Review and Critique of Operations Management and Project Life Cycle

This article discusses the implementation of operations management principles and project life cycle in Iceland Manufacturing Ltd. It includes an introduction to the organization, explanation of operation vs operations management, review and critique of operations management principles, analysis of the extent to which the operations management meets the requirements of the organization, discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy and description of Lean principles, and a continuous improvement plan with recommendations for improvement. The subject is Operations and Project Management, and the course code is Unit 187.

ID
Unit Number and Title Unit 187 – Operations and Project Management
Title Review and Critique of Operations Management (Part 1)
Project Life Cycle (Part 2)
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Table of Content
Part 1: Business Report
1. An introduction to chosen organization p
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management p
3. A review and critique of the implementation of operations
management principles within the chosen organization p
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations management of
the organisation in the case study meets the requirements of the
organization p
5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy and
describe the Lean principles p
6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review and
critique of operations management principles within your
organization p
7. Conclusion p
References p
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1. An introduction to chosen organization
Iceland manufacturing Ltd is an organization that is in working since 52 years. The
headquarters of the corporation is situated in England. The business entity is
currently operating in food production, hypermarkets and supermarkets, general
store, food and beverage stores areas (Baba and et al.,2018). The employee counts
ranges between 10k to 50k. The yearly revenue of the company is between 1.0B and
5.0B. Malcolm Walker hold the position of Chief executive officer. Operation
management is used in company for better productivity and efficiency.
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management
Operation and operation management s vital part of the
organization functioning. In case of Iceland manufacturing Ltd operation
management must be used for increasing the production efficiency and
production. There is major difference between the operation and
operation management.
Basis Operation Operation management
Explanation It is a terminology used
for defining the activities
and process that takes
place in a business
organization.
This concept is used in
business practice to bring
highest level of efficiency
in the organization.
Application It is core working of the
business organization.
In operation management
global trend, customer
satisfaction and fuller
utilization is concentrated.
Usage It is applicable on the
production of the goods
and services (Chiarini,
Baccarani and Mascherpa,
2018)
While operation
management is
universally applicable.
Concentration It is basically applicable to
the manufacturing and
production department
This do not stick to
particular area or specific
department it is
concerned with each
department and activities
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in the organization.
Includes Activities related to the
production. Core process
involved and method
used.
On the other hand it
include planning ,
controlling, directing,
motivating and overall
functioning of the concern
Concept It is a narrow concept It is a wider concept.
3. A review and critique of the implementation of
operations management principles within the chosen
organization.
An operational management is used in an organization to achieve the
maximum efficiency in the association to increase the profit and customer
satisfaction. In order to ensure that the organizational goal is fulfilled these principles
are really vital. The business process should be framed in a way that regular
improvement plan is the part of the action. Continuous revision of the process and
method make sure that no loopholes are held that restricts the growth and
development process. A structure methodology to work is responsible in faster
production, elimination of wastage, innovative product and maximum customer
satisfaction (Chun and et al.,2018).
Lean Production:
This concept of operational management principle emphasizes on reducing wastage
of resources and raising the quality of the product. This principle is applicable to the
overall organization including the design, production, availability in the market and
communication of the product. A company can increase its production only if it
makes it applies method that directs the production towards maximum output with
best quality. This also ensures that time taken for production is reduced and
resources wastage is removed. Improving technology that is used in the production
and employees training can be a very helpful for achieving the goal for fuller
utilization. In case of Iceland manufacturing it is a food manufacturing unit, post
pandemic customer have become very much aware of the health. Hence,
operational management is useful in a way of increasing the production quality and
reducing resources expenditure (Vinodh and et al., 2020). Also there are ample of
advantageous that the company can get from the organization, serving product of
good quality builds strong image in the market. In this case the business concern
enjoys the benefits over the competitors.
Agile Manufacturing:
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It is an effective concept that takes into account actualities of the market place
and helps in taking competitive advantage. It is basically applicable in the entities
with large local market and customer. It provides the scope of customization and
faster availability so the competition offshore does not match level. It directly
emphasizes on the issue customers are getting used to product and willing to pay
whatever the price. Customers are always pleased by the amount of options
available. Customers are unpredictable they can switch to other brands. There are
four important concepts of agile manufacturing. Modular product design this enables
the serve the platform that is easy and faster. Information technology quick order and
completion. Corporate alliances, working in collaboration with partners that have
improved methodology of working. Knowledge of the culture helps in adaption of
rapid changes. Iceland manufacturing can use all of these to improve the efficiency
and beat the competition (Hao, Liu and Goh,2021).
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations
management of the organisation in the case study meets
the requirements of the organization
The principles of operational management are necessary and crucial for
increasing the efficiency of the organization. Iceland manufacturing can use this
these concepts to remove the constraints and error in the process of the company’s
production. Fuller utilization with superior quality product is the main aim of the
principles. There many ways that it helps in betterment some of which are as follows:
 The basic requirement of the customer is quality product with enough quantity
that customer is expecting. Iceland manufacturing can use this for analyzing
the need of customer and get the first mover advantage.
 It gives effective and cost saving techniques that can be used by organization
to choose the manufacturing method that is beneficial for the company quality
and cost wise.
 It helps the organization to meet the standards and keep up with the trends
applicable in the market. This helps Iceland manufacturing to produce goods
that are market requirements and desires of the customer.
Scope for customized product is very beneficial as it eliminates the need for stocking. This
minimize the wastage of resources and time, and more important objectives can be
concentrated on (Hilliger and et al., 2020).
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5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy
and describe the Lean principles
Lean manufacturing is the concept that is linked to increasing the efficiency by
reducing the wastage and using the supplies which increase the quality of the
product. This comes in different forms and variety for benefits of the business.
Continuous improvements are an action plan which regularly improvise the working
in an effective way. This is an ongoing practice which is more reliable than taking
action when needed.
Lean principles
There are four aspects of this concept which helps in reducing wastage and
betterment quality.
 Value Defining: This principle emphasizes on consumers’ desires; it defines
the value of the purchases made. Customers are satisfaction oriented they
prefer product that is worth the price. Iceland manufacturing can produce
goods that are worth the price and satisfy the need of the customer.
 Mapping of value stream: Here, full process about the production from
collecting the raw material to delivering the final product to customer into
market. It is an action plan of product and service manufacturing process. It
includes each part of the organization design, HR, marketing and customer
services. Iceland manufacturing Ltd, can find out the error in the process
through this step and eliminate such mistakes.
 Flow: Next step after removing bottlenecks from value stream, it is made sure
the following process is carried out smoothly. The biggest challenge is to
setup coordination between different departments. Iceland manufacturing can
use this lead huge gains in productivity (Khalfallah and Lakhal, 2021).
 Pull: All these contributes to better flow of product in the market, the pull
technique attracts the customers. This eliminates liability to keep a huge stock
of inventory. This application save lot of time and money. In Iceland
manufacturing it can save the extra cost and maintain smooth flow.
Iceland manufacturing accomplishing all the above steps can achieve good
efficiency and productivity. major challenge is to keep the principle in continuous
operation. Lean is not a static system it is ongoing process. Each individual
involved must be able to implement the process and work accordingly.
Application of six sigma in manufacturing process
This concept was built to improve the performance of the organization. This
mainly linked to manufacturing unit but later on was applied in the other industries
as well. This is for quality control process used in the business strategy for
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increasing the profit on operations. Its prime goal is to make sure that the
manufacturing process is free of faults.
Define: Identifying and communicating the goals and objective of the
organization brings positive outcome in the organization. Iceland manufacturing need
to find out needs of the customer do market research and set objective in reference
to those (Liu, and et al., 2020).
Measure: This principle states that quality and quantity of product and
services. This helps in meeting the quality and satisfaction of organization.
Iceland manufacturing might be able to enhance the competency and capacity of
the production unit of business entity.
Analyze: It is needed in the analysis of process plan into the production. It
helps in finding out errors and overlapping of any material. Iceland manufacturing
can use various statistical techniques to determine the error solutions.
Design: This means providing a satisfactory look to product and packaging.
This helps in attraction of more customers and increasing sales also reducing
wastage brings profit to the organization.
Verify: In this step business entity finds out if there is any major mistake or
constraints still left to rectify. Whether the design, value and process are accurate or
not.
6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review
and critique of operations management principles within
your organization
Continuous improvement technique is must for an organization to make the best use
of resources. This crucial for an organization as it ensures effectiveness and
efficiency in the working of the organization (Niu, Rong and Ying,2020).
. Application of plan, do, check and act concept in Iceland manufacturing:
Plan- It is the first and foremost where the organization plan its activities according to
its desires. In this the company plans the operations by analyzing trends and
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potential changes that occur in the near future. Iceland manufacturing can plan its
resources needs, expenditure and potential risk that can occur
Do –To bring favorable modification in the organization, method should be adopted
that can give the business desirable results. The planned thing must be put into
action. The Iceland manufacturing must provide the employees standards targets
that they must achieve in the specific period, in this way it ca get timely result and
see about the efficiency and competency of the employees.
Check- The deviation between the planned and actual outcome helps the
cooperation to see whether the work is done effectively or not. This is very important
step that actually helps the organization to find error in the production process.
Iceland manufacturing must compare the standards with the actual outcome
accordingly revise and take corrective measures
Act – when the error or constraints that is restricting the organization efficiency is find
out it is necessary to take steps that removes these bottlenecks. Necessary
modification in the process of production or revision of standards must be made so
that more accurate results arte provided to the management of the company. In
Iceland manufacturing Ltd. This is a crucial step as this will bring the necessary
changes required to achieve the organizational goal (Yli-Ojanperä and et al.,2019).
7. Conclusion
Based on the study done on the organization, Iceland manufacturing Ltd is a
reputed organization. The company uses applications of operation management to
increase efficiency and overall productivity. This concept plays a very important role
in a smooth functioning of the manufacturing unit. All the principal related to the
concept must be followed typically so that efficiency is boosted and fuller utilization
of the resources are made. An organization must focus on the management so that
aims and objective are met within the time period set and targets are achieved.
References
Baba, T. and et al.,2018, December. Evaluation of an Island operation method smart grid using a
power emulation system. In 2018 International Conference on Smart Grid (icSmartGrid) (pp.
98-101). IEEE.
Chiarini, A., Baccarani, C. and Mascherpa, V., 2018. Lean production, Toyota Production System and
Kaizen philosophy: A conceptual analysis from the perspective of Zen Buddhism. The TQM
Journal, 30(4), pp.425-438.
Chun, F. and et al.,2018. Model and algorithm for lean principle based deploying emergency
resources. China Safety Science Journal, 28(6), p.185.
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Hao, Z., Liu, C. and Goh, M., 2021. Determining the effects of lean production and servitization of
manufacturing on sustainable performance. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 25,
pp.374-389.
Hilliger, I. and et al., 2020, March. Design of a curriculum analytics tool to support continuous
improvement processes in higher education. In Proceedings of the tenth international
conference on learning analytics & knowledge (pp. 181-186).
Khalfallah, M. and Lakhal, L., 2021. The relationships between TQM, TPM, JIT and agile
manufacturing: an empirical study in industrial companies. The TQM Journal.
Liu, X. and et al., 2020. Operation management of multiregion battery swapping–charging networks
for electrified public transportation systems. IEEE Transactions on Transportation
Electrification, 6(3), pp.1013-1025.
Niu, Y., Rong, Z. and Ying, S., 2020, March. A Study on the Training of Urban Rail Transit Operation
Management Talents. In Proceedings of the 2020 8th International Conference on Information
and Education Technology (pp. 220-225).
Vinodh, S. and et al., 2020. Integration of continuous improvement strategies with Industry 4.0: a
systematic review and agenda for further research. The TQM Journal.
Yli-Ojanperä, M. and et al.,2019. Adapting an agile manufacturing concept to the reference
architecture model industry 4.0: A survey and case study. Journal of industrial information
integration, 15, pp.147-160.
Table of Content
Part 2: Project Portfolio
Project Title p
An overview of the case study you have been given p
An explanation of each stage of the PLC that applies to your
selected project, including supporting documentation for each
stage (e.g., business case, the project plan, cost-benefit analysis
and work breakdown structure):
 Project initiation p
 Project planning p
 Project execution p
 Project closure p
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used p
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Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC in
application to your project using the appropriate theories models
and concepts p
Project Title
The objective of the project is to implement a system that ensures healthy food
facility onsite for employees to reduce the absenteeism.
An overview of the case study you have been given
Project life cycle is the concept which defines different stages that is required
in successful application of the project. Projects are regarded as the aims and
objective institution need to accomplish. In given case of Iceland manufacturing it is
required to make a plan that is effective enough to reduce the absenteeism in the
organization. It has been seen that there is more unproductive movement due to
non-availability of resources to eat and entertainment in the office premises. This
resulting in heavy decline in production and efficiency in the employees work. The
employees are observed taking extra time for refreshment and asking for sick leave
due to unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, there is need for setting up something that
eliminates the unproductive hours and converting it to productive and profitability
increment of the organization. This will be also counted in the CSR activity of the
organization therefore is also important for execution (Antony and et al., 2019).
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An explanation of each stage of the PLC that applies to
your selected project, including supporting documentation
for each stage (e.g., business case, the project plan, cost-
benefit analysis and work breakdown structure):
Project life cycle: It is defined as the process where the problem is detected based
on which is planning is done and till its execution in effective manner is discussed. It
is basically the method in which the project is executed to remove the error or
accomplish a task (Galli, 2018). It is divided in four stages. The planning is executed
in such a way that it removes the risk of uncertainties and risk. In context of
Cromwell tools, these stages are described below:
 Project initiation
It is the first and foremost step which includes defining the objective and methods to
achieve it. In this the vision of the project its reason for execution, the effect of its
execution are to be examined. In this resources needed for execution and fulfilling
the project needs are considered. Suggestion are taken and discussion on the
method of execution is done. Cost involved setting up and sources of finance are to
be discussed and decisions regarding the same is taken. In the given case of Iceland
manufacturing who need to set up an cafeteria in order to provide healthy food to the
employee so that absenteeism is minimized in the organization is to be discussed
(Haass and Azizi 2020).
 Project planning
In this phase of project life cycle infrastructure or road map to achieve the goal is
made. And based on which budget and standards are set for the coming period. This
is basically the blueprint of the success that is desirable by the organization is made.
This phase provides the goals and targets that is need to be achieved through which
the actual performance can be judged. Iceland manufacturing need to set up a café
which is particularly for employs so that they do not waste time going outside and eat
unhealthy. This result in high inefficiency due to absenteeism. The mangers need to
decide on the budget that will require to set the café and material needed to prepare
food and also hire staff that could make the products available for them (Hair and
Sarstedt, 2021).
 Project execution
In this stage the project is finally ready for execution and the products are made
available to the needful. In this the action plan that is prepared and targeted are
set and put into action for execution. In this project is executed by the executors
and the mangers oversees the operation and effectiveness of the project. Iceland
manufacturing in this step starts the café for the employees and managers look
after effectiveness of café. Feedbacks and employee’s preference are to be
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considered to make the project successful. Also there are other mean by which
the employs can be retained in the office premises.
 Project closure
In this phase the project is implemented and tasks are completed. The project manager
handles the report of the effectiveness of the project and how much different it made in the
business entity is analyzed. Basically by this phase the project is closed and all the related
documentation is given back. In this stage the performance is judged based on the
standards made and reasons for deviation are studied. In Iceland manufacturing the café set
up and its capability to reduce the absenteeism is measured. Any corrective measures that
are to be removed is examined. In context of Iceland manufacturing employee’s
performance increment and increase in the productivity is studied. The performance is
calculated by the amount of absenteeism controlled. Iceland manufacturing must get positive
outcome from the project execution (Hussain and et al., 2019).
 Executi
ve
summa
ry
In this project the Iceland manufacturing is planning to execute a project that reduces
the absenteeism of employees. The aim of the project is due to the increases of
unproductive movement because of refreshment. Also the company have to fulfil its
csr activities and achieve the highest efficiency possible. In regard to this Iceland
manufacturing manager is planning to set up an onsite cafeteria for the employee so
that employees going outside stops.
 Vision The vision of the Iceland manufacturing is to increase the productivity by reducing the
unproductive time. The vision is to create a positive environment in the office so that
absenteeism rate is declined. Also by doing CSR activity it wants to do social welfare.
 Missio
n
The Mission of the business entity is to increase the contribution of employees within
the sites. The company wants to involve in CSR activity so that healthy working
condition is provided to the employee. This can be achieved by implementing
methods that encourage employee to eat healthy and work efficiently for the
organisation.
 Objecti
ves
The aim of the organisation is to minimize the staff’s ineffectiveness that is coming
through increased unproductive movement. And set up a café on site so that
employees gets a healthy place to eat.
 Strateg
ies
Company can use whereas strategies like project life cycle study applying six sigma in
the organisation to improve the quality of the project. Iceland manufacturing
managers have to apply different strategy for different project and increase efficiency
of the work.
innovation Iceland manufacturing can bring innovation by introducing means of entrainment and
fun by making the employee do fun activities weekly. Introduction of indoor games
like table tennis, fuss ball, video games and so on so that employee engage
themselves in those rather then moving out.
 Opport
unity
Company have so many opportunities where it can excel itself and increase its
competency. Company will be able to enjoy new opportunities through market
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analysis and internal business environment study.
 Improv
ement
The amount of reduced spare time and unproductive movement will enable the
company to know about the area they should work on. Also feedbacks from the
employee will be used to find the area for growth and development.
 Resour
ces
require
d
The Iceland manufacturing in order to set up the café will require a lot of resources
like, raw material to prepare food. Chefs and labour for preparation of the services
and products. setting area requirements like chairs, table, furniture and fixture
(Palange, and Dhatrak, 2021).
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used
Project life cycle is the method of implication of the project in the organization
in order to achieve a goal or a specific aim that the business desires. This tool is very
effective as is provide a systematic method to achieve or accomplish a task. This
has immense importance in the accomplishment of organizational goal as it provides
a structure for project delivery. It maintains proper communication between the
different departments of the organization. It is useful in tracking the progress of the
project and effectiveness of the persons who are working on the project. It enables
the project manager to evaluate and review the completion of project. This is not
helpful in defining solution to the error in the operation but also provides with
innovative solutions that increases productivity. progressive report about the project
is helpful in taking the performance (Singh, Singh and Singh, 2018). Hence, it can be
said that Iceland manufacturing is taken an effective decision and project
management can be effective tool for achieving the target. Project life cycle of the
cafeteria project can help to remove the unproductive time of the employee and
increase the productivity of organization.
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC
in application to your project using the appropriate
theories models and concepts
From the above study on the case of setting up a café for the employee to
reduce absenteeism, concept of project life cycle played an important role. The four
stages initiation where the project objective is discussed. Planning the stage where
the road map to achieve the goal is decided. Execution stage where the action plan
is put in reality. Closure where the project’s performance is examined and its
success rate is analyzed. All these stages contribute to the systematic way to
achieve a task and fulfill the requirement. In this employee contribution innovation
and creativity is judged. Other techniques like lean principles and six sigma is also
very effective technique that can bring changes and innovation in the business entity.
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This helps in estimation, designing, evaluation and examination that reduces
wastage and increases productivity (Tak and et al., 2021).
References
Antony, J. and et al., 2019. An evaluation into the limitations and emerging trends of
Six Sigma: an empirical study. The TQM Journal.
Galli, B.J., 2018. How to Effectively Use Economic Decision-Making Tools in Project
Environments and Project Life Cycle. IEEE Transactions on Engineering
Management, 67(3), pp.932-940.
Haass, O. and Azizi, N., 2020. Challenges and solutions across project life cycle: A
knowledge sharing perspective. International Journal of Project Organisation
and Management, 12(4). pp.346-379.
Hair, J.F. and Sarstedt, M., 2021. Explanation plus prediction—The logical focus of
project management research. Project Management Journal, 52(4). pp.319-
322.
Hussain, K. and et al., 2019. Green, lean, six sigma barriers at a glance: a case
from the construction sector of Pakistan. Building and Environment, 161.
p.106225.
Palange, A. and Dhatrak, P., 2021. Lean manufacturing a vital tool to enhance
productivity in manufacturing. Materials Today: Proceedings, 46, pp.729-736.
Singh, J., Singh, H. and Singh, G., 2018. Productivity improvement using lean
manufacturing in manufacturing industry of Northern India: A case
study. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management.
Tak, A.N. and et al., 2021. BIM-based 4D mobile crane simulation and onsite
operation management. Automation in Construction, 128. p.103766.
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