, Jaguar can start the production of this new model at a small scale so that the
views and suggestions can be taken from the customers regarding the features and design
of this new model.
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 Check – By considering the views and opinions of the customers, the Jaguar analyses the
outcome of change in this stage. Jaguar analyses the reaction of customers towards the
new car so that the modifications can be done accordingly.
 Act- In this last stage, modifications are done in the new car and Jaguar starts the
production of model at a large scale after getting aware about the range of benefits of
newly launched project.
1.7 Recommendations for improving functions in Jaguar
After analysing all the scenario and operation management process of Jaguar it has been
understood that company needs to focus on few major elements before implementing new things
at marketplace. For example; wanted to launch a new product for the current customers. Thus,
for doing this an association needs to hire skilled or talented employees who can easily handle
complex things. Along with this, requisite to follow lean production policy as it helps in reducing
the waste amount from the production process. Additionally, usage of continuous improvement
model is useful for the proper implementation of any new project at large scale because it helps
in controlling the possibilities of heavy losses (Subramanian and Ramanathan, 2012).
TASK 2
2.1 Summary of case study
John and Jane established a restraint in partnership in Docklands, London and their
business are working very well. In week days corporate members and office employees are main
customers of the restaurants whereas at weekend local people come in this restaurant. Both the
partners analyse that because of instability in UK like recession, Brexit and political issues is not
favourable for the hospitality business. But still company get succeeded in creating around 1 £
million profit in every year. As a result, company is having their long term strategy in which they
decided to expand their business into hospitality industry and planned to invest in the business.
Along with this, both the partners have already approached for the loan of almost £ 2 million to
their bank manager at the interest rate of almost 6%. Now company is going to implement this
plan in proper manner and some of the employees are acquiring evening classes in which they
come to know about the term PLC. Hence, all of them wanted to apply this on the project of
Hotel construction and expansion (Burke, 2013).
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2.2 Application of each stage of PLC in given project
John and Jane both are making efforts to expand their business in hospitality sector for
making more or more profits. Along with this , trying to offer their services to the loyal
community members, visitors and business customers. Thus, company have already applied for
loan before starting their business in hospitality industry. Additionally, employees are getting
aware about the term PLC which is very useful for managing a business project in suitable
manner. Therefore, company can use various data and information before making plan for the
project as well as consider it for minimization of errors during implementation process. Hence,
proper application of PLC stage is discussed as follows with the use of several necessary
documents such as; business case, project plan, work break down structure and so on (You and
et. Al., 2012).
Initial stage of project starts from the designing of business case in which an organization
is going to explain all the necessary things which is requisite for company while implementing
this project. Furthermore, followed by necessary phases in which all the other documentation is
going to include.
Figure 1PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE STAGES (PLC)
(Source- PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE STAGES (PLC), 2015)
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Documentation Phases involves Main deliverables to achieve;
Business case
(Introduction
stage)
Analysis of economic potentiality in
order determining the need of its for
project.
An effective document of hotel
will described the whether or not
the assignment is worth the
needed investment by considering
requirement of business,
cost/benefit analysis as well as
unaccomodated demand.
Conceptual
planning
(Introduction
stage)
Defines the various attributes which
make up with future of hotel for
gaining competitive advantage.
It will covers the definition of
hotel that means in what terms
this association is standards for;
unique style, taste, quality,
platform of a brand or their
promise.
Feasibility
(Introduction
stage)
Assessment of economic and finance
stability of new hotel assignment on
the basis of market, profit and loss,
risk social and regulatory framework
Detailed documentation which
describes the product of hotel that
would maximize market
penetration, its performance and
internal rate of return for holding
time frame (Zhang and et. Al.,
2010).
Product, pricing,
distribution and
promotion (growth
stage)
This stage is going to maximize the
use of product by promoting it as well
as by fixing various other elements.
Main motive of this stage is to
maintained the quality of product
at marketplace by introducing it
with full support or relevant data.
People are experiencing also and
preferring also for trying
something new or distinct from
others.
Sales In this products is selected by It means, sales at peak and
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management,
work breakdown
structure (maturity
stage)
customers and there is a strong growth
in a company sales.
customers are attracting too much
towards the hotel which is newly
implemented at marketplace.
Decline stage End of the new arrival In this phase company might face
decline in their sale because
customers are became more use to
for the arrival.
After the declining of the new arrival, this hotel has still option to be in demand by
attracting visitors instead of local people. Thus, sales of an organization still under controlled and
managed at marketplace.
2.3 Rationale for the use of WBS, project management software and leadership for project
In order to handle a project of given hotel an organization needs to consider few
necessary elements for proper implementation of whole assignment. In fact, every elements have
their own significance workplace. Thus, rationale of using WBS, project management software
and leadership is discussed as follows-
 WBS- It helps in distributing works between various staff members in order to perform
all the business operations in much suitable manner. Moreover, aids in minimizing the
work load from one person.
 Project management software- Handle the business activities in suitable manner by
considering necessary aspects. Some of the major factor which includes in this project is;
time, cost, scope, quality, resources, communication and risk.
 Leadership – Aids in controlling entire staff members as well as minimize the
probabilities of mistakes during project handling.
2.4 Justification of time and cost taken by project manager for ensuring systematic recording of
each stage
Time and cost always supports in systematic management of each stage because it helps
in directing employees to in how much time they need to complete their assigned job or task.
Along with this, ensure that what amount of Profit Company requisite to gain for attaining their
rate of return. For example; one employee is responsible for designing the layout for building in
one week then he/she automatically works accordingly and tries to complete in minimum time
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duration. On the other hand, market managers is liable for selling almost 80% of stock in coming
6 months then he/she will acquired almost 20% of entire profit then automatically marketing
manager will acts accordingly
2.5 Use of relevant theories models and concepts applied for large and small scale projects
There is a major difference between large and small scale projects because of
distinctiveness in various aspects such as; funds, policies, employees talent, image and various
other element. Large projects are using PLC stages and prefer continuous improvement plans for
minimizing the chances of heavy losses. On the other hand, small scale assignment doesn’t
require all these things because of minimum amount of investment. However, planning at small
level can also suitable for small scale projects (PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE STAGES (PLC), 2015).
2.6 Effectiveness including justification of PLC in application of this project
Project life cycle stage is really useful for the success of project because it helps in
guiding the employees as well as whole team towards corrective direction. Along with this, make
sure that all the activities can easily accomplishing in a given time period without any
disturbance. For example; by the use of PLC hotel construction project can easily analyse the
current demand, market change, competitor strategies and so on.
Basis Project
Project Initiation IN the first stage, company can use the total quality
management for their new hotel. Through this tool, the
manager can control the quality of services and products used
for the construction.
Project planning While planning to construct their new hotel, company can use
the survey and questionnaire for gathering the information
regarding the market, trends and preferences of customers.
Through this, firm can reduce the cost of construction.
Project execution For executing the project, manager can set the milestones,
targets, deliverables, benchmarks etc. for determining the
progress of the project in executing properly.
Project performance The manager can use the key performance indicators and key
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performance tool for managing the quality and cost.
The project manager needs to use the above discussed strategy for executing their project
successfully. The project manager can project monitoring for monitoring the progress and
performance of the project in order to ensure whether the project is going aligned with the
objectives or not. Also the project manager needs to determine the importance of reliability and
validity in evaluating the project so that any errors and variation can be identified which then can
be eliminated by using the proper plans and strategies. Also the project manager can use the
Programme theory for understanding the contribute of intervention to a chain of results which
develops the intended impacts. By using the Programme theory, manager can determine the gaps
in the performance and progress.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that operation management plays a very
crucial in growth of a company and most of the large company have uses various principles of
operations department for smooth functioning of business. Along with this, entire project aids in
understanding the need of PLC while handing a large or small project because it helps in
minimizing the probabilities of mistakes and errors. Throughout the assignment one thing is
determined that is success of a business is based on the proper management and by following
each stage because it aids in directing towards suitable path.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Turner, J.R., 2014. Handbook of project-based management(Vol. 92). New York, NY: McGraw-
hill.
Jacobs, F.R., Chase, R.B. and Lummus, R.R., 2014. Operations and supply chain
management (pp. 533-535). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Fleming, Q.W. and Koppelman, J.M., 2016, December. Earned value project management.
Project Management Institute.
Martins, V.A. and Martins, M.R., 2012. Outsourcing operations in project management offices:
The reality of Brazilian companies. Project Management Journal, 43(2), pp.68-83.
Pemsel, S. and Wiewiora, A., 2013. Project management office a knowledge broker in project-
based organisations. International Journal of Project Management, 31(1), pp.31-42.
Robichaud, L.B. and Anantatmula, V.S., 2010. Greening project management practices for
sustainable construction. Journal of Management in Engineering, 27(1), pp.48-57.
Subramanian, N. and Ramanathan, R., 2012. A review of applications of Analytic Hierarchy
Process in operations management. International Journal of Production
Economics, 138(2), pp.215-241.
Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA.
You, F and et. Al., 2012. Optimal design of sustainable cellulosic biofuel supply chains:
multiobjective optimization coupled with life cycle assessment and input–output
analysis. AIChE Journal, 58(4), pp.1157-1180.
Zhang, Q.H and et. Al., 2010. Application of life cycle assessment for an evaluation of
wastewater treatment and reuse project–Case study of Xi’an, China. Bioresource
technology, 101(5), pp.1421-1425.
Online
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE STAGES (PLC), 2015. [Online]. Available through<
https://marketing-insider.eu/product-life-cycle-stages/>.
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