Operations and Project Management for Marks and Spencer

This report analyzes the implementation of operational management and project management principles in Marks and Spencer. It reviews the effectiveness of Six Sigma and Lean principles in improving the delivery and efficiency of operations. It also proposes a continuous improvement plan for the company.

OPERATIONS AND PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................3
PART 1.......................................................................................................................................................4
LO1.............................................................................................................................................................4
Review and critique on the extend at which six sigma and lean principles could improve the delivery
and efficiency of operations in chosen organization................................................................................7
Analysis of how operations management meets the requirements of the organization............................8
LO2.............................................................................................................................................................9
Continuous Improvement plan.................................................................................................................9
Effectiveness of the proposed continuous improvement plan:...............................................................10
Application of theories, concepts and models to justify the strategies of continuous improvement plan
for attaining improved efficiency...........................................................................................................11
PART 2:....................................................................................................................................................13
LO 3..........................................................................................................................................................13
Project title............................................................................................................................................13
An overview of the case study...............................................................................................................13
Explanation of each stage of the PLC in context of in-house project.....................................................13
BUSINESS CASE.................................................................................................................................17
The project methodologies and tools used to complete the project........................................................19
Rationale for the project methodologies, tools and leadership within the PLC for the given project.....20
LO 4..........................................................................................................................................................21
Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using appropriate
theories, concepts and models...............................................................................................................21
Use of appropriate theories, concepts and models in the PLC will differentiate between large and small-
scale projects.........................................................................................................................................22
Critically evaluate the PLC through a practical and theoretical exploration of its effectiveness to draw
valid conclusions and recommendations for improvement....................................................................24
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES:.........................................................................................................................................26

INTRODUCTION
Operations management refers to the approach that deals with the everyday strategic
business issues in a systematic way. Project management on the hand, focuses on the planning,
motivation, organization, controlling and monitoring of various resources in an organization to
attain desired outcomes. Operations and project management (OPM) together provides the
expertise in the designing, planning, management and controlling of operations, logistics, supply
chain management and other project issues (Choi, Wallace and Wang, 2018). Marks and Spencer
is a British Multinational retail company which is specialised in selling clothes, accessories and
jewellery.
The report will contain 2 parts in which part one aim to critique and review the
implementation of operational management and its principles in chosen company as well as
design an improvement plan for company’s operational management principles. Part 2 will aim
to analyse the application of Project life cycle and review its application in the chosen company.

PART 1
LO1
Introduction to chosen company
The chosen company is Marks and Spencer. The company was found in 1884 by Michael
Marks. It is the largest retailer in United Kingdom and have more 300 company owned stores. Its
products include the home furnishing, footwear, gifts and clothes which all comes under the
private label brand. It is specialised in the sale of luxury food, clothes and home-wares. It have
its stores in more than 57 countries in all over the world. The financial unit of the company also
offers the customers personal investments, pension plans, savings and insurance services as well.
More than 17% of revenue of the company comes from outside the United Kingdom. Vision of
the company is to create a standard through which quality of other companies can be measured.
The mission of the company is to make the quality which is aspiring to all. The values of
company involves quality services, quality values, trust and innovations as well.
Figure
1Mark & Spencer launches online operations in 46 markets, 2021
Operations v/s operations management

Operations are the functions of the company. The objective of operations to enable the
company in production of goods as well as services. The operations function is involved with the
procurement of resources, their conversion into final product and then distribution to the final
customers. In simple words, operations involves all the activities which are required for creation
and delivering of the products of the company to their final consumers.
Operations management emphasis on the management, improvement and designing of
the systems which are concerned with the manufacturing of the goods and services of the
company (Benjaafar and Hu, 2020). The operations management is the administration of
business management practices which are concerned with creation of highest levels of efficiency
in the company. Operations management is also concerned with conversion of labour and
material into finished goods and services as soon as possible so that the organization can
generate maximum profits and outputs.
Figure
2: What is Operations Management - Definition & Guide, 2021.
Review and critique of implementation of operational management principles in company
There are various principles of operational management which are significant for the
Companies such a Marks and Spencer. As the primary focus of the company is towards the
creation of a supply chain which is smooth as well as to gain a competitive advantage. Through
the adoption of principles of operational management Marks and Spencer can gain the
competitive advantage and the desired outcomes (Lee, 2018). Some principles of operational

management which are crucial for the company to evaluate for implementing the best practices
are as follows: Organisation principle: A key principle of operations management is organization,
which states that all the elements of production should be consistent and predictable. As
M&S is a manufacturing company it organises all its resources which essential in the
production process. The company also emphasis more on its planning processes so that
productivity of its operations can be managed effectively (Oliveira, 2018). The company
uses hybrid trucks in order to improve its supply chain. It also updates the technologies
from time to time so that it can save costs as well as the funds through which the overall
costs of production can be reduced. However, it require huge time and costs in the
research and development department so that new ways of doing things can be generated. Quality control: This principle states that the company must have appropriate quality
control measure in it. These measures ensure and guarantee the quality of the product
manufactured by the company. Marks and spencer uses various quality control measures
such as Total quality management in various areas such as production, material
management, logistics and warehousing (Iravani, 2021). However, it needs to put more
emphasis on monitoring of its raw materials because the materials revolve all the way
through whole logistics and the supply chain as well. These raw materials are later
converted into the finished good which means they needs more monitoring then the other
resources. Humility principle: The humility principle of Operations management states that the
company should understand and respect the limitations of a project. It should avoid errors
and trails in order to save money and generate positive outcomes in organization. Marks
and Spencer focuses on the optimum utilization of the resources to generate effective
productivity. Through optimum utilization of resources, the company showcases the
efforts of the company towards environment and its protection (Ocon, 2020). Also
optimum utilization helps the company to save costs of material and their procurement as
well. Principle of change: This principle of operations management stated that the change is
inevitable in operational issues. So the companies need to accept continuous

improvements in its operations. Marks and Spencer have a number of competitors which
effects its business. So it need to introduce continuous changes in its operations so that it
can remain ahead of its competitors. It focuses on new technologies through which it
gains competitive advantage in the industry. It uses various technologies such as agile
methodology and lean methodologies for making effective decisions on upgrading,
changing or replacing their current management systems (Ivanov and et.al., 2021).
Review and critique on the extend at which six sigma and lean principles could improve the
delivery and efficiency of operations in chosen organization
Six sigma approach is considered as a major tool which used by many international and
national companies to improve overall efficiency. It is crucial responsibility of management of
Marks and Spencer to focus on development of six sigma approach to increase business strengths
and opportunities. The concept of six sigma includes practices like continuous improvement,
culture of quality, lean, process management, root cause analysis, statistics and value mapping.
These tools can be helpful for Marks and Spencer to develop effective practices related to
delivery and efficiency of operations. Six sigma on the other hand, can also support Marks and
Spencer company in improving the quality through minimizing the variations with the use of
statistical techniques and tools. In the long term development of a company, six sigma tools play
a major role in developing competitive advantage by focusing on service standards for increasing
customer satisfaction.
Lean principles are set of standards which are followed by Marks and Spencer in order to
lead the marketplace with technical approach. Concept of lean principles include five main
principles which are to be followed by a business entity to increase brand value at the
marketplace along with increase in efficiency and service devlopment. Lean principles on the
other hand can help the organization in stripping waste in their business processes and
information through faster holds up. The major lean principles are identification of value,
mapping the value stream, create flow, establish pull and seek perfection for best service
delivery. In the recent times, it is important for global companies like Marks and Spencer to
focus on lean principles and their implementation with effective supervision and control to lead

the marketplace. This also helps a company to satisfy its different customers on regular basis
which ultimately increases profitability.
Analysis of how operations management meets the requirements of the organization
The operational management and the success of the companies are closely related.
Operations management plays a key role in bringing success to the company. The operations
strategy of Marks and Spencer involves a “Top to down” approach (Mišić and Perakis, 2020). It
means the company aims to provide the customers with quality products which are approachable
by all. Through this approach Marks and Spencer wants to be the most sustainable retailer in the
while world. To meet this goal the company have focused towards various functions of
operations. The company have introduced an ethical and eco-friendly program. To fulfill this
requirement the company held various training sessions for the employees to make them
understand the value and need of sustainable environment.
Over the time the company have extended its reach to customers through expanding its
online development. The operations management focus on creating and maintaining the
distribution channels and strategies which allows consumers to reach the company with ease. It
have developed various mobile phone applications through which the customers can buy
products from it via their mobile phones (de Sousa Jabbour and et.al., 2019). The company have
attained these goals through its capabilities and abilities. The company have capacity to ship and
process more than a million products in al over the world within a time period of one week. Also
it have developed its stores in most of the countries it operates in.
Continuous improvement as a philosophy and the Lean principles
Continuous improvement philosophy:
The Continuous improvement philosophy is the integrative philosophy of management
which focus on continuous improvement of the quality and value of products and services as
well the continuous improvement in process in order to attain higher levels of customer
satisfaction. Continuous improvement philosophy is concerned with all the aspects of a company
(Glock and et.al., 2019). Continuous improvement is very critical for Marks and Spencer. It is
committed to make a sustainable business which is successful in both the aspects i.e. commercial

and environment as well. It review the aspiration of its employees, stakeholders and customers as
well as of its commitments. All these are a core part of company’s approaches.
Lean principles:
The lean principles are the management practices which focus in the practice of
continuous improvements and the idea of respect of the people involved. There are five lean
principles such as defining value, mapping value stream, creating flow, establishing pull and
pursing perfection. Marks and spencer have applied lean manufacturing principles in its
production in order to attain the best quality products. Through the application of lean principles
the company is able to deliver the output benefits which are way beyond just financial gains
(Babich and Hilary, 2020). It considers people as an essential part to attain success.
LO2
Continuous Improvement plan
It is the model which is used as the quality assurance method in all over the world. It is
concerned with the ongoing improvement of products and services by breakthrough
improvements and incremental. It is also known as the continual improvement plan as well.
Marks and Spencer can use this model for quality assurance of its products by adoption of
following strategies: Plan: It states the identification of an opportunity and following that by planning foe
change. The company can leverage the opportunity of technologies and digital channels
of distribution for its products and services (Guha and Kumar, 2018). Do: It states that the planned change must be implemented on a small scale first. The
company can implement some technologies and new channels for a smaller segment of
customers only. It can be the customers which are least important to company. Check: This stares that the organization have to analyze the data for getting results of
change. Through that result it should analyze if the change had made any difference.
Through the implementation of planned change Marks and Spencer will analyze the
results gained for that particular segment of the customers and compare them with
previous results.

 Act: It states that if the change was able to make a difference the organization should
implement it on wider scale. Through the compared results analysis, if the planned was
successful, Marks and Spencer can apply that change in all over the organization through
various methods such as total quality development, six sigma and lean management.
The continuous improvement plan will allow the company to emphasis more on
teamwork, cooperation and employee engagement (Wang, 2018). All these factors can lead the
company towards systematic processes, work to measure, reduction of errors and improved cycle
times of its products and services.
Effectiveness of the proposed continuous improvement plan:
The proposed continuous improvement plan can be very effective for the organizations as
it will support Marks and Spencer to deliver best customer oriented services. The continuous
improvement plan will help the company to attract large number of customers and serve them in
a precise manner. The proposed plan will also enhance the productivity, product quality and
efficiency of organization and its employees. The continuous improvement plan can boost the
employee engagement as well as reduce turnover in organization. The proposed continuous
improvement plan will motivate the organization to implement changes and improvement which
will result in improved business processes and reduced wastages.
It is recommended for Marks and Spencer to focus continuously on various policies and
processes which are related to development of quality. It is major responsibility of operations
management to follow a specific process which has aim of developing quality in products and
services. The Marks and Spencer should focus on cost leadership in order to formulate
reasonable and affordable prices to various customers. The concept of total quality management
should be implemented at Marks and Spencer for development of optimum quality products for
different customers. Company must also use information and technology with support of IT
experts and professionals to perform quick and accurate operations. The enterprise resource
planning is a major IT tool which is used by Marks and Spencer to utilise all available resources
in a perfect manner. Company should also focus on development of supply management in order
to manage transferring of resources. In order to bring innovation in the business operations,
Marks and Spencer should develop new product according to market trends. Company can also

use customer relationship management software in order to develop effective relationship with
different customers. Customer relationship management should be the utmost priority of Marks
and Spencer to maintain life-long relationship with target and general customers.
Application of theories, concepts and models to justify the strategies of continuous improvement
plan for attaining improved efficiency
The strategies which can be used in continuous improvement plan involves innovation
theory. It states that through the implementation of continuous improvement plans in
organization, the organizations can attain innovations as continuous improvements will help in
bringing innovative ideas and processes. The concept of lean principles are also application in
this plan as the continuous improvement principle states that the organizations needs to introduce
improvements frequently so that new methods to perform tasks in effective ways can be
identified. Six sigma concepts can also be identified in the proposed continuous improvement
plan. As six sigma aims at improving profitability and productivity. Thus the proposed
continuous improvement plan is justified.
In order to achieve continuous improvement plan based objectives in a systematic
manner, it is important for Marks and Spencer to implement human relationship theory. The
application of human relationship theory will help the company to increase healthy relationship
amongst employees. This theory will develop and create harmony between employees, which
will help in development of coordination of continuous improvement. The business can also
implement leadership theory to increase team development which is beneficial in focusing on
continuous improvement plan. It is recommended for Marks and Spencer to use democratic
leadership style in order to manage employees and decision making. The decisions which are
formulated by democratic leadership style are quick and reliable as they are made with support
of subordinate employees.
Recommendations for improvement:
From the critical analysis and review of the operations management principles applied in
Marks and Spencer, it was analyzed that the company follows these principles very precisely.

However, company still needs some improvements, for which some recommendations have been
provided below:
 Better Quality control: From the critical review it was found that Marks and spencer have
various methods for quality control. However, it is recommended that the company needs
to put more emphasis on the quality control of its raw materials and resources which are
used the initiation of production. This recommendation is justified as quality will be
maintained but the costs will not be increased. For this the software such as Total quality
management (TQM).
 Effective organization: From the review it was also analysed that company do apply the
principle of organization within it. However, it is recommended that the company should
organise its materials, processes and resources more effectively through the adoption of
new technologies. The continuous improvement should be implemented as a philosophy
in organization which involves the technologies and other systems such as supply chain
management (SCM) and customer relationship management such as Enterprise resource
planning (ERP). The recommendation is justified as it will allow the company to produce
customer values.

PART 2:
LO 3
Project title
To start a no onsite catering project in large manufacturing company in Midland with a motive to
reduce congestion and staff absenteeism.
An overview of the case study
This is case study of large manufacturing organisation having its operation in Midlands
and having around 1250 employees on the sites that are working for growth and expansion of
firm. It has employed different individual on the basis of different roles and responsibilities in
the organisation such as factory workers and office staff. Currently the organisation is not having
any onsite catering to meet the requirement of people living within the society. Furthermore,
there are two relevant objectives of business for current financial year- reducing the movement
of staff during lunch break as it led in congestion (Ika and et.al., 2020). Along with it, take step
toward corporate social responsibility through developing a healthy lifestyle and reducing the
staff absenteeism. Therefore, overall, this case of company that is planning to start in house
project in order to meet existing wants of customers in effective manner.
Explanation of each stage of the PLC in context of in-house project
Each and every project involves four crucial stages such as project initiation, planning,
execution and closure that contribute in effective management and completion of project in
desired timeframe and cost. Project manager through undertaking number of steps, procedure is
able to gained maximum benefits from the project. Therefore, the different stages of PLC in
context of in-house project can be explained in detailed as follows:

PROJECT INITIATION
It is first step in starting new project that contribute in understanding why a project is being
done, the value it will be delivering and the manner in which it will contribute in achievement of
end goals. In another words, it helps project manager in gathering information related to whether
the project is beneficial for the company or not (Tereso and et.al., 2019). Brief Description: The large manufacturing company has planned to start a new project
of In house catering so that employees can have healthy food in their respective diet to
stay fit and fine. So, the project is design to introduce some healthy food range that can
be offered to employees so that they can have good lunch and breakfast. Goals/Deliverables: The goals of the project is to reduce employees turnover and
absenteeism in the firm by meeting their wants beyond their expectancy level. Moreover,
the goals of the organisation is to reduce the congestion in local areas so that people
living near the organisation face less amount of challenges (Larsson and Larsson, 2020). Scope: The scope of the project is wide as it will contribute in enhancing the brand image
of the company through offering healthy food products to customers for their good health
and wellbeing. At the same time, it will also increase the profit margin and productivity
of employees as they will be motivated to work for firm that focus on their health and
better lifestyle. Stakeholders: There are certain stakeholder associated with the project, such as
employees, suppliers, investors, project manager and team member. Such as employees
are individual for whom company is creating a in house catering so that they can have
good food within the company itself. Along with it, the investors are also interested in the
project as they have invested their capital so it will help in gaining more return by
reducing employee’s turnover and absentee (San Cristóbal and et.al., 2018). Project
manager is significant stakeholder as it takes all crucial decision related to the way
project need to be completed and desired goals can be achieved in minimum cost and
time frame.
 Risks: There are certain risk associated with the project of in-house catering such as
financial risk, operational risk, external environmental changes risk and other that can

adversely impact on project completion and achievement of company goals. For example:
the investment is additional cost to company or the other competitors offered greater
benefits to employees as compared to the organisation etc.
PROJECT PLANNING
Scope planning: This involves identifying of objectives, resources, budget and task or actual
timeline which that project needs to be accomplished. Such as, it is been planned that the main
objective of project is to reduce conjunction in local area through avoiding employees to get out
in lunch break for having food. Secondly, improve their lifestyle and reduce absenteeism by
offering more qualitative, healthy, tasty and delicious food. So, it is planned that there are range
of tangible and non-tangible resources that could be used by firm to complete the project in
desired manner (Aanbari and Kwak, 2018). Furthermore, it is planned that the in-house catering
will be accomplished in time frame of around 4-5 month.
Work breakdown structure
Resource planning: In the planning stage, the manager has also planned the number of resources
that would be required to build in house catering to achieve the set goals in effective manner.
Likewise, it has been planned by the project manager that 10 unskilled workers will be need to
build in catering and 2 skilled and knowledge staff member that have knowledge related to the
food and manager that have knowledge of healthy food options that should be offered to
employees. In addition to this around, £15000 will be total cash required to complete the project
and get desired outcome (Bjorvatn and Wald, 2018).
Budget planning: This is stage that involves total amount of budget that is required by company
to meet all the expense, cost pertaining to the project. Such as it is estimated that around £15000
will be used to make the project of in-house catering.
EXPENSES AMOUNT ( £)
Raw material 3500
Wages and salaries to employees 5000
Electricity bill 1500

Transportation 1000
Equipment 500
Professional fees 2500
Miscellaneous 1000
TOTAL 15000
Risk management: Furthermore, the project manager has also taken steps to manage the risk
through effectively monitoring each and every stage of project. Such as whether it is planning,
organising, monitoring and controlling pertaining to the project. The manager has identified the
risk and try to find out alternative method to overcome so that the in-house catering can be built
and employees can be retained within the organisation.
Procurement planning: At the same time, manager has lay efforts on planning different sources
from which it can easily procure raw material so that the project can be completed. It has planned
in advance to maintained good relationship with suppliers to get qualitative products at
reasonable price (Pace, 2019).
Communication planning: Project manager has also planned method that could be used to
communicate with team member, such as it is decided to have face to face meeting and email to
share information. It has also decided that all employees will be clearly communicated about
their respective roles and responsibilities related to the project.

PROJECT EXECUTION
BUSINESS CASE
NAME OF THE COMPANY: Large scale manufacturing company
VISION, OBJECTIVES:
The objective is to Reducing the movement of staff during the lunchbreak that result in creating
congestion issue in local area.
Secondly, to take steps to develop a healthy lifestyle as part of CSR activity by organisation with
motivation to reduce employee’s turnover.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The business case is of large manufacturing company that is planning to undertake CSR
activities through initiating the project of in house and offering healthy food to employees. So
that they have good food during the lunch. The business case has contained innovative idea,
opportunities, risk and benefits gained from the project (Bredillet, Tywoniak and Tootoonchy,
2018).
INNOVATION IDEA
The innovative idea is to start a in house catering that offer more healthy, tasty and delicious
options to the employees in food to eat. Furthermore, there are less companies that have taken
initiative to introduce healthy catering within the organisation for benefits of employees.
WHY IS IT AN OPPORTUNITY
Initiating the project of inhouse catering is opportunity for the business as it will reduce
congestion, contribute in improving lifestyles of employees. Through offering them good food
that is beneficial for their health and well-being (Abyad, A., 2018). So, overall it helps in creating
strong brand image of firm in mind and heart of employees and customers.
RESOURCES REQUIRED
There are range of resource required to complete the project such as financial, human and other
equipment. Likewise, £15000 cash to meet all the expense, skilled and unskilled employee’s that

are ready to work for accomplishment of project goals.
RISKS AND THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS
RISK
 Financial risk
 Economic risk
 Political risk
 Operational risk
 Other risk
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
 Helps in enhancing the brand image of the company
 More employee’s satisfaction
 Increase productivity of individuals
 Contribute in making customers and employees satisfied.
COST AMOUNT BENEFITS AMOUNT
Raw material 3500 Enhancement in
market share of firm
20%
Wages and salaries to
employees
5000 Increase in customers
satisfaction
15%
Electricity bill 1500 Profit 45000
Transportation 1000
Equipment 500

Professional fees 2500
Miscellaneous 1000
TOTAL 15000 TOTAL 45000
PROJECT CLOSURE
This is the last stage of project management in which the project manager takes all steps
to close the project through building in site catering, providing range of food alternative that they
can eat during their lunch. All the information pertaining to the project will be collected by the
manager and submitted to the top management of the large manufacturing company (Aanbari
and Kwak, 2018). So, that it can take decision to make more improvement for achieving the set
objectives in effective ways.
The project methodologies and tools used to complete the project
Project methodologies can be defined as different tools, techniques and procedure that
are being utilized by the manager to accomplish the project. Basically, there are three tools that
are used by project manager such as waterfall, prince 2 and agile to have effectively manage the
project and yield maximum benefits to firm.
Waterfall methodology: It is a linear project management approach that start from beginning to
the end of the project that is front loaded rely on careful planning, detailed documentation and
consecutive execution. So, the first step needs to be wrap or completed before the next phase
begins (Abyad, 2018).
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
The first and foremost advantage of waterfall is
that manager can easily detect the error in
analysis and design stages. Thus, necessary
correction can be made in effective manner.
It also contributes in accurately estimating the
total cost and timeline of the project as per its
On the other hand, there are certain
disadvantage such as it is too longer taken to
delivered project because of chronological
approach.
At the same time, delay in one phase result in

requirement. delay in another related phase.
Agile methodology: Another best methodology for project management is agile in which the
project is being managed through breaking it up into different phases, such as planning,
organising, integrating and closing (Buganová. and Šimíčková, 2019). It also contributes in
involvement and collaboration of stakeholders and making improvement in each and every stage
for fruitful outcome.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
The benefit is that it is flexible and adaptable
as per the circumstances and situation.
Making use of Agile methodology is also less
costly and contribute in finding innovative and
creative ideas to complete the project.
The major drawback is that the requirement
pertaining to the project are being unclear.
Furthermore, it is not suitable for complex
project as resources and efforts are difficult to
be estimated.
Rationale for the project methodologies, tools and leadership within the PLC for the given
project.
Project life cycle is considered as a major approach which includes different stages or
phases in order to complete a project with more effectiveness. The project life cycle is
considered as a major tool which is used by Marks and Spencer to complete proposed projects on
time. This approach also helps a company to mainly deal with project problems and
consequences. In order to achieve set goals and targets related to a project, there is a crucial need
of implementation of project life cycle approach. PLC helps the managers to provide strategies to
manage tasks thus makes the leadership effective. This will also support a company to analyze
project dimensions and perform analysis to develop focused operations. The project related
methodologies ensure the success of certain processes, methods, technologies and techniques
which will be used in project life cycle. Project methodology includes different types guiding

principles and processes that are required to effectively plan, manage and execute necessary
projects. These principles helps leader of Marks and Spencer to follow set of guided principles
for completing project on timeline. Leadership based activities are important for Marks and
Spencer to manage teams and employees associated with the project. Democratic leadership style
is most suitable as it contributed in motivating employees or team member to share their
perspective related to the manner in which the project can be made successful. The leadership
practices allow the management of on catering site foe controlling the entire process by decision
making and problem solving. In order to manage all employees related to an on site catering
project in a systematic manner, it is important for team leader to have major leadership qualities
like decision making, dynamic personality, problem solving and patience.
LO 4
Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using
appropriate theories, concepts and models
Performance measurement: In order to measure the project life cycle, performance
measurement tool will be utilised as it will help in measuring each and every outcome of the
project. Likewise, the milestones will be set to complete the on-site catering project in 2
month, the target is that qualitative and healthy food will be offered to customers. At last
benchmarks that is maximum number of employees should eat food in on site catering only
and there should not be any type of conjunction that cause problem to near resident.
It can be evaluated that Project Life cycle of in-built house catering is effective, as
project manager has planned each and every thing. Starting from planning, organizing, staffing
and coordinating and controlling and many other activities. Likewise, it has estimated total
number of resources and their type is required, the way in which the activities will be organized
in sequential manner, team member and equipment will be organized. So, that the project can be
accomplished in desired time frame and cost. In addition to this, there are two methodology that
has been used to complete the project such as agile and waterfall that has helped in keeping
record of each steps. Thereby, taking corrective steps to reduce or overcome error with a motive
that organization achieve the desired goal.
The project life cycle theory states that in a product life cycle all the labor and parts of
product comes from the area where the product was invented. After that only the product

becomes adoptable and usable in other markets as well. Production moves away gradually from
the point where it was originated initially. Project life cycle helps the managers to manage the
project from its initiation to its end. Through the use of milestones, targets and benchmark
setting for the performance of project as well as contribution of workforce in that project can be
measured.
Performance management, measurement and different factors
The performance management is a vital function of human resource management which
is helpful in increasing productivity of employees. It is also primary function of Marks and
Spencer to measure performance of employees on regular basis to perform assessment. The
company can use performance measurement tools like Management by objectives, checklists and
360 degree feedback for optimum results. HR management should also set milestones, targets,
benchmarks at the starting of the financial year and judge the performance of employees
accordingly. In order to increase performance of the employees in more significant manner,
Marks and Spencer provides monetary and non-monetary benefits to different employees.
Company also provides accommodation facilities and holiday packages to achieve optimum
performance of employees. This will help business entity to accomplish all the major short,
medium and long term goals on a set period of time.
Use of appropriate theories, concepts and models in the PLC will differentiate between large and
small-scale projects.
If the appropriate models are implemented in a PLC, it can help in differentiating
between large scale and small-scale projects as in PLC techniques such as Critical Path Method
can used which describes the length and timing of the project completion. It helps in analyzing
the smallest path towards attainment of goals in a particular project. Likewise, there will be no
much planning, requirement of resources in small scale project while lot of time, energy
and efforts must be used to complete the project in desired manner. Likewise for large
project of catering around 10-20 labour force is required, huge capital and time frame of 2
month to complete the same. While small project can be completed within a week with
limited resources, Hence the concept or model of PLC will be different in large and small
scale project.

Critically evaluate the PLC through a practical and theoretical exploration of its effectiveness to
draw valid conclusions and recommendations for improvement
The project life cycle is considered as a major approach which is helpful in achievement
of target goals and objectives related to a particular project. This approach is very much effective
and efficient in order to accomplish all the major tasks associated with a project. Project life
cycle is important for Marks and Spencer into develop a focused approach in maintaining
supervision and control on project based operations. The project life cycle includes five major
stages which are crucial for completing a project with desired approach. In the first stage,
primary step is taken by a company which includes initiation of a project and it is supportive for
Marks and Spencer to commence a project with effectiveness. In the second stage, project
planning is taken into consideration which includes development of a strategic framework for the
project. In the third stage, execution of whole project is made that includes flow of operations.
The fourth stage is most important in whole PLC as it helps in monitoring the project with
precise control. Last stage includes project closure which states that project is completed with
effectiveness.
From the above analysis it can be concluded that project life cycle helps Marks and
Spencer to focus on development of a major plan to complete a project. This can be also
concluded that it is important for a project leader or manager to focus on managing all stages of
project life cycle in a systematic manner for developing competitiive advantage. It is
recommended for Marks and Spencer to focus on analysing all stages of project life cycle in
order to develop a key approach for project operations. The company should also deliver best
practices in a project life cycle to complete all projects on deadline. It is also recommended for
Marks and Spencer to develop a major strategic framework for facing challenges and issues in
PLC.

CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that Operations and operational
management are different yet, significantly related functions of an organization. Operations
management and project management are concerned towards providing an organization their
expertise on planning, designing and controlling of operations and other function of the
company. There are various principles of operations management such as organization, humility
and quality control. Marks and Spencer follows these principles to deliver best outcomes to its
consumers. The company uses top to down approach for its operations management. A
continuous improvement plan can be used by company through which the company can attain
effective outputs. Some recommendations are also provided. Part 2 of the report contains a
project such as start of an onsite catering services. Project life cycle describes all the stages
through which a project passes such as project initiation, planning, executions and project
closure. In every stage various strategies are used to attain desired results.
RECOMMENDATION
1. From the above analysis it can be suggested that manager should promote effective
communication between team member as it helps in implementation of desired task
in best possible manner. At the same time reduce the chance of conflict and
confusion to maximum extend that lead in growth and success of overall project.
2. Furthermore, digital technology could be used to generate awareness of the project
among the employees related to the way task are being completed. Therefore,
integration of new technology will helped in getting maximum outcome.

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Mark & Spencer launches online operations in 46 markets. 2021. [Online]. Available
through: < https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56327257>
What is Operations Management - Definition & Guide. 2021. [Online]. Available through: <
https://checkflow.io/what-is-operations-management>