Operations and Project Management: A Business Report on River Island

This report discusses the implementation of operations management principles and continuous improvement plan in River Island. It covers the relationship between operations and other managerial functions, review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles, and the impact of technology on operation function as well as information flows. The report also includes a continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations management principles within River Island.

unit 16 Operations and
Project Management

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1: BUSINESS REPORT ......................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Conducting review as well as critique to implement management principles in context to a
venture..........................................................................................................................................1
M2: A review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within
the chosen organization................................................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2. Preparing continuous improvement plan on the basis of review and critique of operations
management principle .................................................................................................................5
M2: Analysing effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan using appropriate theories,
concepts and/or models................................................................................................................7
D1: Apply appropriate theories, concepts and/or models to justify strategies of a continuous
improvement plan for achieving improved efficiency.................................................................7
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................8
PART 2..........................................................................................................................................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
P3: Application of each stage of project life cycle producing necessary supported
documentation for completion of project...................................................................................10
M3: Analysis of rationale for project methodologies, tools and leaderships within project life
cycle of specified project ..........................................................................................................17
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................18
P4: Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC in application to your project
using the appropriate theories models and concepts..................................................................18
M4: Critical analysis of how to use appropriate theories, models and concepts in project life
cycle will differentiate between large and small-scale projects.................................................18
D2: Critical evaluation of project life cycle through exploration of its effectiveness for
drawing conclusions and recommendations for improvement..................................................19
REFRENCES .........................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22

INTRODUCTION
Managing operations in a company entails systematic direction as well as control of
processes which transform inputs into outputs as finished commodities for clients and customers
(Ahsan and Pedersen, 2018). In a company, operations management assist in managing,
controlling together with supervising personnel and offerings. Likewise, managing project
requires application of skills, experiences and processes for attaining project objectives based on
acceptance criteria in determined parameters. Project management permits the team for
emphasising on activities which matters most, free from distractions that can arise by tasks going
off track and budgets exceeding determined values. For the report, considered company is River
Island which is high street brand of clothing, retail, fashion and textile in London, UK.
The project is prepared in two parts, in which Part 1 is Business Report highlighting
introduction of company, implementing operations management principles and continuous
improvement plan. In contrary, Part 2 is Project Portfolio which covers project title, application
of project life cycle and critique of execution of project life cycle in a project.
PART 1: BUSINESS REPORT
TASK 1
P1. Conducting review as well as critique to implement management principles in context to a
venture
An introduction to chosen organization
River Island is UK based organisation specialised in providing stylish along with
affordable fashion from going out looks to occasion wears. It works with mission to provide
hottest new looks for men along with women on a conscious budget (River Island, 2022).
Customers of the company always rely on the establishment for picking up everything which
they require from occasion wear to fabulous bags, amazing denims and shoes. The venture has
around 300 stores across UK and other nations with six dedicated online sites to help customers
to shop.
An explanation of operation vs operations management
The term operations refer to carry out tasks to manage inner working of company for
efficient and smooth running (Albert, Balve and Spang, 2017). Business operations are activities
in which cooperate engage on day to day basis for the purpose of enhancing values and earning
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profit. In association to River Island, operations are designing goods and services, supply chain
management, location strategy, layout design, quality management, financing and customer
relationship management.
Operations function is concerned with bringing together materials with production
practices for manufacturing commodities which are demanded by customers (Burtonshaw-Gunn,
2017). For example, operations function in River Island assist in managing, controlling addition
to supervising offerings and human capital. It is responsible to produce products together with
delivering services to end consumers.
Management as strategic oversight ensures that operational practices should be clearly
communicate to employees in order to fulfill their duties in an effective manner. In relevance
with River Island, for making management practices efficient, it is imperative to clearly
communicate objectives to them.
Operations management can be described to administrating practices of enterprise for
devising highest possible level of efficiency at workplace (Carvalho and Rabechini Jr, 2017). It
converts raw materials and other production factors into commodities or services that maximise
organisational profit. For instance, in relevance to River Island, operations management
emphasis on management of resources effectively for ensuring maximization of potentiality of
resources.
Relationship between operations and other managerial functions
Human resource- Operation function is considered as an integral which is undertaken by human
resource manager in a significant manner in relation to training, learning and development of
personnel.
Marketing and operations are interdependent in nature as they are aligned with data visualization
tools. In relevance with River Island, marketing function can be adopted efficiently if operations
can collect suitable data.
Finance- Operations and finance are closely linked to each other finance department aid
managers of River Island in providing necessary information for continuing the business
operations.
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M2: A review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within
the chosen organization
In a company, operations management principle is key to practices that drive forces to
deliver excellence output through devising optimized usage of resources (Engelbrecht and
Abbaspour, 2017). For staying profitable, there are certain operations management principle
which no business concern must violate. Within River Island, operations management principles
are adhered for accomplishing effectiveness and efficiency in practices. In relevance to River
Island, review and critique of executing of certain operations management principles are below:
Lean production: The principle of lean production, when implemented in a venture
emphasises eliminating of waste. In accordance to Fadul (2020), it is reviewed that purpose of
implementation of lean production in the company is to minimize wastage and unnecessary steps
in processes that reduces costs addition to maximise productivity (Fadul, 2020). In aspect to
River Island, lean production introduces systems as well as develop skills of employees which
support changes in business which create new sales. It is critique that lean production constantly
focuses towards improvements and waste elimination that causes stress among personnel
resulting to making workplace more impersonal along with clinical.
Agile Manufacturing: The principle places extremely emphasis towards quick responses
to customers for turning speed together with agility into competitive benefit. As per Gao and Liu
(2019), it has been reviewed that principle of agile manufacturing when implemented in a
business keeps the establishment ahead of rivalry and continue innovation (Gao and Liu, 2019) .
Within River Island, principle of agile manufacturing is implemented for acknowledging realities
of modern marketplace in addition to transforming all for competitive advantage. However,
critique of implementing the principle of agile manufacturing is intensive planning is needed,
high installation costs and expensive maintenance costs.
Accountability: Principle of accountability states responsibility of personnel working at
workplace. In River Island, implementation of principle of accountability represents decisions
making of operations manager on metrics as well as rules for distinct operations together with
assigning certain duties to subordinates. It is reviewed from the statement of Hammodat, Ajjan
and Beheiry (2021) that accountability ensures all human capital are putting their 100% efforts
for attaining goals of company (Hammodat, Ajjan and Beheiry, 2021). It allows people to count
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on each other for meeting deadlines, feeling comfortable to approach others and fulfilling duties.
However, the principle can create team conflict and delays time in completion of working.
An analysis of the extent to which the operations management of the organisation in the case
study meets the requirements of the organization
Business managers establishes certain requirements such as safety, quality, cost and
delivery in aspect to offerings (Han, Zhang and Li, 2018). For maintaining effectiveness of
organisational requirements, managing organisational operations is key. In River Island, various
issues are faced for meeting that can be solved with the help of executing principles related to
operations management effectively to accomplish determined objectives. Analysis about
fulfillment or meeting organisational requirements of River Island are underneath:
Cost: Business concerns works for minimising cost involved in producing products or
services for improving profitability (Hinsch, 2020). In River Island, key objective is to reduce
unnecessary costs involved in operations for maximizing margin of profitability while
maintaining corporate social responsibility. At its production units, an issue of reducing
production costs is faced as huge quantity of raw materials and resources are imported from
other countries as well as impacts of Brexit and Covid-19 pandemic on offerings. Herein,
implementation of lean production principle meets requirement of the company through
eliminating unnecessary cost and wastage in producing, selling and distributing clothing or other
products of River Island.
Quality: For an establishment, quality of products benefits in earning loyalty of
customers, establishing brand recognition together with managing costs (Ko and Han, 2017). In
River Island, it is objective of managers to improve quality of offerings and operational
effectiveness by 30%. In this, implementing agile manufacturing principle helps managers to
fulfill requirement for enhancing output of production units, reducing production costs, using
workforce optimally and operational flexibility. For instance, implementing principle of agile
manufacturing in business, such as River Island, can increase level of output in production units
and flexibility in operations by reducing lot sizes addition to better quality of products as per set
standards.
Review and critique the implementation of operations management in relation to Six Sigma
methodology and Lean principles
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Six sigma is considered as methodology that manages quality in processes, products or
services which aids businesses in identifying and eliminating defects from operations (Kupila,
2020). It is majorly used in manufacturing business operations in order to reduce variances or
defects. Managers of River Islands uses this technique in eliminating defects from their processes
in order to boost their profits as well as standardization of activities. Because of using six sigma
process in their operations it leads to static processes and delays. This exercise can hamper
creativity and innovative thinking of employees of River Islands.
In operations management, lean principles are considered as elements that helps in
enlightening business image effectively into marketplace (Louis and Dunston, 2017). These are
value, pull, perfection, value stream and flow. These lean principles can be adopted by managers
of River Islands as this helps in setting clear goals and seek improvements on a constant basis. It
can be disadvantageous for River Islands as it creates extra pressure to meet obligations of
standardization of products. As it leaves very little scope for forecasts or improved modifications
in processes.
Impact of technology on operation function as well as information flows
Use of advanced technology aid businesses in managing their operational functions in reducing
their costs and making standardized and improvised quality of products in order to create added
value to their customers. Managers of River Island has entered into tech advancements through
collaborating with Google which aid them in checking products in their nearby stores. They are
also investing significant amount in artificial intelligence and machine learning which aids them
to gather information of their customers in a rational manner. This practice led them to create
proper marketing strategies for targeting their segmented customers.
TASK 2
P2. Preparing continuous improvement plan on the basis of review and critique of operations
management principle
Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy and describe the Lean principles
A continuous improvement plan is a fix set of actions created to bring continuous betterment to
products and services by reviewing and checking measurements on constant basis (Meyer, 2019).
It is a never stopping efforts of businesses to modify offered commodities by enhancing its
quality. In River Island, the aim of continuous improvement is to increase performance and
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profits by optimum utilisation of available resources. Likewise, Lean principles are the methods
adopted by companies to produce better quality products with less resources and minimum
wastage. It is a practise which needs constant experimentation to attain maximum value with no
waste. In River Island, the managers goals is to provide best quality clothing by increasing its
productivity and meeting customer's preferences. The characteristics of Lean principles that
River Island should follow are explained below:
 Kaizen- The best prospect of Lean principle is change for improvement which is called as
Kaizen. It aims at reducing waste, enhancing performance, and attainment of targeted
goals by continuous improvement in organisation operations. River Island managers can
follow the Kaizen principle by being pursuant in bringing innovations in company. It
should also secure its human resources as their efforts will improve the productivity of
organisation. It creates a strategic environment where all employees efforts are directed
towards developing a strong culture of continuous improvement.
 Total Quality Management- This principles states that quality of products should be
maintained and that every employee of company is accountable for quality produced (Pu
and Zhang, 2020). River Island managers can adopt this method by increasing the
engagement of customers in business and by focus on customer preferences as well as
wants. This principles majorly focuses on customer value, employee commitment,
approaches of company and strategic decision-making. The company can also create a
powerful team of management to out laid clear mission of company's goals. It
 Supply Chain Management- This principle of lean consists of various elements such as
customer involvement, constant improvement, quality produced etc. It connects the
actions of all departments within the company and manage internal as well as external
relationships. River Island managers can apply this principle to manufacture best quality
products in the shortest span of time possible. It also allows managers of River Island to
improve quality, eliminate unrequited steps and creates value for customers.
A continuous improvement plan, including your justified recommendations for improvement,
based on your review and critique of operations management principles within your
organization
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Continuous improvement plan is described as a set of practices which is designed to
measure ongoing success and performance of processes, products or services. It is prepared by
streamlining organisational objectives and goals. In relevance to River Islands, continuous
improvement plan aids managers in providing proper training and development sessions in order
to make them ready for coning tough situations. It can also helps in enhancing employees as well
as organisational productivity. Explanation of continuous improvement plan through Kaizen
technique in relevance to River Islands are discussed below:
Plan Do Check Act
Cost Strategists of
organisations are tend
to make decisions that
are profitable for their
processes. In context
to River Islands,
managers took
decision about making
their manufacturing
process effective by
applying lean
principles. This can be
achieved through
reducing wasteful
activities in processes.
In order to make
continuous
improvement plan,
managers of River
Islands have adopted
premium pricing in
order to value to their
branded and exclusive
apparels.
It is the stage of taking
actions as per the
improvement plan
made. Managers of
River Islands, adopt
those practices in their
operations which helps
them to reduce costs
and wasteful activities.
Quality Managers of River
Islands wants to
maintain excellent
quality levels by
application of total
quality management in
their processes. For
During continuous
improvement plan,
managers of River
Islands should check
policy standards in
accordance with pre-
determined plans.
In this action stage,
managers of River
Islands make
comparisons between
actual quality
standards and pre-
determined quality.
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attaining this, they
need to comply with
quality standards
which helps them to
gain more customers.
They tend to evaluate
their designs and
manufacturing process
in order to attain
standard quality.
This is done to identify
any deviation or
variances in process so
that effective steps can
be taken on a timely
basis.
M2: Analysing effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan using appropriate theories,
concepts and/or models
It is significant for managers of River Islands to evaluate the continuous improvement
plan in their operations. It is desirable for organisations to prepare continuous development plan
by using appropriate theories, models and concepts. Models which can be used for analysing the
effectiveness of continuous improvement plan are total quality management practices, lean
manufacturing and just-in-time framework. These models helps managers of River Islands in
formulating strategies which can reduce wasteful activities in manufacturing processes. These
approaches is used by organisation in maintaining quality standards which help them in
maintaining their positive image in global marketplace.
D1: Apply appropriate theories, concepts and/or models to justify strategies of a continuous
improvement plan for achieving improved efficiency
It has been evaluated that managers of River Islands have applied strategies like total
quality management and lean principles in preparing continuous improvement plan. As these
help them, to maintain their quality standards which helps them to gain sustainable competitive
advantage in international markets. Setting standards for quality management able organisation
in attaining improved efficiency. This practice helps them to gain goodwill in market. Managers
can chose just-in -time practice which helps them to reducing their cost of warehousing. This
also helps in attaining raw materials as per people's demands. This practice, however, can
increase transportation costs of company.
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CONCLUSION
As per the above project, it is concluded that operation management is essential for all
type of organisations. It is an ongoing action activity which reviews as well as evaluates the
operations of business and provide various ways for improvements. It helps companies to
increase their efficiency and productivity through continuous improvement plan. Further, the
Lean principles of management allows business to continue review its quality and performances.
It allows business to handle issues in right way so it does not affect companies value and
productivity.
RECOMMENDATION
 It has been recommended to managers of River Island to effectively implement total
quality management techniques which aid them to manage their operations in a strategic
manner and also reduces the probability of errors.
 It is also advisable for managers of River Island to adopt the practices regarding lean
production which benefits them in reducing cost in their operational areas as well as
provide efficient value to their customers. This practice will aid an organisation in
enhancing their productivity as well as performance level.
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References
Books & Journals:
Ahsan, D. and Pedersen, S., 2018. The influence of stakeholder groups in operation and
maintenance services of offshore wind farms: Lesson from Denmark. Renewable
Energy. 125. pp.819-828.
Albert, M., Balve, P. and Spang, K., 2017. Evaluation of project success: a structured literature
review. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business.
Burtonshaw-Gunn, S.A., 2017. Risk and financial management in construction. Routledge.
Carvalho, M.M. and Rabechini Jr, R., 2017. Can project sustainability management impact
project success? An empirical study applying a contingent approach. International
Journal of Project Management. 35(6). pp.1120-1132.
Engelbrecht, H. and Abbaspour, N., 2017. Demonstrating good practice in the safe operation of
gas assets with predictive analytics. The APPEA Journal. 57(2). pp.437-439.
Fadul, N., 2020, October. 112. A Quality Management Project of a Midwestern Academic HIV
Clinic Operation During COVID-19: Implementation Strategy and Preliminary
Outcomes. In Open Forum Infectious Diseases (Vol. 7, No. Suppl 1, p. S184). Oxford
University Press.
Gao, R. and Liu, J., 2019. Selection of government supervision mode of PPP projects during the
operation stage. Construction management and economics. 37(10). pp.584-603.
Hammodat, A., Ajjan, F. and Beheiry, S., 2021. Automation in Museum Construction and
Operation. In Collaboration and Integration in Construction, Engineering, Management
and Technology (pp. 451-456). Springer, Cham.
Han, Y., Zhang, T. and Li, W., 2018. Operation Mode Selection Model of PPP Project
Construction of Public Parking Lot Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process. In CICTP
2018: Intelligence, Connectivity, and Mobility (pp. 2412-2422). Reston, VA: American
Society of Civil Engineers.
Hinsch, M., 2020. Operation. In Guideline for EN 9100: 2018 (pp. 67-133). Springer, Berlin,
Heidelberg.
Ko, Y. and Han, S., 2017. A duration prediction using a material-based progress management
methodology for construction operation plans. Sustainability. 9(4). p.635.
Kupila, J., 2020, May. Cross-border co-operation as a baseline for management of natural and
man-made hazards. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (p. 7899).
Louis, J. and Dunston, P.S., 2017. Methodology for real-time monitoring of construction
operations using finite state machines and discrete-event operation models. Journal of
construction engineering and management. 143(3). p.04016106.
Meyer, K.E., 2019. Foreign operation methods.
Pu, M. and Zhang, Y., 2020, June. Research on the Optimization of Teaching Operation
Management Process in Colleges and Universities Based on IE. In Proceedings of the
2020 The 4th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business and E-
Technology (pp. 37-42).
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PART 2
TASK 3
P3: Application of each stage of project life cycle producing necessary supported documentation
for completion of project
Project Title
Project title is used to describe assignment or tasks in in one sentence (Quade, 2022). It
assists individuals in understanding main objective task and deliverable. Project title is selected
for chosen task is on-site food service at Siemens.
An overview of the case study you have been given
This case talks about a large manufacturing company called Siemens which is situated at
Midlands. Company is facing issues in maintaining health of their workers and employees as
well as reducing the movement of staff outside premises at lunch hours which hampers their
productivity. Managers of Siemens wants to fulfill their corporate social responsibility by
maintaining healthy measures for their employees as well as workers. This helps managers of
Siemens in reducing absenteeism of employees and congestion at local area outside the business
premises. This is an in-house theoretical project which is given to a member of project and
programme office. This project complies with stages of project implementation in an effective
manner. And, also highlights project methodologies used for this specified task.
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 can be described as a technique which aids managers in performing the
specified activities given in task to attain desired objectives (Roh and Et. Al., 2019). It consists
of four phases through which every project has to drive from. These are significant in effective
implementation of project as it provides direction to managers for completing the assigned tasks.
Explanation of project life cycle in respect to project titled on-site food services at Siemens is
discuss below:
Project initiation
It can be described as starting point of project where various activities are performed in
order to analyze the planning and success of assigned tasks (Salloum, 2017). It majorly
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comprises of feasibility study as well as identification of deliverable, scope and varied
stakeholders. It also talks about development of a business case estimating initial costs and
timeline for completing the project. In order to complete the project titled on-site food services at
Siemens, managers performed feasibility analysis for assessing associated relevant factors for
ascertaining the likelihood for completion of project. Managers of Siemens have also developed
a business case in order to pre-determine cost, resources, timeline for completion of the project.
They have chosen to deal with individuals who can prepare food at premises. Business case in
relevance to project titled on-site food services at Siemens is given below:
Project title On-site food services at Siemens
Vision of the
project
Vision for the project is to adopt healthy practices for employees as well as
workers in order to reduce absenteeism in organisation.
Mission for the
project
Mission of the project is to fulfil corporate social responsibility as well as
increase productivity levels of employees.
Executive
summary
Project titled on-site food services at Siemens is initiated for attaining the
objective of reducing absenteeism and increase organisational productivity.
Resources
required for
completion of
project
Resources that are needed for managers of Siemens to accomplish their
objective are financial, human resources and equipments. Human resources
are needed to prepare food on-site for providing healthy meal to employees.
Financial resources are required to finance the operations which of project.
Various equipments and crockery tools are used for preparing the food.
Project plan For planning the project effectively, Gantt chart is used which is given here
under:
Challenges and
benefits
Major challenge that is to be faced by managers of Siemens is to maintain
healthy standards while keeping employee's tastes in mind. Benefits that
occur because of this project will be reduction of absenteeism.
Gantt chart for project for on-site food services at Siemens
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13

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Project planning
It is a that phase of project implementation where budgets and plans are framed in
regards to schedule as well as ascertained tasks (Serrano, Delorme and Dolgui, 2017). Here, risks
are predicted on the basis of previous reports and performance. Managers of Siemens create
budgets and other plans at this stage in order to move to the next phase. Scope is determined at
the planing stage for project namely, on-site food services at Siemens. Work-breakdown
structure is undertaken by managers of Siemens to determine the scope of project. Procurement
planing is also performed as it used to ascertain the dealings of specific food service providers.
Estimated budget prepared by managers of Siemens is as follows:
Particulars Amount (In euro)
Regular meal 14.88
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Equipment 19.45
Special meal for delegates at premises. 66.81
Payment to human resources 108.82
Total expenses 191.17
Work-breakdown structure for the project of on-site food service at Siemens
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Project execution
This is the phase where actual tasks are executed in order to complete project
(Skadsheim, 2018). Here, project managers monitors and controls the assigned tasks in order to
perform their activities in a timely manner and smoothly. Under this, issues will arise on a
constant basis and needs to be resolved for attaining objectives. In relevance to Siemens,
managers streamlines the objectives and execution process in order to complete their project
titled on-site food services at Siemens. At this phase, all the required documentations related to
schedules and performance data of project is analyzed by managers of Siemens.
Project closure
This phase is termed as last stage of project life cycle where deliverables are delivered to
individuals (Wang and Henson, 2017). Here, managers of Siemens assess the success of the
project. This can be analysed through asking for feedback from employees and workers in
relation to provided healthy meal during the life cycle of project. Under this stage, managers of
Siemens determine whether they want to continue food services at premises or not. Documents
prepared at execution stage are kept with managers in order to keep as a record for lessons
learned.
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used
Project management methodologies are described as perfect combination of principles
and tools which is used by managers framing and executing strategies in an strategic manner
(Wibisana, 2021). It aids project managers of Siemens in reducing risks and avoiding duplication
of efforts of individuals. These methodologies assists managers of Siemens in providing
specified directions to team members for effective execution of project. Varied methodologies
and tools in respect to on-site food services at Siemens are discussed below: Agile methodologies- Under this, a project is broken down into several small tasks in
order to simplify them. Through project life cycle, tasks are modified, reassessed, tested
in order to make it more effective. This methodology can be used by managers of
Siemens if they want to involve their stakeholders at every stage of project life cycle.
This methodology needs to be collaborative and flexible as it is vital for speedy progress
17

as well as perfect results. This method can not be adopted while dealing with those
projects which are static in nature and lack of motivated workforce.
 Project management tools- These are considered as dynamic and required by project
mangers to measure their success and provides direction to their team members (Yap,
Tan and Ching, 2018). These tools help managers of Siemens in planning and evaluating
their project progress. These project management tools in relevance to Siemens are as
follows:
Network diagrams- This is considered as a vital tool and is used in project planning. It
works on the assumption that first activity should be accomplished before moving to next one
(Zhang and Fang, 2019). This tool assists managers of Siemens in prioritizing and for giving
unique sequence assigned tasks. Through this, priorities are set by managers while performing
specified tasks.
Gantt charts- It is considered as visual presentation of assigned tasks in relation to
project (Zhu and Yingnan, 2020). These can be applicable to all types of projects irrespective of
their sizes and shapes. It helps mangers of Siemens in assessing start and end dates of project and
interdependence of tasks in project of on-site food services at Siemens.
Project evaluation and review technique- This tool is used by organizations in
evaluating performance of project. This technique assists project manager in scheduling
complicated projects in an easy way which helps in creating realistic estimates of each assigned
task.
 Project leadership- It can be termed as a process which helps project managers in
motivating and inspiring team members for effective completion of project. Project
managers of on-site food services at Siemens motivates their team members in order to
concentrate their efforts in a specific direction.
M3: Analysis of rationale for project methodologies, tools and leaderships within project life
cycle of specified project
Agile methodologies are applied by managers of Siemens as it is important for large
projects. As it breaks them into smaller tasks which make them effective. It also helps
organisations in making critical decision and measure performance of teams. Gantt charts are
significant for managers of Siemens as it is a useful tool in determining needed resources and
scheduling of project. Network diagram is a vital tool for project completion as it aids managers
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in visualizing the activities that are to completed. Project leadership is important as it assists
leaders in motivating, inspiring managing their team members in an effective manner.
TASK 4
P4: Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC in application to your project
using the appropriate theories models and concepts
It has been critically reviewed that project life cycle is described as a way of viewing,
managing and controlling varied activities of specific project. In order to review the effectiveness
of project life cycle various techniques in relevance to Siemens are discussed below: Performance management- It can be described as a tool which is used by project
managers to evaluate and analyse progress as well as performance of certain tasks. It
oversee implementation, management and creation of of projects in order to attain
organisational objectives or goals. Setting performance standards aids managers of
Siemens in moving and focusing group efforts of their team members in a concentrated
way. It can be disadvantageous for organisations as it is a time consuming process can
create bias environment. For managing project in a strategic manner, it is imperative for
managers of Siemens to set targets to hire catering service team in desired time period.
Deliverable or outcome is expected to provide healthy meal on timely basis to the
workers of Siemens when they are working on a site. Benchmarking- It is an exercise which helps an enterprise in constantly adopting project
management practices by setting pre-determined standards or benchmarks. It is
advantageous for project managers of on-site food services at Siemens as it allows them
to make comparison with their past performances. It can be disadvantageous for project
managers as it increases dependency on past performance records. Benchmark for the
specified project is to accomplish quality as well as health standards in meals while
taking care of their taste.
 Key performance indicators- These can be effective tool for measuring the effectiveness
of project life cycle. Key indicators of project titled on-site food services at Siemens are
labour costs, scheduling and resource allocation. Key performance indicators are
significant for an organisation to recognize gaps in project management. It assists project
managers of Siemens in measuring their outcomes and results in relation to project
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implementation. They can be disadvantageous for managers of Siemens as it do not
provide instant information in regards to project development and success. Key
performance indicators that are used for this specified project are labour wages as well
health standards. Project monitoring is considered as a vital aspect for the project
managers of on-site food services at Siemens. Reliability and validity are considered as a
significant for ensuring that collected data as well as results are accurate. Project should
be designed in such a way that it is reliable and viable in approach. Programme theory is
used by project managers for developing a streamline among processes as well as impact
for deciding the deliverable for the project titled on-site food services at Siemens.
M4: Critical analysis of how to use appropriate theories, models and concepts in project life
cycle will differentiate between large and small-scale projects
It has been critically evaluated that there is huge difference between small-scale and long
term projects. As in long term projects, tasks are bifurcated into smaller phases through agile
methodologies. As it breaks down the large projects into smaller tasks which makes them
simpler to achieve. GANTT charts can be used for both short and long term projects as they
provide visual representation of assigned tasks. It makes understanding and remembrance of
tasks easy. Work-breakdown tool is used to segregate small tasks in large project. It defines
clearly various jobs that are to be assigned to team members of Siemens.
D2: Critical evaluation of project life cycle through exploration of its effectiveness for drawing
conclusions and recommendations for improvement
It has been critically evaluated that project life cycle is an efficient exercise which helps
managers to complete their projects in an effective manner. In order to measure its effectiveness,
performance management tools, key performance indicators and agile methodologists can be
used by managers of on-site food services at Siemens. It is concluded that every project has
different characteristics and objectives to achieve. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of
project life cycle, key performance indicators and benchmarking are used by managers of
Siemens. It also consisted of a business case which helps to prepare outline of project in order to
execute that in an effective manner.
It has been recommended to managers of Siemens to adopt those strategies which are
proved efficient for measuring their success. It is advisable to managers of Siemens to follow
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each stage of project life cycle in an efficient manner. It is recommended to use efficient
strategies and methodologies in order to make project a successful venture.
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REFERENCES
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