Planning and Management Aspects of Project Life Cycle

This report discusses the planning and management aspects of project life cycle related to the case study of Birmingham Spur HS2 line. It covers project life cycle, project management methodologies, and project management theories used to manage and plan project effectively.

PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
ASPECTS OF PROJECT LIFE CYCLE

EXECUTUVE SUMMARY
This report is related to the project management of “Birmingham Spur HS2 line that
describe about the aspects that has been considered while planning and managing the project. It
has clearly defined each and every stages that is involved in project lifecycle and the way each
aspects is included in planning and management of project. At last it has covered project
management theories used to manage and plan project effectively or to gain maximum outcome.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Project life cycle..........................................................................................................................1
Project management methodologies............................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Project management is use of specific knowledge, skills, techniques and tools that are used
to complete a particular project so that particular value can be delivered to customers. Each of
the project are unique and different from others but involves ongoing activities so that the
desired objectives can be achieved. There are four phases in project life cycle such as initiation,
planning, execution and closure that needs to be follow by the team member so that the
particular project can be successfully completed. Likewise, planning is one the essential
component of project management that helps in planning activities and resources that are
required to complete particular task in desired manner. At the same time management helps in
effective utilisation of available resources so that set objective can be attained. This report has
discussed about the planning and management aspects of project life cycle related to the
case study of “Birmingham Spur HS2 line”. Thus, the main purpose of report is to understand
the way project life cycle is plan and manage for getting best outcome.
MAIN BODY
The purpose of discussion to have knowledge about the aspects of planning and
management that are present in the project life cycle of Birmingham Spur HS2 line, United
Kingdom. In any project, there are various stages or steps that manager needs to undertake so
that the qualitative or effective services can be delivered to customers or goals of project can be
achieved in desired manner. Such as initiation, planning, integrating, executing, controlling and
monitoring and closure are five main stages of project life cycle that are implemented by the
project manager to accomplish the desired goals in minimum cost and time frame possible
(Ajam, 2018). The way each stages has been implemented in the case study or project of
Birmingham Spur HS2 line can be illustrate in detail as follow:
Project life cycle
1. Initiation: It is the first and foremost stages of project life cycle in which the project has
been initialised or started with a motivate to achieve the set objective in most effective
manner. Likewise, high speed 2 is planned and partly constructed high speed railway
network operating all over United Kingdom. Specially in London and Birmingham, it
will the second-high speed line after the first that will contribute in satisfying the wants
of tourist in more desirable manner. The project has been initially started through
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establishing the company named HS2 on January 2009 by the department for
transportation. By the quarter of 2010, company have submitted the proposal of the
project to the government to gain the approval and finally started the project to delivered
qualitative services to customers (Demirkesen and Ozorhon, 2017). Furthermore, on
October 2010, the alternative routes options are announced so that correct decision can
be taken to opt one of them for the high speed railway 2. Finally, it has been approved by
the government in January 2012, that contribute in taking more steps so that the project
can successfully implemented and end goals can be achieved. So, all these process has
been involved in the initialisation process of project life cycle that has helped in making
the project successful.
2. Planning: The second steps of project life cycle is planning in which project manager
devotes time, energy and efforts to plan activities, resources and other things that will be
required to complete the project as desired. The manager of “Birmingham Spur HS2
line” has put necessary steps or set of action to plan activities as well as financial and
human resources required to complete the project. Such as it is plan and identified by the
manager that there are around £30.9 billion and £36 billion cost that will be occurred in
the project during 2010 to 2015. Furthermore, the estimated cost also includes the rolling
stock and adjusting inflation thus helps project manager is setting around £56.6 billion as
a budget for the project (Lock, 2017). The construction is planned in two phases such as
in the phase one route from London to Birmingham and phase 2 include Y-shape route
north of Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds. Finally, it was planned that the passenger
services will be initially begin in 2026. Thereby planning of resources such as human
and financial that will be required to complete the project has contributed in having
sufficient resources to complete the project.
The manager of “Birmingham Spur HS2 line” project is easily take steps as it has
already plan, considered several factors while deciding the way project goals can be
achieved. So the key aspects of planning that has been considered by the project manager
for success of project are its mission, vision, it is continuous or on-going process,
primary function of the management etc. All these aspects are present in the project life
cycle of planning stages. Such as, it can be stated that the project has mission to
challenge the existing or modern construction and prove to be the best so that tourist can
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easily travel from one place to others without any inconvenience (Stern, 2020). The
project of “ “Birmingham Spur HS2 line” is pervasive and continuous as all overall the
United kingdom each and every individuals is talking about the project. At the same
time, the manager is also continuously taking crucial steps to plan activities, required
resources so that desired outcome from project can be achieved in limited time and cost.
Moreover, the project manager of “Birmingham Spur HS2 line” has put efforts in
looking ahead or in the future to understand and identify the changes that are happening
in the external environment that impact the project. This has helped the manager in
accepting the changes and contributed in sustainability and growth of project to
maximum extend (Matthews and et.al., 2018). It has also helped project manager in
timely taking its decision or planning strategy related to the project. So that maximum
benefits can be enjoyed through implementation and of project by numerous interested
individuals that are living in society. At last it can be stated that the primary function of
the project manager is to plan set of action that needs to be undertaken so that desired
goals can be achieved in effective manner.
3. Execution: It is the stages in which the plan project is executed through proper
organisation, integration of resources and activities for attainment of project goals. Such
as the first phase of the project has included the design, engineering and environmental
work related to implementation of the HS 2 project work. On February 2017, the hybrid
bill of construction phase 1 of project has been clear by both house of parliament and
further by Royal Assent (Cleden, 2017). In addition to thus, the Phase 2 a has been
initiated or executed on July 2019 and for it’s the hybrid bill will be passed in 2020. So,
after implementation or execution of all steps necessary for the project, it is expected that
London to Birmingham line will be around 140 miles i.e, 225 kilometre long and while
the Y network will be 330 miles i.,e 531 kilometre long. Around 50% of 140 mile route
is pass by cutting or tunnel and 56.6 miles will be reduce the noise and visual effects in
neighbouring communities.
Moreover, after execution it is expected that through implementing the project of
“Birmingham Spur HS2 line” there would be increase in the 50% rail passenger traffic
and 40 % freight within the ten year across United Kingdom. At the same time, it is
expected that the project will contribute in resolving several issues that are faced by the
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community or tourist visiting the place in order to have fun and enjoyment. It will help in
assessment of key issue, thereby finding best or most appropriate method or initiate route
that can be used to resolve the issue and get maximum benefits (Macchi and et.al., 2018).
Project manager has also effectively integrated, organise and make optimum use of
available resources such as human and financial so that qualitative services can be
rendered to customers. So, it has helped project manager in having sufficient resources to
complete and proceed the project further so that set objectives can be achieved.
Therefore, all the above mentioned are outcome that the will be achieved through
executive the project steps for attaining the goals of Birmingham Spur HS2 line project
in UK.
The keys aspects of the management that has been considered by the manager of
“Birmingham Spur HS2 line” while implementing the project is effectively delegating
the task and responsibilities that needs to be completed by specific individuals. It has
contributed in reducing the chance of conflict and confusion arising between the team
member related to task needs to be finish. Thereby it has lead in building a sense of
responsibilities of people towards their respective task in the project (Silvius, 2017).
Another aspect that has been considered by the project manager is providing appropriate
training and guidance to employees related to the manner in which particular task can be
completed. It has helped in understanding staff member about the manner in which
activity can be finish and the resources can be optimum utilise for achieving the goals.
Recognition and rewarding team member efforts is also one of the aspects of
management that has been considered by the project manager of “Birmingham Spur HS2
line” while performing its respective task.
4. Monitoring and control: This is the fourth stage in which the manager monitor and
control the action or set that has been taken by the team member so that associated
problem can be reduced in limited time possible. Likewise, for the management of
project of Birmingham Spur HS2 line, the project manager has continuously taken
feedback of team member. Thus, it has helped in understanding the point of view of staff,
key problem or major issues that are face by the team member by taking steps related to
completing the project. At the same time, it has also contributed in brining or motivating
employees to think of innovative and creative ideas that could be used by project
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manager to enhance the outcome of the project (Kerzner, 2017). In another words, it
contributes in building a feeling of belongingness among the team member thereby
inspiring them to put their best efforts for benefits of the project. All these has helped in
identifying the problem and finding alternative options that can be used to manage the
project successfully.
Information technology has also been used by the project manager to collect, analysis and
interpret necessary information pertaining to the project of “ Birmingham Spur HS2 line” to take
desire decision for fruitful outcome. So this technology has helped in storing large amount of
information in well organised manner with a motivate the corrective action can be taken in
limited time possible.
5. Closure: This is the last stage of project life cycle in which all the step has been proceed,
control action has been taken and final report need to be submitted to the head of the
project. So that it can get necessary information about the project such as resources
utilised, milestone achieved and many more. Thereby the top management of
“Birmingham Spur HS2 line” can take right decision to promote the growth and success
of the project and yield maximum benefits to people or community (Harrison and Lock,
2017). The project has not been close till now due to impact of covid-19, therefore the
date of closure has been postponed.
Project management methodologies
Waterfall project management
This way is straightforward for project management. The management method maps project in
phases which are sequential and distinct with every new phase beginning when the previous has
been completed. It is a traditional form of project being managed with members of teamworking
linear towards a goal set. Every participant has a role that is defined clearly and no phase or goal
is expected for change (Teslia and et.al., 2018).
The stages which are typical of waterfall project management are:
a) Requirement: Manager gathers and analyses the documentation and requirement for the
project. For Birmingham project, all the documentation was gathered for the project and
analysis done of how to link up the stations.
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b) System design: Manager design the workflow model of project. Project workflow model
has been designed by the project manager of Birmingham.
c) Implementation: System is put in practice and work is started by the team.
d) Testing: Every element is tested for ensuring the expected work and requirement is
fulfilled. At Birmingham project every element was tested.
e) Deployment or product delivery: Product or service is launched officially.
f) Maintenance: In the ongoing stage, team performs upkeep and maintenance on resulting
service or product. Team managers saw that the Birmingham project maintenance was
done as per time.
Pros and cons of Waterfall project management
Waterfall process is more organised than other processes and new features come in a full form
which makes it simple for leader to budget the time, money and labour which goes in project
completion. Waterfall is a structured method to be used (Joslin, 2019).
Strategy is inflexible relatively as each step is planned before in a sequence that is linear.
Change in priorities or needs of stakeholders can disrupt order and revision is required with a
new blueprint from start. Waterfall project management is not effective for projects that are
based on knowledge like programming on computer. As there is inflexibility this makes up for
possibilities of replication, waterfall workflows can be copied for future purposes.
Agile project management
It is an approach of project management with a developed approach that is flexible and also
efficient way of getting products in market. The word ‘agile’ refers for ability for moving
swiftly. Agile approach helps project teams for fast and easy adaptation comparing to other
project methodologies. It is an approach using four values and 12 principles for organising
projects:
A) Individuals and the interaction on process and tools (Teslia and et.al., 2018).
B) Working software over documentation that is comprehensive.
C) Collaboration of customers over negotiation contract.
D) Response for changes over plan following.
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Agile method works in project planning and execution sprints which enables to adapt
continuously mature and adapt the plan, design and scope for the project.
Birmingham project has also made use of this approach for ensuring innovation by ideas
inclusion from team members and delivering products in concrete fashion without delay in
change and requirements evolving. Also reviews frequently taken by team and people has helped
in incorporating valuable feedback in the project.
Benefits and disbenefits of Agile project management
The approach is suitable for:
a) Project evolving or which does not have a scope that is clear.
b) Organisations working in an environment that is fast changing related to technology.
c) Organisations which need to work with customers closely and other parties through the
project life (Joslin, 2019).
d) Organisations working closely with customers and external parties throughout project
life.
The approach is not suitable for;
a) The project outcome is well understood and stable. Agile approach will not work where
there is less of uncertainty and change’s possibility is less.
b) The project having to produce a repeated version of product can not use Agile as it is
innovative and does not repeat.
PRINCE2 methodology
It means projects in controlled environments. This method is for project management used by
UK administration and product-based planning approach. This approach sees a structured project
board which is in-charge of activities of high-level like setting business justification and
allocation of resources. Here also, Birmingham project of HS2 has been following this approach
where the work has been given to a project board named HS2 (Mousaei and Javdani, 2018). The
resource allocation has been done and tenders being given to reliable parties. In the approach,
project manager takes care of lower level, and of scheduling day-to-day activities. The
methodology gives team more control of resources and ability for effective risk mitigation.
There are seven principles of this approach to be followed:
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A) Projects have to have justification of business.
B) Teams have to learn from every stage.
C) Responsibilities and roles are defined.
D) Work planning is done in stages.
E) Project boards manage by exception.
F) Teams have a focus constant on quality.
G) Approach is tailored for every project.
Pros and Cons of the approach:
Pros:
a) The approach is flexible for being incorporated in a project.
b) For communication that is better and for project accountability, the approach is best
suited.
c) It lays focus more on outputs and provide for improvement that is continuous and results
are guaranteed (Kisling, 2019).
Cons:
a) This approach is not recommended if documentation is not in excessive.
b) At each stage, there is documentation required for maintaining and updation.
c) Senior management being less involved and taking time in decision-making, it slows
down the project inevitably. The project may take up a much longer time for completion
than decided.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that project management is crucial process
undertaken by manager to achieve the best outcome or gain maximum benefits. Furthermore, it
has been learned that manager through considering all the key aspects of planning and
management has contributed in promoting growth of “ Birmingham Spur HS2 line” in UK. So
that the travel has better infrastructure or transportation to travel from one place to another. At
last it can be summarised from above understanding that aspects of planning and management
has helped in removing the barriers or challenges thereby contribute in effective completion of
project as desired.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ajam, M. A., 2018. Project management beyond waterfall and agile. Auerbach Publications.
Cleden, D., 2017. Managing project uncertainty. Routledge.
Demirkesen, S. and Ozorhon, B., 2017. Impact of integration management on construction
project management performance. International Journal of Project Management, 35(8).
pp.1639-1654.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Joslin, R., 2019. Project Management Methodologies, Governance and Success: Insight from
Traditional and Transformative Research. CRC Press.
Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Kisling, E., 2019. Transitioning from Waterfall to Agile: Shifting Student Thinking and Doing
from Milestones to Sprints. Proceedings of Southern Association for Information
Systems, 14, pp.1-2.
Lock, D., 2017. The essentials of project management. Routledge.
Macchi, M and et.al., 2018. Exploring the role of digital twin for asset lifecycle
management. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 51(11). pp.790-795.
Matthews, J and et.al., 2018. Building information modelling in construction: insights from
collaboration and change management perspectives. Production planning &
control, 29(3). pp.202-216.
Mousaei, M. and Javdani, T., 2018. A new project risk management model based on Scrum
framework and Prince2 methodology. International Journal of Advanced Computer
Science and Applications, 9(4).
Silvius, G., 2017. Sustainability as a new school of thought in project management. Journal of
cleaner production, 166. pp.1479-1493.
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Stern, T. V., 2020. Lean and agile project management: how to make any project better, faster,
and more cost effective. Productivity Press.
Teslia, I., Yehorchenkov, O., Khlevna, I. and Khlevnyi, A., 2018. Development of the concept
and method of building of specified project management methodologies. Восточно-
Европейский журнал передовых технологий, (5 (3)), pp.6-16.
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