Operations and Project Management

This document discusses the implementation of operations management principles in the Cross-rail project, including the reality, organisation, success, accountability, causality, change, knowing the competition, and quality control. It also explores the application of Six Sigma and Lean principles. Additionally, it covers the continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations management principles, and the stages of the PLC applied to the Cross-rail project. The document provides insights into the project's initiation, planning, implementation, and closing phases.

Operations and Project
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1.Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles:..............1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2.Continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations management
principles ....................................................................................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P3 Apply each stage of the PLC to a given project, producing necessary supporting
documentation for completing the project..................................................................................5
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using
appropriate theories, concepts and models..................................................................................7
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION
Operation management deals with business in accordance to approach the day to day
strategic business issues systematically. It relates with overall business operations which depends
upon the continuously running activities, delivers the customers in most efficient manner through
providing with quality products and services. It is basically the process where operation manager
look into core processes of business that will transform an input into an output. Operation
management deals in ongoing execution of business activities, here this activities will done
through process of organisation itself. Project management consists with planning, organizing,
motivating and controlling the activities of resources. Having five stages of project management
includes with planning, execution, performance and monitoring and closing of the project.
Project management ensures about delivering the real value against the business opportunities,
ensures about the value is deliver will going to be accurately executed. Every business has their
own strategic goals and projects which have to be fulfilled timely. The below project is based on
Cross-rail, considered with biggest railway infrastructure project in Europe and consists with
large single investment which is undertaken in the UK. This project is delivering the Elizabeth
line. The below report covers the topics reviews and implementation of operation management
principles , Continuous improvement plan , PLC and reviewing of the effectiveness of the plc.
TASK 1
P1.Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles:
Operation management deals with activities related with business processes which
depends upon the frame policies and procedure to done that activities comprises of strategies.
Through operation management, manager will get to know about what has to be done and what
strategies that organisation will adapt regarding their business processes. Overall operations
activities like delivery channel, project formulation and strategies related with synchronization in
actions are must while doing any operations activities. Its necessary to adopt the appropriate
business strategies which are necessary while doing operations to attain the objectives related
with any kind of projects and some targets(Bari, 2018). Organisation are continuously involve in
operations to fulfil the process of serving into the market. In the context of Project by cross-rail,
its basically the railway construction project under way mainly in area of central London.
Construction starts in 2009 of the new railway, human resource which are engaged in this project
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over 15,000 men and women already worked on the project's activities(Daniel and Daniel, 2018).
Over 120 millions working hours have been completed. Cross rail project having the aspect of
several activities by testing new trains and railway lines which is under way and continues with
their remaining works related to the stations.
Principles of operation management:
Operation manager deals in the problem arises during the operational activities, they focus on
problems rather than just techniques. So here are the principles which works under the project of
cross-rail are as follows:
Reality:Operation management having the principle of dealing and focus on the problem arises
in the organisation,instead of handling in techniques because its impossible to handle the
operational activities by just tools(Eyers and Naim, 2019). In the context of cross-rail project
because of large handling operation manager has to deal through proper planning on project
structure.
Organisation: Within production facility, everything which relates with operations are inter-
related, these elements have to consistent, in this project of cross-rail they have to put efforts in
collective by managing their field elements.
Success:While doing the operations the main focused part is to formulate the work in the way so
to achieve the targets through satisfying the peoples relates with that project. Here the project of
cross-rail defines the value of being successful in their future.
Accountability:Having an appropriate accountability of manufacturing operation, here the
managers will going to set rules and approaches. While continuously checking on accountability.
In the context of cross-rail, they have to work on proper accountability factor in relation to their
project.
Causality: In an organisation problems related with operations can happen any time so to deal
with causality, operation management plays an important role is that in cross-rail they have to set
the project in proper structure by involving the problem handler in project.
Change:Organisation deals in many and sudden changes in the process of operation
management, this change relates with way of doing activities. In the context of cross-rail project
should be planned in accordance to the certain changes requires in the project.
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Knowing the competition: In organisation, principle of analysing the competitors are having
important aspects to deal with them in ease manner, as this project refers with giving something
extra onto their competitors.
Quality control:Every organisation have to deal in quality so as to attain with standardised
products and services as project of cross-rail induces with quality control team which ensures
about the project constructions activities by visiting the site on regular manner.
SIX SIGMA
This process deals with set of tools and techniques which are necessary in adapting any
improvement in the organisation. This method is basically apply by the operation manager to
improve their quality of business processes(Fewings and Henjewele, 2019). Six sigma works on
the principle of increase in performance and decrease in variation of process, improving in
profits, by enhance the employees morale and quality of products. In the context of cross-rail
project six-sigma works in according to their sites activities is that:
Define: This relates with the first step regarding the actions taken are analysed on the basis of
particular problem in the organisation. In the context of cross-rail they have to analysed the
actions related with their construction project.
Measure: After analysing the problem, the next step is measure should be taken to get know
what has to be done and what possible things project will through which company can achieve
targets
Analyse: Number of available options must be done in the context of cross-rail project, they
have to analysis the policies and through which this activities will perform by them.
Design: After analysing the resources the next step is to design of operations which are required
to be done in the project of cross-rail.
Verify: Last stage in six sigma is to verify the actions or by evaluating them, in the context of
cross-rail project they have to properly look into their constructions related operation.
LEAN PRINCIPLES
This relates with the approach which has to be completed by the manager, in the context
of project cross-rail the project manager has to perform the operation activities in effective
manner by defining the values(Kerzner, 2018). Mapping the value stream, flow creation, pull
establishment and pursuit perfection . These are the principles which depicts about the process
involve in the project of cross-rail by maintaining the values through utilizing the appropriate
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sources which will going to be effective in the long run of this project. As they are working on
construction testing and commissioning to verify the design and installation of railway system
which match the requirement relates with Elizabeth line.
TASK 2
P2.Continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations management
principles
As this project Cross-rail, they have to work on their continuous plan of improving with
their operations through the value of strategically analysis the project demand and requirement.
As this plan relates with a set of activities which are designed to bring with ongoing
improvement with the products. In relation with this project they worked on their construction
part by inducing with required machines in the need and requirement by the project and
processes through regular check on review,measurement and action which are to be taken in this
Cross-rail project as there working are related with the current progress are testing of the new
trains and value related with infrastructure is underway(Kerzner, 2019). Complete permanent
tracks are being installed and they are resting the new Elizabeth line with new automatic train
control systems that are operating in the central section route. The main features in which this
project works is the construction of a new railway line. As this project is considered with proper
strategic improvement by working on their operation activities which relates with upcoming
construction phases.
Organizational theories, concept and models:
In every organisation strategies plays an important part which depends upon the Woking
structure of an organisation in respect of their operation as this project are based on the cross-rail
project which defines the value of railway construction project under mainly in central London.
As this project are having the value of large activities, so to attain this approach operational
manager uses different types of theories and models for dealing with effective results, the
different types of leadership style are autocratic, democratic, classical and bureaucratic style in
order to deal in strong code of conduct as this project are more in need of the proper leadership
approach(Lee, 2018). Here the project manager adopts the value of autocratic in which they deals
with site workers by motivating them for due works and given them direction towards next
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processes regarding their field work. Project manager attains the value of providing with
structure base to their employees who are engage with this project of cross-rail.
TASK 3
P3 Apply each stage of the PLC to a given project, producing necessary supporting
documentation for completing the project.
Cross Rail is known as the biggest railway infrastructure project of Europe. It is one of
the largest single investments undertaken in the UK. Since the construction which started in 2009
with more than 15,000 men and women who have given over 120 Million working hours for the
project. The biggest infrastructure project means high funds requirement, effective human
resource, efforts, etc.
The project managers and project team works on a common goal and perform the tasks
and targets set for the project(Levy, 2018). Every project has a beginning, a middle period during
which activities move the projects towards the end and then comes the ending period which
states that the project was either successful or unsuccessful. A standard project typically has four
major phases:
1. Initiation Phase: The first stage is the Initiation stage. In this the project's objective or the
need is identified. This can be a problem for the business or an opportunity. A suitable feedback
to the need is noted down in a business case with some suitable solutions. A feasibility study is
carried out to analyse whether each alternative addresses the project goals and objective and a
final solution is ascertained. Issues of feasibility like can the company has the capability to do
the project and justification like 'The reason of doing this project' are addressed(Reid and
Sanders, 2019). After the solution gets an approval, the project is initiated to deliver the
approved solution and then a project manager is hired. The major deliverables and the
participating groups are identified and then the project team begins to shape. In the context of
cross rail, the project is sponsored by the government. The government recognised the need and
requirement of better railway lines and Trains(Shavaliev and Puryaev, 2018). The government of
the UK also knew that there is a requirement for the development of the infrastructure as it will
stabilize the political and economical condition of the country.
2. Planning Phase: The second of the four phases is the Planning Phase. Now is the phase where
the solution for the project is further developed in as much depth as possible and the initiatives
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necessary to meet the project's goals are planned. In this step, the team recognises all of the work
that needs to be done. The project's task and resource necessities are recognised along with the
strategy for producing them. This is often referred to as scope management. A project plan is
created outlining the tasks, acts, dependencies and time frames. The project manager then
coordinates the preparation of a project budget by providing cost forecasted budget for the
equipments, material costs and labour(Shirley,2020). The budget is used to analyse and control
expenditure on cost during project implementation. In the context of cross rail, it is the
responsibility of the project manager to develop a suitable plan to implement the project for the
development of the country. Cross Rail is the project which suggests better transportation better
infrastructure and economy.
3. Implementation Phase: The project plan is implemented and the work for the project is
performed. It is important to maintain supervision and communication as needed during plan at
work. Progress is then regularly surveilled and suitable modifications are made and recorded as
variances from the original plan. In any project, a project manager spends most of the time in this
step. During project execution, people are performing the tasks and information regarding the
progress is then reported during regular team meets. This stage suggests that the project i.e. cross
rail is the project implemented by the government of the UK(Slack, 2018). This stage tells that
the project should be implemented in such a way that the project can go successfully without any
wastages or the failures. This can only be possible if the project manager assigns the right duty to
the right employee or worker. In this way, the employees will work effectively and efficiently
without any failures or wastages.
4. Closing Phase: During the time of closure, the importance is given on launching the final
deliverables to the consumers, handing over documentation of the project to the business, end of
supplier contracts, releasing resources of the project and liaising the completion of the project to
all the stakeholders. This stage is the closure of the project. In the context of Cross rails, the
project manager should take care of closing the project and to launch it in front of the citizens of
the country by ensuring proper results and testaments. The project manager is also responsible
for checking the closed accounts and expenditures made for the project(Tonchia, Tonchia and
Mahagaonkar, 2018). This will ensure the total expenditure done on the project. After that,
feedback time is also considered in the closing phase as all the changes that are required or
needed by the consumers of the UK is being in the closing stage of the Project Life Cycle.
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TASK 4
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using
appropriate theories, concepts and models.
Cross rail is the biggest project of Europe. Cross rail is an infrastructure project for the
betterment and development of the country. The role of the project manager of Cross rail is to
develop knowledge, skills and capabilities of its workforce to make them proficient in order to
fulfil their present and future responsibilities. As employees are an important resource for any
project then comes the representatives or the sponsors for the project as funds are necessary for a
project to initiate. The project was sponsored by the government of the UK which is for the
improvement and better source of travel for the citizens of the country. It is a social
responsibility fulfilled by the government of UK.
For improving the human resource, proper knowledge and the complete project plan
should be discussed with the employees and the workers by the way of training. This will ensure
better understanding of the project and how to start the working(Zwikael and Meredith, 2018).
This can only be possible with the use of better training methods, programmes and campaigns.
This will improve and ensure better relations, interpersonal communication and other skills could
be developed. This will be beneficial for both employee and the project.
For the project, A proper framework is to be prepared in order to systematic design each
phase of its PLC by being proactive in its planning process. It can be done by conducting a
market research about the present market scenario, demands of the society, competitors strategies
and other internal & external environmental factors that are possible to have an impact on the
successful launch of the Elizabeth Line. It also assists Cross rail to evaluate how this betterment
and development of the country will help the society and the country. This project will help the
citizens as it will ensure better rail travel for them.
Effectiveness of PLC:
The technique assists company to attract large target audience by improving performance
of the rails and giving the best output with an improved process with a certain time. It also
assures betterment and development of infrastructure of the country. In the context of cross rails,
it is a government project for the development of infrastructure of the country.
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CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above report that operations management means framing
policies for the business to ensure effectiveness and better utilisation of resources. There are
some principles of operations management: Organisation, Fundamental, Reality, Accountability,
Variance, Causality, Managed passion, Humility, Success and change. These principles are
important for the management of the operations. This project is for the betterment of the
infrastructure of the UK. The role of the project manager of Cross rail is to develop knowledge,
skills and capabilities of its workforce to make them proficient in order to fulfil their present and
future responsibilities. As employees are an important resource for any project then comes the
representatives or the sponsors for the project as funds are necessary for a project to initiate. The
project team along with the managers work on a common objective and perform the tasks and
targets set for the project. Every project has a beginning, a middle period during which activities
move the projects towards the end and then comes the ending period which states that the project
was either successful or unsuccessful.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bari, M.M., 2018. Marketing operations and project management of 4G.
Chawla, V., Chanda, A., Angra, S. and Chawla, G., 2018. The sustainable project management:
A review and future possibilities.Journal of Project Management. 3(3). pp.157-170.
Daniel, P.A. and Daniel, C., 2018. Complexity, uncertainty and mental models: From a paradigm
of regulation to a paradigm of emergence in project management. International journal
of project management.36(1). pp.184-197.
Eyers, D. and Naim, M., 2019. Project Management for Effective Operations Management.
InContemporary Operations and Logistics (pp. 11-27). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Fewings, P. and Henjewele, C., 2019.Construction project management:an integrated approach.
Routledge.
Kerzner, H., 2018.Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence. John Wiley
& Sons.
Kerzner, H., 2019.Using the project management maturity model: strategic planning for project
management. John Wiley & Sons.
Lee, C.K.H., 2018. A review of applications of genetic algorithms in operations management.
Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence.76. pp.1-12.
Levy, S.M., 2018. Project management in construction. McGraw-Hill Education.
Reid, R.D. and Sanders, N.R., 2019. Operations management: an integrated approach. John
Wiley & Sons.
Shavaliev, A.S. and Puryaev, A.S., 2018, September. Agile in project management system in
mechanical engineering. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
(Vol. 412, No. 1, p. 012072). IOP Publishing.
Shirley, D., 2020. Project management for healthcare. CRC Press.
Slack, N., 2018. Essentials of operations management. Pearson UK.
Tonchia, S., Tonchia and Mahagaonkar, 2018. Industrial project management. Springer.
Zwikael, O. and Meredith, J.R., 2018. Who’s who in the project zoo? The ten core project roles.
International Journal of Operations & Production Management.
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