Operations and Project Management: Review and Critique of Operations (Part 1)

This report provides an introduction to Unilever, a London based consumer goods company, and explains the difference between operations and operational management. It reviews and critiques the implementation of operations management principles within the organization and analyzes the extent to which the operations management of the organization meets the requirements of the organization. The report also discusses continuous improvement as a philosophy and describes the lean principles. Finally, it provides a continuous improvement plan, including justified recommendations for improvement.

ID
Unit Number and Title Unit 187 – Operations and
Project Management
Title Review and Critique of
Operations Management
(Part 1)
1

Table of Content
Part 1: Business Report
1. An introduction to chosen organization 3
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management 3-4
3. A review and critique of the implementation of operations
management principles within the chosen organization 4-6
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations management of
the organisation in the case study meets the requirements of the
organization 6-7
5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy and
describe the Lean principles 7-9
6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review and
critique of operations management principles within your
organization 9-10
7. Conclusion 10
References 11-12
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INTRODUCTION
Operations of an organization are defined as the day to day activities performed to
successfully manage all of the transactions which the company engages in. Whereas
the operational management is simply referred to the methods and procedures
applied to help synchronize the operations performed (Ansari, Kant and Shankar.,
2022). The elemental tasks involved in managing the daily operations are planning,
executing , controlling, directing and follow up. All of the following tasks will help the
managers in effectively conducting the procedures related to the logistics, supply
chain management and fulfilling project related aims and objectives. For better
understanding the role of operations and operational management, the analysation
of Unilever, a London based consumer goods company, which is established in
1929. The products of the company includes foods, soaps, beverages and personal
care products, which are sold all around the world by branches set up in more then
190 countries. Furthermore, the report will compare and contrast facts related to
operations and operational management by discussing there meaning, need and
scope. Also it will discuss the lean principles as well as a plan will be drafted for
deviations in products and operations. The other part of the project will analyse the
strategies implemented and define the product life cycle for finding ways to mitigate
the absenteeism of employees and workers. All of the tasks will be performed via
examination and production of business case along with application of Product Life
Cycle where considered appropriate.
1. An introduction to chosen organization
Unilever PLC, is a public limited company, known for its wide variety of consumer
goods sold internationally, with it being the largest producer of body soaps all around
the world. The company operates via different well known and established brands,
namely, Axe, Ben and Jerry's, Dove, Magnum, Lifebuoy and many more. The
company was founded by Lever Brothers and Margarine Unit line on 2 September. It
also has research as well as development facilitates in India, China, Netherlands and
United States. The company decided to diversify its business during the middle of
20th century and decided to sell products produced from oil or fats and made a
significant expansion worldwide (Baldwin, 2019). Furthermore, the company made
acquisitions with Lipton, Brooke Bond, Ben and Jerry's and few others for increasing
there consumer base and including new minds into the business. Currently, Unilever
is focused on production of more healthy as well as sustainable products which will
help establish itself as an environment friendly business enterprise.
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management
Basis Operations Operational Management
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Meaning All of the techniques or methods
applied for a business activity,
which happen to be related to
official events. Generally speaking,
it includes reaping the benefits of
various types of fixed and current
assets, with the mode,
advantageous for every working
personnel in company. They may
include generating income,
increasing value of assets and
securing the turnover.
The operational management
is characterized as a method
for planning, controlling,
directing, organising specific
activities affiliated to
production and manufacturing
sectors. It mainly emphasis the
process used for converting
raw materials into marketable
goods.
Involvement Primary focus of operations is to
track the tasks accomplished by
production and manufacturing
departments, where at most the
middle and operational level
employees are expected to perform
assigned activities, for any type of
entity. Here, the top, middle and
operational level employees are
involved equally, creating
equilibrium in management and
workings become decentralized.
Generally speaking, solely the
middle level is expected to
engage, which may include but
are not limited to operational
manager, accountant,
receptionist and marketing
manager. The middle level
employees required to
manage lower levels and thus
encompassing the concept of
operational management.
Example The activities can be defined in
relation to Unilever PLC, who is
involved in manufacturing,
production and sale of consumer
goods. Here the company must
perform all activities, such as,
purchase of raw materials, hiring
relevant and trained workers along
with production and manufacturing
of ordered goods. All of such duties
are defined as operations for
Unilever and should be fulfilled
simultaneously.
For Unilever, all of the efforts,
rules, regulations, methods
applied for productive and
coherent administration of
duties performed by
employees. The workers may
perform individual tasks
productively, nevertheless,
they all must produce a unified
outcome, successful in all
instances that is, from
purchasing the raw material for
goods to selling the same.
3. A review and critique of the implementation of
operations management principles within the chosen
organization
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A systematic and complex set of rules and principles are followed by Unilever, for
efficient and seamless management, quoting its own belief and purpose to 'maintain
the highest standards of corporate and technical behaviour towards everyone
involved in the the company, communities influenced by such performance and the
environment impacted'. Following are the rules followed by the company:
Corporate Governance
Unilever follows authorised code of business principles which characterizes the
standard of conduct, in accordance with which the employees no matter there
position in the company, must follow in there business endeavours. Moreover, the
company is subjected to numerous corporate governance arrangements and there
compliance reports are detailed, comprehensive and to the point.
Obeying the law
Every employee must be in line with the rules and regulations of the company, as
well as the government in different countries. An employee may face dire
consequences for non-compliance and this could lead to termination of employment
contract or penalty for such misconduct (Bortolotti and et.al., 2019).
Community Involvement
Unilever lays emphasis on being a crucial and constitutional fraction in the society,
by being a trusted corporate citizen. The consumers being a presiding part of the
business industry, need the most attention from companies, which Unilever focuses
to satisfy, through fulfilment of responsibilities directed towards the community and
the people involved in it.
Public Activities
Incorporation of ideas which involves promotions and preservation of their justified
interests in respect to the business activities, is always incorporated in Unilever. It
generally teams up with government and non government entities, both directly and
indirectly for such purpose. However the practice of promoting or supporting political
parties who are solely enthralled in calculated promoted party interests, are strictly
disregarded by the company and are neither supported nor encouraged.
The environment
Unilever is attentive and committed towards making continuous improvements
towards the environment, through making its business as sustainable as possible.
The activities involved in gaining a low impact business process, are both for long
and short term tasks. It also aims to work in partnership with other sustainable
organizations, to aggressively promote environment friendly practices.
Business Integrity
Maintaining business integrity is the most crucial aspect for Unilever by not getting
involved in providing or receiving, bribes or any similar malpractice. It also
concentrates on not taking improper or illegal advantages directed towards the
company, which may happen at any level or department of the company. In this
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manner, the outsiders are protected by the internal proceedings of the company
through proper implementation of strict policies.
Compliance, Monitoring and Reporting
The compliance with above mentioned principles are mandatory all throughout the
running of business. For this process to be effectively managed, the Unilever board
is appointed, in which the CEO is responsible for direction and assessment of the
board. Also to ensure proper authority , the CEO is supported by Global code of
conduct and Policy Committee which is governed by Chief Legal Officer
(JulyDiéguez, Bustos and Care., 2020).
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations
management of the organisation in the case study meets
the requirements of the organization
Principles of operations management plays an important role in the profitability of the
firm. Unilever has a huge consumer base and capture a large market which indicate
many difficulties occurs at the time of taking right decisions regarding a project or
service. Operational management help in eliminating these problems and also
helpful in satisfying needs and wants of the consumers.
 Quality is the primary requirement of business and customers. Every
customer is eager to devour goods that can be made from healthy material.
This will allow the company to reach more consumers as humans are finally
quite health conscious after Covid-19. Therefore, it will enable customers to
improve their standard of living by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
 Unilever has its price-effective technology in operation and control. The
organization avoids useless purchases by offering buyers reasonable goods
by using the right quality of materials. This is the motivation for customers to
be loyal to their products.
 Unilever effectively manage their workplaces. This will keep them aligned and
stick to the goal of achieving good quality in their actions.
 Operational management principles help Unilever to keep commodities in line
with market developments. This shows that consumers are very satisfied with
their business choices because managers are good at finding marketing
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desires. For example, the business is making many changes to soap by
bringing in new fragrances, which will be Unilever's most requested product.
5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy
and describe the Lean principles
Continuous improvement is a process of enhancing existing products and services to
provide growth to the company. It is a continuous process which is essential for the
company to build trust of the consumers and improved or advance products attract
maximum number of people (Golshahi and et.al., 2022).
Lean principles
This methodologies is specifically applicable to govern over the wastage into
company. These concepts facilitates in reducing the cost of manufacturing and set a
minimal rate of the products.
Value Defining: This principle suggests that, the customer desires to outline
the price they purchase. Customer continually consciousness on money worth
pleasure. Unilever satisfy their needs with the aid of giving them new experience
whenever by way of launching new and advance products with great quality and
inexpensive prices.
Mapping of Value Stream: This principle emphasis on identifying the most
critical elements that means price for the customers. Unilever seems for each and
each thing like rate, first-class, capabilities and usability of product that gives cost to
their purchaser. They exclude any pointless factors which did no longer meet with
the customers wants.
Creating Flow: according to this, all of the essential assets of business
enterprise like personnel, material, equipment needs to be at the right track. This will
facilitates in gaining nice final results by using proper expertise within business
enterprise, Unilever makes guarantee that each employees is well educated and
mentioned with the aid of agency task and targets to carry out their efforts in that
path.
Pull Establishment: This lean principle majorly awareness at the inventory
control. It endorse that, the stock wishes to be utilized as an awful lot as it is
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required. There should be no wastage, overlapping and immoderate use of materials
that is not be useful for the cost effectiveness.
The company Unilever searching for large fulfillment into market by means of
maintaining worldwide purchaser base. These lean principles facilitates them to offer
price to their customers which fulfill tendencies and new market needs.
Employ six sigma and its effectiveness
Six Sigma is a beneficial technique that focuses on the overall profitability of a
business. It contains operational control principles that satisfy the dynamic business
enterprise environment. The market is turning into surprising demand, which has
influenced Unilever to make excellent modifications. This approach allows for
uninterrupted improvements in general manufacturing and operating ranges. By
locating defects, overlaps, and critical elements from production, improving the
capabilities of commercial enterprises is powerful. Unilever hopes to use these
technologies to diversify their merchandise. In natural and dairy materials, product
delivery should be on time to maintain its reliability. Important factors are defined as
follows:
Define: Clearly defined aspirations and goals are important to provide
excellent communication within a business. For continuous improvement, Unilever
wants to define set goals for its employees. They will continue to be recognized and
act on an equal footing. For example, Unilever executives wanted to pick out
consumer preferences (Goreglyad., 2019).
Measure: This principle states that the quality and superiority of goods and
services must be measured. This will assist Unilever make alteration if the quality is
not satisfactory. At that point, Unilever will study their production procedure and gain
insights.
Analyze: All process in production need to be analyzed. Analysis helps
identify defects and overlaps in any material. Unilever properly tracks and analyzes
all procedures to produce the highest quality products.
Design: Design is a way to get an accurate picture of the product by
eliminating any unnecessary waste. Unilever needs to specifically design their
organic products for customer retention.
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Verity: This is the final step in Unilever's validation of all processes completed
so far. It will show if the design, controls and goals are properly tuned.
6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review
and critique of operations management principles within
your organization
To address any issue in production technology, an ongoing development plan is
required. This should be done by applying the percentage method in the context of
Unilever.
Plan Colon programs are no longer blocked within the enterprise. Because it
is an ongoing system to plan and sense market demands that buyers want and
market demands that exchange employers may want to happen. Unilever expects to
make rough consumption adjustments to products and services on a daily basis.
Managers of employers diagnosed with covid-19 are required to purchase organic
and healthy products when making plans.
Do Businesses need to start doing practices to bring communication to
employers. These practices must be built on a short-term basis before some
innovative changes can begin. Unilever employees may be able to work the same
way and achieve amazing results (Hernández and et.al., 2022).
Check colon substitution must be properly controlled and displayed. Unilever
managers want to work under supervision to reduce the chance of error.
Act colon goes far and wide to require to take action, in which alternatives
may live to tell a story and effectively become a business. These activities must
involve all of the above systems in order to implement important adjustments in an
appropriate manner.
Analyze the effectiveness of continuous improvement programs
A continuous improvement program can be very important for a company to modify
and paint according to customer needs. Improvements in no way give you greater
ability to deal with the demanding market conditions. Reducing waste, utilizing
inventory and assets that also have value is flawed. Unilever can be a naysayer with
continued focus on its operations and management
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An continuous improvement plan, with your reasonable tips for improvement
 Unilever wants to constantly focus on bringing in trade by analyzing customer
needs and the dynamic business environment (Hinson and et.al., 2020).
 Businesses want to develop strategies to curb the adoption of alternation in
inter-generational and workplace movements.
7. Conclusion
The report concluded that operations management is an important practice for
delivering the right amount of product and the best quality and price. All product-
related decisions fall within the operational department of the organization. It
involves inventory, supplier coma product design and sales. These practices are an
everyday necessity for organizations to make a profit. Operations and operations
management are analyzed differently. Operations management includes monitoring
of all operational processes. In addition to this, a continuous development plan is
developed through Lean and Six Sigma principles. It shows that the plan does check
and take action to execute in an appropriate manner to bring change into the
organization. These all relate to operational management principles, which show that
it is better to spot problems than to look for technology. Another part of the report
shows a project life cycle to minimize employee absences by involving them at work.
It helps reduce waste and increase the productivity and potential of an organization.
References
Abbasi, H., Malmir, A. and Yousefi, M., 2021. Investigating the Effect of Knowledge
Management Processes on Operational Performance Mediated by
Innovation in the Production Process and Product Packaging.
Ansari, Z.N., Kant, R. and Shankar, R., 2022. Measuring operational efficiency of
remanufacturing supply chain: a data envelopment analysis
approach. International Journal of Logistics Systems and
Management. 42(3), pp.328-357.
Baldwin, S., 2019. Business continuity management as an operational risk service
provider: An approach to organisational resilience. Journal of Business
Continuity & Emergency Planning. 13(2), pp.102-110.
Bortolotti, T and et.al., 2019, July. Operational practice effectiveness and
organization culture: paradox vs. contingency perspective. In Academy of
Management Proceedings (Vol. 2019, No. 1, p. 11542). Briarcliff Manor, NY
10510: Academy of Management.
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Diéguez, M., Bustos, J. and Cares, C., 2020. Mapping the variations for
implementing information security controls to their operational research
solutions. Information Systems and e-Business Management. 18(2),
pp.157-186.
Golshahi, B and et.al., 2022. Identifying the Affecting Factors in Promotion of Morale
of Conscripts at Job in NEZAJA Operational Units. MILITARY
MANAGEMENT QUARTERLY. 21(84), pp.1-32.
Goreglyad, V., 2019. Systematic Approach to Operational Risk Management in
Central Banks (Regulators): Prerequisites, Current Issues, and
Development Prospects. Russian Journal of Money and Finance. 78(4),
pp.99-118.
Hernández, D and et.al., 2022. POSA395 Operational Waste Management Model
Articulated Between Insurer Health and Pharmaceutical Benefit
Manager. Value in Health. 25(1), p.S250.
Hinson, R.E and et.al., 2020. Introduction to Customer Service Management in
Africa: A Strategic and Operational Perspective. In Customer Service
Management in Africa (pp. 1-7). Productivity Press.
Table of Content
Part 2: Project Portfolio
Project Title 12
An overview of the case study you have been given 12
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 12
 Project planning 12-13
 Project execution 13
 Project closure 13
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used 13
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC in
application to your project using the appropriate theories models
and concepts 13-14
References 14
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Project Title
Provide online catering services to maintain a healthy lifestyle for workers and
reduce absenteeism.
An overview of the case study you have been given
The project life cycle is about stumbled upon stage when a task is done in a perfect
way. Projects are said to be an important part of every business and happen for a
limited time. Each task has its expected due date to meet its goals. Therefore, it
needs to be modified with proper planning initiation and execution. Cromwell
Equipment is a wetlands organization with 1,250 employees (Lopes and et.al.,
2020). Businesses aim to reduce employee absenteeism because they spend so
much time on refreshments and roaming. In addition to affecting the company's
goodwill, it also affects the company's performance. Such troubles arise when
neighbors and outsiders interfere with the practices of these personnel. Cromwell
equipment needs to adopt some strategies to get employees more involved in multi-
faceted sports and beautify their performance at the same time. This can be
performed by specializing in corporate social responsibility practices and providing
lunch facilities on-site. Organizations must provide employees with healthy food and
lifestyles, which undoubtedly affects their efficiency (Wilkinson., 2022).
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
This is the initial phase of the project life cycle. This range refers to welcoming new
ideas, perspectives and ideas to set beneficial goals. The organization analyzes their
needs and develops a plan that will make you useful for your business success. Staff
will coordinate with collection, expansion plans and policies. The Cromwell tool sets
the goals, scope, and assets for teaching canteen centers within the site. These
startups will help companies provide employees with appropriate pathways to
achieve their goals (Pines and et.al., 2020).
 Project planning
At this stage, the business will pretty much cycle to making plans to achieve goals.
Planning involves a range of resources, setting a budget, and examining
opportunities related to the task. The allocation of Cromwell tools requires a budget
of at least $50,000 to install the canteen and provide healthy meals. The job can be
dangerous because employees don't spend their time in the cafeteria. This can be
done by utilizing Lean thinking and Six Sigma. Among them, Cromwell Tools
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manipulates all plans and ideas by maintaining their fees, schedules, waste
reduction and decorative efficiency (Raţiu, Tudorache and Bojor., 2022).
 Project execution
Once all the plans are in place, it's time to execute the plan against the goals. This
will be done by using all accumulated sources, dangerous elements, and eliminating
nonsense elements that may affect the achievement of the goal. The company will
execute the plan by figuring out any deficiencies, hiring people, and starting work in
a smart way. Cromwell tool requirements provide the company with the best and
feasible execution. Maintain good demands on the supply of canteen facilities. One
component that must be considered is to use the Cromwell Device Manager to
execute the project before it becomes obsolete, lest there be a worse situation. They
need to adjust every development project in a timely manner to avoid the chance of
failure by dealing with excellence, reducing danger and keeping everyone informed
of the information and any changes.
 Project closure
At this level of the risky lifestyle cycle, the risk will cease and the consequences can be
suffered by using the owner. It could be good or it could be bad. By addressing
shareholders, investors and preparing for all closeout reviews, the mission is nearing
completion. Cromwell Tools hopes to achieve excellent results from this project by reducing
employee absenteeism. All activities need to end in a strong way and employees must be
happy. This will show the agency they are capable of working on future programs (Sarma.,
2021).
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used
The project life cycle can be very powerful, with the purpose of analyzing mission
techniques, goals, and performing all activities. It is critical to use tools and
techniques that run the work in a systematic manner. Assigning a lifestyle cycle
rating is important for ongoing work. These methods help to find the right idea.
Technologies and threats associated with mission objectives. These are useful for
making critical choices for building beneficial assets, assisting employees, and
developing programs in an effort to meet organizational requirements (VOLTOLINA.,
2021). Cromwell Tools hopes to apply task management necessities such as times,
software, smart gadgets, etc., to position the management of the overall
performance of employees.
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC
in application to your project using the appropriate
theories models and concepts
The project lifestyle cycle is an important document that includes planning,
launching, executing and closing a business. These scopes play an important role in
placing ideas, ideas and goals for organizational challenges, and thus can help
13

empower employees directly. The effectiveness of the PLC start-up plan has been
significantly tested by examining the scope, risks and errors in the PLC process. The
Cromwell tool calls for achievements in locating canteen centers and reducing
employee absenteeism (St-Hilaire., 2020). For example, they may need to control
human contributions, the generation of revolutions, and the use of effective
strategies and tools. This can be achieved by using waterfall techniques capable of
managing contemporary situations. In addition, Six Sigma methodologies also help
bring innovation and adjustment into the job life cycle. This helps by analyzing,
designing and evaluating the desire to waste discounts, companies can achieve their
goals (Tryollinna., 2019).
References
Lopes, F.M and et.al., 2020. Predicted direct solar radiation (ECMWF) for optimized
operational strategies of linear focus parabolic-trough systems. Renewable
Energy, 151, pp.378-391.
Pines, J.M and et.al., 2020. The effect of operational stressors on emergency
department clinician scheduling and patient throughput. Annals of
Emergency Medicine. 76(5), pp.646-658.
Raţiu, A., Tudorache, P. and Bojor, L., 2022. Trends in Current Military Conflicts
Operational Environments. In International conference KNOWLEDGE-
BASED ORGANIZATION (Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 105-111).
Sarma, A.D.N., 2021. The five key components for building an operational business
intelligence ecosystem. International Journal of Business Intelligence and
Data Mining. 19(3), pp.343-370.
St-Hilaire, W.A., 2020. Key-synergies between strategic resources and operational
tool orchestration for organization development. Journal of Management
Development. 39(6), pp.811-822.
Tryollinna, A., 2019, October. Optimizing Stakeholder Management: Operational
Decision Making for Transformer Replacement. In 2019 2nd International
Conference on High Voltage Engineering and Power Systems
(ICHVEPS) (pp. 067-071). IEEE.
VOLTOLINA, D., 2021. Wildland surface fire behaviour: a spatial simulation model
for operational emergency management.
Wilkinson, J., 2022. Operational Resilience: The Evolution of Business
Continuity. Emergency Management Review. 5(1), pp.43-56.
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