Operations and Project Management: Review and Critique of Unilever Plc

This report provides a review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within Unilever Plc. It includes an analysis of 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. Additionally, it provides a continuous improvement plan, including justified recommendations for improvement, based on the review and critique of operations management principles within the organization. The second part of the report includes an overview of the case study, an explanation of each stage of the PLC that applies to the selected project, an analysis of the project methodologies and tools used, and a review and critical evaluation of the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the project.

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

Table of Content
Part 1: Business Report
1. An introduction to chosen organization p
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management p
3. A review and critique of the implementation of operations
management principles within the chosen organization p
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations management of
the organisation in the case study meets the requirements of the
organization p
5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy and
describe the Lean principles p
6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review and
critique of operations management principles within your
organization p
7. Conclusion p
References p
2

1. An introduction to chosen organization
Unilever Plc is a multinational company situate in United Kingdom. It is one of
the largest works in area of retailing and manufacturing of various food products and
and other house hold essentials like cleaning substance, personal care products and
many more. Its operations are spread throughout the world in many developed and
developing countries, around 190 countries. It associates with different brands like
dove, omo, silk , heart bell and many more. Unilever is focused on its fix segments
on which it trades foods, home care and skin care products (Shuanglong and et.a
20180. Its inception year was 1929 and founded by William Lever in United
Kingdom. This organization is famous for largest soap production around the world.
2. An explanation of operation vs operations management
Operation: The term operation in context of business signifies all the activities in
which the business engaged with on regular basis. Daily operations of business
keeps the functionality of business active and vital which directly help the company
to increase its value by making available its service to its customers. There are
range of activities a business indulge in with the assistance of its faculties who works
for company (Anvari-Moghaddam, and et.al2021). There are many employees who
works for the company with the view to to attain the goals of the company and equip
them with skills for performing different functions like accounts management,
marketing and manufacturing and other important operations.
Operation Management: It is an area of management where business
administration is concerned more towards the improving the efficacy of business
organization in terms of performance for attaining more profits by providing best
services to its customers. Operations management consists of better planning and
implementing best strategies and measures for setting positive standards of an
organization. The managers are responsible for ensuring all the operations of
business and effective transmission of inputs into outputs.
Operation and Operation management both play crucial role in managing the
functionality of business, the principle purpose is to prevent mistakes by supervising
business activities and bring productive changes in order to improve the efficacy of
the organization.
3. A review and critique of the implementation of
operations management principles within the chosen
organization
Operation management is one of the main components in an organization
which creates various impact over business operations. Operation management
includes different activities pertaining to manufacturing conducts, measures for
reducing waste, increasing production capacity along with increasing profitability of
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the company. There are several principles which contributes in business if
implemented effectively and the explanations of these principles are given below:
Agile Manufacturing Service : According to this principles, focus is made on
offering quick response to the consumer in respect of their continuous changing
preferences. For maintaining reputation of company in market place it is important
that company must satisfied its customer demands. This principle enables company
to implement essential requirements in order to deliver customer satisfaction
effectively.
 Advantage: The advantage of applying agile manufacturing service is to
attract the customer by offering them best market segment product which
includes its design and durability. Quality should be the priority, because a
customer is always looks for better quality. Customer satisfaction must be the
first priority for the company, therefore, Unilever must adopt measures and
strategist in order to deliver customer satisfaction.
 Disadvantage: The only disadvantage of this approach if this approach
applied in business without proper training or skills then no benefits can be
attained by the company. For effective implementation of this approach,
company needs to apply a process of production design which might create
challenges for business.
Lean production: this approach was developed by Japanese automotive for
avoiding wastage and to improve the activities relating to production. This approach
makes companies to reduce the waste and to add value to the customers (Barzegar
Ramezani and Barzegar2022).
 Advantage: this approach requires human capital, essential tools and kits for
inventory demand. It enables a business to reduce wastage as there is very
limited scope for the waste in this approach. This approach establish a better
relationship with customers.
 Disadvantage: there is little scope of disadvantage in this approach, as the
error may lead to loss in the efficiency of the business. The only drawback of
this approach is that it offers limited margins and flexibility in cases where
deadlines are missed which can create negative impact on the customer.
Taylor's theory of Scientific Management : As per the theory of Taylor's Scientific
Management, the focus is on the fact that while, enabling individuals to work is rather
more difficult because at first instance they are not efficient enough to work
effectively which needed to be done. For this, especially the theory of scientific
management which is being implemented to focus on optimizing as well as making
easy jobs with the view to increase the efficiency and productivity of the business
organization. This approach basically based on the similar principles which defines
the rule of thumb, harmony, healthy cooperation and development to every individual
to their efficiency.
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 Advantage: Through this approach businesses are helped to develop and
improve their labor system along with their working capacity. This theory
ensures proper training and personal development of employees.
 Disadvantage: The only drawback of this theory is that its process includes
higher cost for the business. Moreover this approach is of o use for small
scale businesses. For positive outcome of this approach, cooperation of
employees is inevitable.
4. An analysis of the extent to which the operations
management of the organization in the case study meets
the requirements of the organization
As the Unilever Plc is one of the recognized global business organization
which operates throughout the world having reputation and value. The status of it is
large therefore, it has to focus on its set of principle objectives. These objectives
includes, quality of its service and products, productivity, costing and other. To attain
these objectives affirmatively, the company need to implement all the standards
which are appropriate for management operations. The principles of business
management and its operation requires to maintain and monitor all the activities
carefully and diligently. The managers has to keep track on all the activities of
business. For instance, managers are required to reduce waste of the company and
regular checkup on the material resources and products (Kuklev and et.al2019). The
management is accountable for the the quality of products and measures must be
taken to improve the quality of same by giving them proper training and skills. The
organization must have the policies which provides benefits and opportunities to to
their employees. In this way, the employees of Unilever will remain motivated and
confidence towards their work as well as organization
5. Discussion of continuous improvement as a philosophy
and describe the Lean principles
Lean principles are the measures adopted by business corporations in their
organization with the view to create more value to the customers by applying less
resources. The main purpose of lean principles is to identify the value by ensuring
zero waste. For an organization to initiate the foundations of a lean process, the first
thing require is to identify the team's work value, determine clear set of goals, ensure
continuous improvement. There is another approach called the six sigma which was
developed by the famous Motorola company with the purpose to improve the
manufacturing process (Fang and Chen2022).
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6. A continuous improvement plan, including your justified
recommendations for improvement, based on your review
and critique of operations management principles within
your organization
Write
Source Principle Outcomes
Cost kaizen For reducing the cost of the company, the principles of
Kaizen can help in this respect. In the same way, for
Unilever Plc, it can also implement the principles of
Kaizen for keep improving its operation constantly.
These principles teaches on reducing waste of the
company by discarding overproduction and focus is
made on improving quality by making operation of a
company more efficient. The company must ensure its
time is being utilize properly and avoid unnecessary
activities at work place. This measures can save time
and cost of the company (Tan and et.al2022).
Quality TQM Business is a process of manufacturing of products,
therefore it must be ensured that no error or omission
take place in this process. TQM, is another approach
which ensures that no error in manufacturing process
rather it suggest effective measures to reduce the
error. This measure plays important role for
maintaining the quality of final products and services
for customers.
Safety Enterprise
resource
planning
As per this approach, a company can effectively
manage its different integrated departments. It help in
managing the daily functions of business like
accounting, supply chain, risk management and other
operations. It assist on how the resources of an
organization be used more effectively and also
ensures safety in business (Parsons and MacCallum
2019).
Delivery Supply chain
management
According to this approach, a business organization
can tackle its flow of production which begins from the
raw material to its final product. Businesses through
this approach can develop a network of suppliers
which permits corporations to complete the process of
production and ensures delivery on time.
Effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan using appropriate theories,
concepts and/or models:
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The plans for continuing improvements provides many benefits to the
company, there are different theories such as Resource planning, Quality
management, supply chain management and Kaizen. It is very important for the
business corporations like Unilever Plc to enhance the efficacy of business and its
operations. These theories supports and promotes employees retention by following
continuous improvement plan. This enables the business to improve its quality of
products and services which directly help business to compete its competitors.
Application of appropriate theories, concepts and models to justify strategies
of a continuous improvement plan for achieving improved efficiency
Business corporations used various theories and plan of action for improving
their business operations. Theories like, Kaizen, Six sigma, TQM, JIT, mass
customization, Bench-marking, SCM and ERP. All these measures have their own
merits and demerits, therefore it is for Unilever Plc to implement absolute quality
management which permits business to manage the quality in its operations
(Amici,and Cepiku 2020).
7. Conclusion
From the above report, it can be concluded that in business its operations and
project management is one of the essential components of business. The
businesses are required to avoid the waste from the employees. The ultimate
purpose is to improve the the business efficiency and generate high profits for the
company by applying cost reduction approach. For attaining these objectives, it
important that business organization keep using effective measures in order to
improve the efficiency of business.
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References
Amici, M. and Cepiku, D., 2020. Analysis and Comparison of the Case Studies: The
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. In Performance
Management in International Organizations (pp. 193-230). Palgrave Pivot,
Cham.
Anvari-Moghaddam, A.,and et.al. eds., 2021. Microgrids: Advances in Operation,
Control, and Protection. Springer Nature.
Barzegar, A.A., Ramezani, S. and Barzegar, H., 2022. Providing a Framework for
Reliability Engineering and Maintenance Excellence (iREAM3) Based on
Asset Management Principles. Iranian Journal Of Supply Chain
Management, 23(73), pp.25-39.
Fang, X. and Chen, H.C., 2022. Using vendor management inventory system for
goods inventory management in IoT manufacturing. Enterprise Information
Systems, 16(7), p.1885743.
Kuklev, E.A.,and et.al., 2019. Structure and Principles of Constructing the SMSs to
Provide and Monitor System Safety Based on the RRS Risk Management
Doctrine. In Aviation System Risks and Safety (pp. 101-118). Springer,
Singapore.
Parsons, D. and MacCallum, K., 2019. Agile and lean concepts for teaching and
learning. Agile and Lean Concepts for Teaching and Learning. Springer
Singapore. https://doi. org/10.1007/978-981-13-2751-3.
Shuanglong, s and et.al., 2018, October. Design and practice of integrated platform
for operation and management of fast charging station. In 2018 2nd IEEE
Conference on Energy Internet and Energy System Integration (EI2) (pp. 1-
5). IEEE.
Tan, O.K.,and et.al., 2022. Lean R&D practices and its impact on organizational
performance: evidence from R&D-based manufacturers in Malaysia. Journal
of Manufacturing Technology Management.
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Table of Content
Part 2: Project Portfolio
Project Title p
An overview of the case study you have been given p
An explanation of each stage of the PLC that applies to your
selected project, including supporting documentation for each
stage (e.g., business case, the project plan, cost-benefit analysis
and work breakdown structure):
 Project initiation p
 Project planning p
 Project execution p
 Project closure p
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used p
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC in
application to your project using the appropriate theories models
and concepts p
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Project Title
In-House Food
An overview of the case study you have been given
Large manufacturing corporation situate at Midlands has nearly 1250 active
employees deployed in their organization. It is the on;y organization having such a
large number of employees and all these employees have their own distinct role to
play in an organization. The issue is that having such a big employee workforce are
difficult to manage them during lunch break as most of the employees are moving
out of business premises and this lead to wast of time as they do not come on time
and other issue is related to healthy lifestyle. For countering this issue the managers
are required to plan a project. The principle object of this project would be to reduce
the movement of mass employees during lunch time (Rudny 2021). The other
objective is to develop and maintain healthy life style of workers at work premises.
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
It is considered as first stage in project management which describes that needs of
business requires appropriate participants along with the stakeholders, goals, scope
of business and also the objectives. This is considered as the crucial component of
the business that allows them a base to start a project. The project title is In House
Food. The focus of project is on creating of wider base for its cookies and other
snacks that is tasty and healthier at same time. The main aim of this project is to
have the control on the employee movement and also the improving of health of
employees. Time period covered for this project is 1 month that has been creating a
positive impact on the business system due to the allowance of healthier snacks at
workplace to the employees (Anand, Singhal and Singh 2020). In this managers role
is to create the awareness of health to the employees and also in want on constant
engagement.
 Project planning
this is another stage that assist the business in planning the document and also
delivering the same in an effective manner. The process includes different aspects
like scope planning, budget planning, resource planning and also the work
breakdown structure and certain other things as well (ROSARIUS 2022).
 Project execution
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this comes the next stage which relates to completion of project that needs certain
action along with the planning for the purpose of attainment of goals of business. In
order to implement the change in business it requires documentation as well as
proper changes. It also involves change request and project deliverables in context
to business.
 Project closure
the end stage of completion of project which includes planning of different members
to close the life cycle of project. Here the role of project manager comes into play for
the purpose of completion of project (Williams and Ferdin and 2022).
Name of company- In House Food
 Vision, objectives- the vision prescribed by the organisation is development
of a business in which focus is provided to the dedication of employee's
through the adoption of corporate social responsibilities and also
sustainability.
 Mission-Company pursued the mission of having increased satisfaction level
of consumer along with also maintaining the quality and service of products.
 Executive summary- Project is developed with the purpose of reducing the
absenteeism of employees. It is therefore vital for the business for controlling
movement of employees (Zwikae Meredith and Smyrk2019).
What is the new idea of innovation?
In this project innovation is the introduction of new concept which has primary focus
on decreasing the time in the lunch breaks. This initiative took by the companies for
the betterment and retaining of employees. Employees are provided the facility that
through their phones it can order the food in advance and get them on time. The new
concept is related to inclusion of healthy food.
Why it is an opportunity-
This built the trust among employees of organisation as they are concerned with
their health
How does it improve on what we already have?
This company can do by vanishing the employees movement outside due to the
presence of In House Food inside the organisation
What resources do you need to bring it about-people, time, equipment, etc.?
Huge amount of resources is not required but only stoves for cooking, furniture and
utensils (AlcarazSánchez-Ramírez and López 2021).
What are the risks and the potential benefits?
The potential risk associated with the organization is the taste of food. It will reduce
the absenteeism of the employees at workplace and benefits the organization to
enhance the profit.
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How will the cash flow work –
It may affect the ultimate goal due to incur of huge cost on the health of the
employees to reduce the movement of employees from workplace. The cost saving
capacity of the company are highly affected.
Business Strategy for the project
•Advantages of the above ..
The main advantages of the project plan is to enhance the effective management of
internal activities and giving importance to the need of the employees who are the
asset of the organization (Kononenko and Lutsenko2018,).
• Limitations/problems of the above
It can affect the overall productivity of the organization and involves huge cost that
are spent for providing better lunch service to the employees. It can also create
problem for project manager as main goal of the business will get affected.
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used
Agile methodology is one of the effective method that are used for meeting the
primary objective of the project. As it is divided into various categories including
integration and coordination of work among the members of the organization. It is an
improvement stage that transform the performance. The variety of tools are used by
the organization the project. It comprises of method and techniques include like
Kanban, scrum and others.
Kanban is used to observe and monitor the change in the organization that
has been taken place due to implementation of the project. The project
manager evaluate the change with the help of satisfaction of employees that
leads to reduction in their absenteeism.
Scrum is another method that is used by businesses to divide the project into
the different scamper and supervise the sprints simultaneously (Zwikae
Meredith and Smyrk2019.).
Project management tools are being used by business for the purpose of managing
the business project in an efficient manner. It includes different types of tools and
techniques which assist businesses to initiate operations in an effective manner.
There are different tools like work breakdown structure, Gantt chart and others. All
this tools assist guidance to managers of an organization for executing project in
more efficient manner.
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC
in application to your project using the appropriate
theories models and concepts
Performance management can be explained as a continuous process relating to
communication among project supervisors and employees in an entire year in order
to achieve the objectives of the business. To attain this objectives, business adopts a
project life cycle which enables business to acknowledge different stages of project
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cycle. There are following advantages and disadvantages of the project cycle for the
business organization (Obradović Todorović and Bushuyev, 2018).
Advantages of project life cycle: it ensures adequate communication between
team mates and in relation to the goals of the company. This also enables
businesses to measure the risks which might exist in the business. It also manage
time for the completion of project and assures the best strategies for attaining the
accomplishment of project.
Disadvantage of project life cycle: the only demerit using this project life cycle is it
result in higher cost for the company. For complete determination of a project , it is
important that manager is well equipped with training and skills and capable to
provide proper training to workers for successful completion of project which requires
high cost.
There are several performance tools which are used for businesses which includes,
benchmarks, key performance indicators, deliverables, milestones and many more.
These helps in evaluating the performance of business including all the activities.
For this, businesses are required to implement different steps along with project
monitoring process. It is necessary to evaluate and monitor the project activities. The
other stage in this process is the validity and reliability of the project. It is very
important for a business to set a reliable and valid targets for attaining their goals
effectively. Further, different theories and models are also equally important for
business like, program theory or logic support a review theory.
References
Alcaraz, J.L.G., Sánchez-Ramírez, C. and López, A.J.G. eds., 2021. Techniques,
Tools and Methodologies Applied to Quality Assurance in Manufacturing.
Springer International Publishing.
Anand, A., Singhal, S. and Singh, O., 2020. Optimal advertising duration for profit
maximization. Journal of Management Analytics, 7(3), pp.458-480.
Kononenko, I. and Lutsenko, S., 2018, September. The project management
methodology and guide formation's method. In 2018 IEEE 13th International
Scientific and Technical Conference on Computer Sciences and Information
Technologies (CSIT) (Vol. 2, pp. 156-159). IEEE.
Obradović, V., Todorović, M. and Bushuyev, S., 2018, September. Sustainability and
agility in project management: contradictory or complementary?.
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In Conference on Computer Science and Information Technologies (pp. 522-
532). Springer, Cham.
ROSARIUS JR, P.M., 2022. Leadership Style Influence in Execution in Matrix
Organizations: A Case Study of Naval Base Kitsap, Fleet and Family
Readiness.
Rudny, J.M., 2021. Design and tests of continuous temperature controllers using
PLC (Doctoral dissertation, Instytut Elektroenergetyki).
Williams, N.L. and Ferdinand, N., 2022. Project management. In Encyclopedia of
Tourism Management and Marketing (pp. 575-578). Edward Elgar
Publishing.
Zwikael, O., Meredith, J.R. and Smyrk, J., 2019. The responsibilities of the project
owner in benefits realization. International Journal of Operations &
Production Management.
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