JKB Bloggins Ltd: Project Management Report on Automotive Expansion

This report analyzes project management principles within the context of JKB Bloggins, an automotive company in the UK planning to expand its operations. The report discusses various project types, scope management techniques, and the importance of tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis for ensuring timely project completion. It outlines ways to ensure project success, including budget adherence and customer satisfaction. The report also details the skills and activities required of a project manager, particularly in the context of JKB Bloggins' expansion into the Asian market. Key aspects include outlining project activities, defining tasks, team development, and the significance of training and feedback. The report emphasizes the importance of cost management and leadership skills for effective project execution, providing a comprehensive overview of project management strategies and their application in a real-world business scenario.

MANAGING PROJECTS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK...............................................................................................................................................1
1. Types of project..................................................................................................................1
2. Scope management and its tools.........................................................................................1
3 Importance of plotting a Gantt chart and identifying critical path......................................1
4. Ways to ensure success of a project...................................................................................2
5. Changes to the project plan................................................................................................2
6. Ways to ensure timely accomplishment of project.............................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Projects are different activities which are performed in an organisation as per the demand and
requirement of business. It helps in developing a new product or service which further raises the
overall capacity of business enterprise. Business projects are particularly carried out to achieve
the common goals and objectives of an enterprise. The purpose of any project defines its results
and effect on any business. To ensure success of same, it is important that task is properly
managed as only then it will give desired results to the organisation. Following report will talk
about different roles and responsibilities of a project manager in JKB Bloggins which deals in
automotive products in the UK.
TASK
1. Types of project
In an organisation, there are a number of projects which are carried out with different
objectives. In context of JKB Bloggins, manufacturing project will be carried out as it is
planning to expand the present scale of operations by opening a new site at different locations
where construction of building will take place. It again deals in a product line which falls under
the manufacturing division. After this, another project in which this concern will be dealing is
management of projects as in case when entry in new market is done, proper management has to
be carried out. This ensures that all the required resources are made available on time and in the
right quantity. Process of recruitment will be taking place which needs to be managed by the
project manager.
Project on a broad term can be divided under three distinct heading:
 One which is driven with alterations
 The other is one that is associated with the market
 lastly, one that is effected by the crises
2. Scope management and its tools
When a project is started, there are different activities which are performed during the
same time. It is considered as a scope of project and at the end of that particular task, all these
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areas are covered. Planning, controlling, etc. are various acts which have to be carried out by the
project manager of refereed enterprise. All these activities ensure achievement of goals so that
the resources do not get wasted and utilised in their most efficient manner.
3 Importance of plotting a Gantt chart and identifying critical path
When a project is carried out, there are a number of activities which are needed to be
performed so that the final results are accomplished. Distinct tasks have their own importance
and demands time as well as attention accordingly. Gantt chart is an effective tool that helps in
doing planning of duration and also which activity to perform first and which later. In this way,
more attention can be given to those tasks which are complex and require much time investment.
JKB Bloggins wish to expand their operations in new areas of London and has a time limit of
March 2008. Therefore, they have to take assistance of these tools so that project will get
completed on time and the quality of same will be maintained. Much time can be saved through
this process as those activities which are of less importance are eliminated while constructing the
Gantt chart.
Critical path analysis is an effective manner through which systematic planning can be
done. It involve complex actions to be taken as the whole work is categorised in a particular
order which is set as per the priority of the same. CPA method is understood with the help of
designing own template and hence calculating the total time requirement of the work.
4. Ways to ensure success of a project
In order to determine the success of any project, there are a number of ways which can be
used. Some of them are discussed as below:
Duration – It is the time taken by any project to get completed. To be considered as a
successful project, it is required that the same is completed within set time frame which is
allotted against the same.
Budget – Before starting a new project, resource allotment is done for the same within
which the task has to be completed. It acts as a limit which should not be crossed to coplent an
activity with success.
Customer satisfaction – Any business activity is carried out with an aim of earning
higher profit which is possible only if users of goods are satisfied with the same. If the end users
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are happy with quality of products and services then it is considered that the project has attained
success.
5. Changes to the project plan
Business operates in external surroundings which are dynamic in nature. Any alteration
in the factors that are present outside the business boundaries have to be checked on a regular
basis so that accordingly, changes can be made. Project manager has to monitor alterations which
are taking place in the environment of business so that modifications in own project can be done.
These variations need to be well communicated to all those who will be affected by the same as
their consent is important to take actions.
6. Ways to ensure timely accomplishment of project
JKB Bloggins Ltd is involved in different activities to complete its final project. It is
required that close monitoring is kept on each one of them so that minimum or no deviations in
results will be received. Through this process, mistakes can be identified at the same time and
hence, can also be rectified which will further help in avoiding duplication of task.
TASK 2
JKB blogging is a well-known organisation which is catering its services for auto mobile
industries. It was incorporated in the year 1980 and since then, firm is delivering its textile items
to various automotive companies. There is a tough competition in this sector and due to this
reason, the organisation is planning to expand its market share by exploring a new market in
Asian region. The management has given target of completing this expansion project before
March, 2018 and also allotted budget of 12 million to manager of same project. In order to
complete the given task on time and with provided fund, this is required that project manager
will fulfil his duty in an appropriate manner and introduce the latest technology to fresh market
within limits provided. Various actions needed to be performed by the manger are as follows:
Outlining the activities essential to manage a new project
In order to complete a final project, there is a list of activities which is needed to be
performed. These small distinct act turned into big projects when compiled together and
therefore it is essential equal importance is given to all the distinct tasks so that the final goal is
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accomplished by the management. Variety of activities which are needed to be performed are as
follows:
Recognising goals – To achieve the final objective it is better to establish small targets so
that efficiency of overall team can be improved. Project manger by identifying these can achieve
the desired results. The breaking of whole project into different units will assist the project
manager to assign right person the correct job to perform on the new site (Devaux, 2015). It
would be ensured that employees working there are capable of using the advance technology and
tools so that the goals of HKB blogging are accomplished.
Define task – The project can be completed by accomplishing various activities involved
in the expansion activity. If all the work that need to be performed are determined in advance
than it will help in making the work break down structure and therefore it would become less
difficult to achieve the same. Refereed organisation will have to plan for the recruitment as it
will be analysed that how many placements can be done within the organisation and remaining
will be selected from outside the organisation boundary.
Growth of team – Once every vacant job vacancies are fulfilled the next exercise which
needs to carry out is of developing the competency of employees so that they can use the
developed resources. In starting a new work at a new location is a tough task as challenge of
covering market is faced due to the other competitor who are already there (Müller and Jugdev,
2012). Project manager will have to assign duties and responsibility of every individual which
will help in eliminating confusion and getting the exact work done. As everyone will be new at
this place it will be given more care that good relations are developed among the employees so
that they can together as team can help in the accomplishment of task.
Training – This project cannot be successfully accomplish without finding and fulfilling
training needs of all the people who are going to work in this project. 3 months training would be
provided to staff members so they can understand new technology, which they have to use, and
work on it according to the need of organization. Employees may know about their roles but if
they would not have necessary skills and knowledge then they cannot perform their work in right
way. Training needs of different employees differ so project manager has to make sure that they
provide correct and appropriate training instead of providing similar kind of training.
Feedback – Taking and giving feedbacks to the members of project is essential for
finding setbacks. Monitoring of the work, which employees are doing, should be done by
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management so they can implement project and stop workers to committing mistakes. Taking
feedback regarding training provided to the members of team will support organization in
finding any additional training need. Feedbacks reveals new skills and knowledge which team
members has acquired (Lau and Rowlinson, 2011).
Above activities are necessary for successful implementation of this project. Without
setting objectives, organization cannot attain their long term goals. Defining every task is
significant because if team members who are going to work on a product do not have any idea
about what they have to do then they cannot do their work in proper way. Team development is
important stop because a single person cannot accomplish whole project, all the members has to
work in team so they can complete this project. Accomplishing this small segment of WBS also
require training to team member and feedbacks from their side.
Skills and abilities of a manager
In order to carry out the project there is a list of competencies which are required to be
their in a project manager which are discussed below in detail:
Cost management – To finish the project is not just enough as it is of equal importance
that same is finished with cost efficiency. It is required that project manager is capable of
completing whole work within the budget assigned to him as only than the work done is
considered as appropriate. Resources should be allotted in a proper manner so that they do not
get wasted and for same the person at authority must have the skills of proper distribution.
Leadership: This skill is most prominent that is belongs to a manager for a new project.
It can be defined as ability of a person who suppose to lead a team or group of individuals in
order to achieve organisational objective this ability could inspire other who are sharing same
goals and it is owned by project manager (Cavallo, 2010). There is saying that skill of leadership
cannot be taught as individual are born with it but it is myth as any person whom have courage to
bear risk and capacity to lead persons in direction of objective can be known as leader or it can
be learnt. Being a project manager leading a team is a difficult task thus manager not only
ensures successful compilation of project but also manager looks after to all members of team
are doing their assign job in ideal manners.
Communication: As a manager of project communication is core and important tool
cause it is essential for them to clarify all the thing among subordinates that what is done and
what needs to be done. This tools majorly used by manager to get clear idea and assessment of
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growth of their project. With help of sound communication a manager will track progress of their
employee or team members and they also able to reduce numbers of conflicts and issues which
may be happens in group (Laudon and Laudon, 2015). Sound communication are always
recommanded for providing guidance and giving instruction to team. Effective communication
skill can make influence on shareholders and investors as they are crucial part of project.
Scheduling: It is very intense and crucial skill that have major importance in project for
a manager hence on one could be able to understand the power and intensity of effective
scheduling then a project manager. This is prominent approach through which objective of
project will be achieved in determined time and sufficient manners. Scheduling for project
included some activities that are carried out in different sequence in order to confirm completion
of project (Jonny, Klakegg and Haavaldsen, 2011). Being a project manager it is required to
define each and every activity with suitable objective in regards of team's performance hence
manager should frame strategy that have involvement of time period and objective and working
capacities as in certain time how much work will be done by team this information helps in
attaining their aim.
Risk managements: It can be known as main, crucial and prominent capability that are
owned by those person whom are able to handle a project. This skill has ensures that risk in
project are divided and plans for protection are framed so there is minimum risk in order to
completion of project. All types are uncertain and unexpected that may come up with major
harm. It is important to calculate and consider all risk factor at time of managing project as it
assist in reducing interference of those factors that may creates hurdle in attaining objective
(Eskerod and Huemann, 2013). Risk management creates belief in workers for their safety at
work place and confirms timely completion of project.
If all the above discussed skills are present in person carrying out project than chances of
its accomplishments gets further increased.
Problem solving:manager needs to have this skills to solve issues in organisations. They
required to think on their manner and provide solution to problems. Manager needs to be experts
in their certain field and they also required to be clam and focused.
Good time management- manager should have sound understanding of time as they have
more work to do at single time. So that time arrangement is essential for them.
Project management process
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Process is a set of steps that are followed so that no important work is missed out and the
desired results are achieved. Given below is the process through which the project can be
completed in its best manner:
Project conception and initiation: it is first phase of project management process in
which determine nature and scope of a project. This stage generally helps in examining about
success and failure of the same majorly. This is the study of external environment which carried
out major controls that are added to the product. In this include planning of the project and also
identify that it will attain goal or not. JKB Bloggins planned to expand operational market with
the help of building manufacturing site. So this stage include plans and scope of project which
helps in identification (Eskerod and Huemann, 2013). In this included the project proposal
documents and WBS that support to the projects and make facilitate ideal initiation to the
projects.
Planning: planning is the process in which include several activities such as time, cost
and resources that helps in achieving business goals and objectives and able to manage risk
factor in effective manner. It is bridge as the gap between present situations and expected future
condition of business. In planning process, rolling wave technique of planning is employed for
activities proceeds and helps to activities which are carried out in the future. So it is a employed
in project that are time bound and development of cost, budget is to be carried out in this phase.
Execution: after planning process, next step is execution of that plan as it is essential for
a project manager that he has to implement all activities in the same manner as they are planned.
For effective planning, company make decisions regarding utilising resources as they allocate
resource among various activities in appropriate manner and individual are communicated about
the tasks they have to accomplish. In this phase informations are discussed related to project for
knowing opinion of subordinates.
Development and testing: After the planning and designing completion, the team of
project start to develop and build the project output and it may be included a piece of software, a
bridge and business process. Individual test these components for ensuring and confirming that
they work as they should do like that.
Training and business readiness: This is most important phase where they prepare for
the project launch and follows some procedures such as:
 train users.
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 Put in place for ongoing support.
 Transfer data for new system
Control: it is very important phase in project management that control on various
activities as per the plan. They match current status with planned for identifying discrepancies. In
this major alternatives in scope of project to be carried out according to planning (Aaltonen and
et. al., 2010). Some important tool which are employed in this project such as monitoring cost
variance metric and stakeholder satisfaction metric. It can be said that it is one of the
contemporary approach to monitor project which helps in determining the level of satisfactions
of stakeholder and also agreement with way activities are carried out.
Closing: this is the last phase of project management as it focus on completion of project
and also satisfied the with the manner things have been carried out such known as closing of a
project. In this step, major highlights are ascertained through evaluation that helps in learning
from this experience. Closing phase refers to formal closure of project report as well as end
thereof. Installations of new manufacturing site and development of staff which are ready for
operating, that calls closure of the project. It is necessary that stakeholders have to agree and
accepted this contract so that can be closed and ultimately leading to project closure.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion this has been summarised that to carry out a project is a
complex activity. Person made responsible for same has to perform different roles and
responsibility which are very crucial and needs to be carried out with high degree of expertise as
much investments is done in expansion of business and failure of same may lead to heavy loss
for the enterprise. In the given text all skills which are required in a project manager are
discussed in detail which shows that person carrying out project needs to develop such skills so
that the resources provided to him are utilised to their maximum capacity. Thereafter a whole
process of project management is also discussed which shows what all steps need to be taken to
accomplish the project in a successful manner.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aaltonen, K. and et. al., 2010. A stakeholder network perspective on unexpected events and their
management in international projects. International Journal of Managing Projects in
Business. 3(4). pp.564-588.
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Andersen, E.S., 2010. Rethinking project management–An organisational perspective. Strategic
Direction. 26(3).
Artto, K.A. and Kahkonen, K., 2013. Managing risks in projects. Routledge.
Brown, K.A. and Hyer, N.L., 2010. Managing projects: a team-based approach. McGraw-Hill.b
Cavallo, A., 2010. Risk Management in Complex Projects. An exploratory study to managing
unknown unknowns in uncertain environments.
Cusworth, J.W. and Franks, T.R., 2013. Managing projects in developing countries. Routledge.
Devaux, S.A., 2015. Total project control: a practitioner's guide to managing projects as
investments. CRC Press.
Du, J., Leten, B. and Vanhaverbeke, W., 2014. Managing open innovation projects with science-
based and market-based partners. Research Policy. 43(5). pp.828-840.
Eskerod, P. and Huemann, M., 2013. Sustainable development and project stakeholder
management: what standards say. International Journal of Managing Projects in
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Jerbrant, A. and Karrbom Gustavsson, T., 2013. Managing project portfolios: balancing
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