Operations & Project Management: Jaguar Improvement & Hotel Project

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management, focusing on Jaguar Land Rover and a hotel project. The operations management section reviews Jaguar's implementation of principles like lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, suggesting improvements through a continuous improvement plan. It examines Taylor's scientific theory, lean production, flexible specialization, and mass customization. The project management section applies the Project Life Cycle (PLC) to a hotel project, analyzing its rationale and effectiveness, and differentiating between large and small-scale projects using relevant theories and models. The report leverages case studies to illustrate key concepts and methodologies in both operations and project management.

OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
1

Executive summary
In this assignment, it has been discussed about the operation and project management. The
assignment has divided into two parts. First part consists of operation management that deals
with Jaguar improvement and development.The chosen company in the study is Jaguar land
Rover. It has been briefly explained regarding the operations management. The study also
discussed about the operation concept which includes Taylor scientific theory of management,
lean production, flexible specialization, mass customization and others. Second part consists of
project management that deals with building an effective plan for hotel.
2

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Task 1: A Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management
principles within Jaguar...................................................................................................................5
Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within
Jaguar...............................................................................................................................................8
Task 1: B Review and critique the implementation of operations management in relation to Six
Sigma methodology and Lean principles........................................................................................9
Task 1: C Prepare a continuous improvement plan to include at least two justified
recommendations which could improve the operations function detailed in the case study based
on your review and critique of operations.....................................................................................12
Task 1: D Analyse the effectiveness of the continuous improvement plan using appropriate
theories, concepts and/or models...................................................................................................14
Task 2 [A] Apply the PLC [Project Life Cycle] to the Hotel project............................................16
Task 2 [B] Analyse the rationale for the project...........................................................................19
Task 2 [C] Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to your project using
the appropriate theories models and concepts...............................................................................22
Task 2 [D] Critically analyse how the use of appropriate theories, concepts and models in the
PLC will differentiate between large and small-scale projects.....................................................25
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................27
Reference Lists..............................................................................................................................28
3

Introduction
Project management is the process of using knowledge, skills, processes, methods and
experiences to achieve goals and objectives of a project. This concept is essential in determining
success factors of a project. Various theories and concepts are used in this report to understand
operation and management in detail. This study has focused on a case study of Jaguar in order to
understand the concept of operation management. In addition to this, a hotel case study has
studied and covered concepts like project life cycle, tools and methodologies of project.
4

Task 1: A Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management
principles within Jaguar.
Introduction to Jaguar
Jaguar is a British company. It’s headquarter is in Whitley, Coventry, England. The company
manufactures cars. It is known for the luxury vehicle. It was founded in 1935. Jaguar has a strong
brand image in the industry. Therefore, the reason behind the company success is that the
company transformed the production methods and the processes. This made the company grow
and develop in the market. By maintaining the key ingredient in this process, the company
achieves the quality system which benefits the company in many ways. Jaguar introduced the
Halewood plant that helps the company to produce the new product such as Jaguar X. This type
of car is specially made for 21st century. The product has been developed as per the consumer
wants and needs. However, the new plant at Halewood ensures the world class performance in
the production system.
5

An explanation of operation vs operations management
Operations Management refers to the process that is involved in producing the products or
services. It includes production operations, IT, manufacturing, and accounting. In other words,
operation management is the business function that helps the organization to produce the best
outcome efficiently (Mahadevan, 2015).
Operation is the process that converts the raw materials into finished goods. It involves
transforming the resources into finished goods that will deliver to the customer for the usage.
The following are the process that is involved- processing, inspection, transportation and storage.
Operations as a concept
The operation concept generally describes the characteristics of a system that will help in
business.
Taylor theory of scientific management
The theory of scientific management is introduced by the Frederick Taylor. The main objective
of the theory is to improve the economic efficiency. Taylor applied the science into engineering
and management. This theory helps the organization to achieve the goals and objectives by
applying the principles of the scientific management (Waring, 2016). The following are the
principles of the scientific management:
1. Rule of thumb
2. Scientific selection and training of workers.
3. Co-operation between the labor and the management.
4. Maximum output
5. Equal division of responsibility.
Lean production
It is an approach that is focused on the quality of performance. In other words, lean production
refers to producing the outcome efficiently by cutting out the waste. This approach is used in
producing, designing and distributing. The main aim of lean production is to cut down the waste
6

and produce the effective result (Jasti, et al, 2015). The following are the key aspects of the lean
production:-
1. Time based management
2. Just in time
3. Quality management
4. Kaizen
Flexible specialization
It is the strategy in which the organization specializes in certain products but they have the
capability to change the product in short duration of time. However, the company does it
successfully by the help of multi-use equipments, multi- skilled employees, innovative ideas and
others. The company adopts the changes very quickly and adjusts as accordingly in the market
(Qin, et al, 2015).
Mass customization
Mass customization delivers the goods and services in the wide market. It is a process in which
the marketer and the manufacturer produce the flexibility of the product and also the
customization of the product in order to satisfy the customer needs and wants. Mass
customization function is to customize the product as accordingly to the customer needs and
wants. The products of the mass customization are made to order (Sandrin, et al, 2018).
Agile manufacturing
It is the strategy which is generally used by the small manufacturers. It involves the tools,
processes, and training to respond the customer’s needs and wants quickly as per the changes in
the market. In Agile manufacturing the products are been made according to the customer needs
and expectations. If the products are of high quality then the agile outcome for manufacturing
will be successful. Therefore, it is suggested that the company should follow the lean production
before applying agile manufacturing. This will help the company to cut down the wastage before
becoming agile (Paolucci, 2016).
Operation Management
7

There are mainly two methodologies of six sigma- DMAIC and DMADV. Jaguar should adopt
the DMAIC method. By the help of this method Jaguar can create the new products and process
designs. The company can produce the product accordingly to the customer demands in order to
satisfy the customer. It also helps the company to develop by analyzing the best suited design.
Therefore, if the company adopts the six sigma method then it will become easy for the company
to produce efficiently by utilizing the set of quality management.
Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
within Jaguar.
The operation management principle that is followed by the Jaguar company is as follows:-
Organization: Jaguar has created the highly efficient manufacturing site. The company adopts
highly efficient lean manufacturing environment. This helps the company to cut down the waste
and produce efficiently. Therefore, it was the best method that Jaguar had applied in the
operation management. The business was growing rapidly.
Production: Jaguar is known for its high quality products. The company had created the
consistency in their production process.
Change: Jaguar redesign the plant and process in Halewood, thus it results in the producing
world class system that is based on quality and lean manufacturing. This also helps to bring an
innovative idea for the business. The main aim of changing the work practices was to create the
world class manufacturing facility.
Development: Jaguar updated their Halewood plant. They spent £300 million to upgrade the
plant. This has helped the company to introduce the new approaches for the production.
Efficiency and quality: Jaguar is known for its high quality products. However, the company
keeps on improving the quality of the products. The company has created a world class
performance in Jaguar assembly plant. To maintain the high level of quality the company’s
designer, engineers and marketers stay in tune. This will also help the company to satisfy the
needs of the potential customer.
8

Commitment to the Customer: Jaguar had a strong commitment to their customer. The company
is highly focused on satisfying the customer. However, the company is maintaining and
developing a strong relationship with the community. This will help the company to gain the
loyal customer.
Task 1: B Review and critique the implementation of operations management in relation
to Six Sigma methodology and Lean principles
From the given case study it has been noticed that the company Jaguar follows the “lean
principles”. The lean principles includes Just in time, total quality management, Kaizen, time
based management and others. By the help of lean management Jaguar improved the
productivity and cut down the wastage. The company trained, audit, implement and upgraded the
suppliers in order to maintain the quality in the process of the products. Jaguar used the lean
approach in Castle Bromwich in order to design the production plant. Jaguar used to keep their
product stocks in the factory floor and it takes so much of space, after the implementation of Just
in time the company started keeping the stock in separate area which resulted in JIT delivery
process. It helps in smooth functioning of the production process.
In order to improve the production in better way the company can use the six sigma. Six sigmais
a tool that helps to improve the production process. This was introduced in 1986 by Bill Smith.
Six sigmahelp the company to improve the quality the process by using quality management
methods, statistical method and others. By adopting six sigma Jaguar can improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of production process. Six sigma is known as the most successful business
strategies for the improvement of the business (Drohomeretski, et al, 2014). However, it has two
methodologies- DMAIC and DMADV. The methodologies have their own goals and guidelines
for improving the business processes. Six sigma will help the business to grow and develop, it
address the business issues and provides the solution and opportunity.
DMAIC: It includes define, measure, analyze, improve and control. Define will address the
customer needs and wants of a product, Measure is used to evaluate the data from the feedbacks
of the customer, Analyze is the reviewed data that is got after measuring the data, Improve is the
9

area where the changes is required for better outcome, and Control checks and adjust the
production process.
Figure: 1 DMAIC Model of six sigma
(Source: created by the learner)
DMADV: It includes define, measure, analyze, design and verify. Define will address the
customer needs and wants of a product, Measure will show the feedbacks of the customer
through collection of data, Analyze will show the evaluated area for the improvement, Design is
the product outcome that will be deliver to the customer, and Verify is testing the product
whether it is meeting as per the satisfaction of the customer or not.
10

Figure: 2 DMADV Modelof six sigma
(Source: created by the learner)
11

Task 1: C Prepare a continuous improvement plan to include at least two justified
recommendations which could improve the operations function detailed in the case study
based on your review and critique of operations
Explain Cost Reduction
With the help of the TQM, the company can improve the plan for the business. The following are
the factors:-
Customer focus: The most important factor is customer focus. This factor states that if the
product feature does not, match with the customer requirement then the value of the product will
decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the satisfaction of the customer needs and wants. In
order to achieve the customer needs and wants the company should gather the relevant
information through feedbacks, research and others. Customer focus can results in increase of
revenue and gaining more customer loyalty. Jaguar has always taken care of their customer
needs and wants.
Continuous improvement: Jaguar should update and upgrade their products frequently as the
customer expectation keeps on increasing. The company should use the PDCA approach in order
to ensure the continuous improvement. PDCA refers to Plan, Do, Check and Act.
Employee empowerment: Employees are the essential part of the quality management process.
The company should train them in order to perform better and help to develop the organization.
If the employees are trained properly then their contribution will help in smooth functioning of
the process.
Quality tools: Quality tools are important for the business. If the high technology is used for
business then it can help the business to grow. To utilize such highly advanced technology
employees should get the proper training. This will help the employees to perform in a better
way.
Product design: Jaguar should design their product in such a way so that it meets the customer
expectations. The company can do this with the help of QFD that is quality function deployment.
12