Analysis of Operations and Project Management at M&S and Portakabin

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management practices, focusing on two manufacturing businesses: Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Portakabin. The report begins with an overview of M&S, differentiating between operations and operational management, and critiquing the execution of operations management principles within the company. It explores the usefulness of operations management for businesses, discusses continuous improvement as a philosophy, and details Lean principles. The report also includes a proposed continuous improvement plan and recommendations for M&S. The second part of the report focuses on Portakabin, examining the project life cycle (PLC) and its effectiveness in project execution, specifically concerning the launch of a new building system. The report analyzes how different theories, concepts, and models can be applied to both large and small-scale projects, offering a comparative perspective on project management strategies. The report concludes with a synthesis of findings and insights into improving business operations and project outcomes.

Operations & Project
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
Overview of the chosen organisation.....................................................................................1
Difference between operation and operational management.................................................1
Critique and review of the execution of operations management principles.........................1
Analyze the extent to which the operations management is useful for the business..............2
Discuss continuous improvement as a philosophy and describe the Lean principles............3
Prepare a continuous improvement plan................................................................................4
Recommendations..................................................................................................................5
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
Overview................................................................................................................................5
Project Life Cycle...................................................................................................................5
Critique and review effectiveness of PLC by using concepts and models..........................10
Critically analyse how different theories, concepts and models could be used between large
and small-scale projects........................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Operation management is set of several business practices which helps an organisation in
creating the higher level of efficiency in the production activities so that productivity and
profitability of the business can be increased. It is also concerned with converting the raw
material into finished goods in order to maximise the profit (Operations and Project Management,
2019). The project management is a process of initiating, planning, executing, organising,
controlling and monitoring the company's monetary and non monetary resources in order to
accomplish a specific project. In this study, the two organisations will be taken which are M&S
and Portakabin, these both are operating their business under manufacturing activities. This file
will cover about the various principles of operation management and effectiveness of continuous
improvement plan. Along with this, the effectualness of project life cycle in effectively
completing the project will also discuss in this report.
PART 1
Overview of the chosen organisation
Mark and Spencer is a multinational British retailer which is operating their business in
manufacturing the high quality clothes, food and home products. This company is formed by
Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1884 and its headquarters are situated in London and
Westminster. M&S have almost 1463 outlets worldwide and almost 80,787 employees which
enables them to cover a huge marketplace(Heldman, 2018).
Difference between operation and operational management
Operations refers to those activities or functions which are conducting by an organisation
to convert its raw material into finished goods in order to earn higher profit by delivering them to
the customers. Whereas, the operation management is an important part of the management team
in which the manager concern for various processes like designing, executing, controlling and
redesigning of the business operations in the production of goods and services.
Critique and review of the execution of operations management principles.
Operation management has various principles which are useful for the business
organisation in reaching their strategic targets and goals. In order to implement an appropriate
principle within their business, operation manager of the M&S must focus on analysing and
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reviewing these principles effectively so that the profitability and brand value of the business can
be maximised. As the M&S give their main focus on smoothing their supply chain and gain
competitive advantage so that it is necessary for them to go through from these principles:
 Principle of Organisation: This principle depicts that an organisation must stay concern
for proper utilising of all the organisational resources so that production activities of the
business can be operated in a significant manner. In the case of manufacturing company
like M&S, in order to make their supply chain smooth and gain competitive benefit they
should use the innovative techniques and using hybrid trucks so that the quality and the
delivery system of the business can be improved. But in this case the overall cost of the
business will be increased.
 Principle of Change: This principle define that changes which are required within the
technologies in manufacturing activities should be adopted by the business organisation as
it enables them to operate all the activities as per current market trends. M&S must adopt
these changes in their organisation in order to meet the improve the supply chain and gain
competitive advantage. Also, it will help them to reduce their operational cost and provide
quality goods to the customers.
 Principle of Reality: This principle pertains that the organisation must stay concern for
the present issues or situations rather than the estimations of the using techniques and
methodologies. This principle is followed by the M&S as they are providing a range of
products and services to the customers due to this it becomes more crucial for them to
determine the issue in their one product which has impact on the demand of other
products so it is essential for them to focus on issue not on technology in which they have
already invest a huge amount of money(Pheng and Meng, 2018).
 Principle of quality control: The consideration of this principle in the business operation
is become essential for those who are leading their business in manufacturing activities. In
order to attract a range of customers M&S must focus on producing high quality products
by using the quality material, effective techniques and processes so that they can sustain
their business position in the competitive marketplace.
Analyze the extent to which the operations management is useful for the business
Operation management is useful for the business as it enables the business in maintaining
their supply chain process and gain the competitive advantage as within supply chain process the
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business will control all the unnecessary cost and time due to which operation management of the
firm can be done in an appropriate manner. Also, the concept of competitive advantage will allow
the firm to successfully manage their operations as in order to compete the business will focus on
executive operations in the best possible manner.
Discuss continuous improvement as a philosophy and describe the Lean principles
Continuous improvement refers to that an ongoing effortless of an organisation in order to
make necessary changes in their products, services and processes. This is the most effective
ongoing process which help the business organisation to alter their operations and implement
required changes so that the competitive nature of the business can be determined. It inspire the
business manager to give their focus on quality, cost, safety and delivery of the products so that
the efficiency, profitability, productivity and customers satisfaction can be maintained. Also, it
ensures the proper utilisation of all resources so that the business operations can be done in an
optimal manner. It is essential for M&S to make CIP so that they can improve their cost, safety,
quality and delivery of the products.
Lean Manufacturing Principles: It is a most appropriate method which is used by the
business organisation to minimising or obviating the wastage or defect from their production
processes without compromising the productivity of the business. The first user of this
methodology was Japanese manufacturing industry(Heldman, 2018). All the lean principles in the
context of M&S are described beneath:
 Value: Value refers to the needs and requirements of the customers against the benefits
which have rendered them to satisfy their needs. It involves various factors like timely
delivery, price of the products which they willing to pay, feature of the products etc. All
these aspects will help the business of M&S to provide higher satisfaction to the
customers by analysing their needs and produce their products accordingly.
 Map the value stream: This principle comes after analysing the value, as it will help
the business to map all the activities like designing, manufacturing and production
which assist the business to increase the value of their products and services among the
customers(Wilson, Bhakoo and Samson, 2018).
 Create flow: This principle utilising by the business organisation in order to ascertain
that all the business operations which are needed to be followed is operating smoothly
or not. So that all the activities of the M&S can be regulated without making any delay.
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 Establish pull: By using this principle in business, M&S can decrease the
manufacturing and delivering time which provide it the benefit of in terms of cost in
wide range of products.
 Pursue perfection: It refers that making a plan is not sufficient but the implementation
of the plan is must for the business. The changes which have been analysed to adopt
must made a part of the organisational culture so that the production activities can be
run smoothly which results higher in customers satisfaction and revenue of the business
organisation (Chirumalla, 2018).
Prepare a continuous improvement plan
BASIS EXISTING METHODOLOGY PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
Cost The company is using the principle of
change in their organisation due to this
the cost of their production might
increase but in other aspect it helps them
to gain competitive advantage in the
marketplace.
The company needs to adopt lean
principles in their business as it will
help them to reduce the unnecessary
cost from their operations so that the
profit can be maximised.
Quality Firm is failed to use the principle of
organisation, due to the lack of effective
product testing which create ineffective
quality of the products.
The company needs to focus on
adopting the TQM as it will help them
to ensure the higher quality of products.
Safety The organisation does not properly
adopt the principle of reality due to this
the root causes of the problem within
the business are ignore and new
techniques have adapted to maintain the
safety.
This principle must be followed with the
principle of the organisation as this will
help them in testing its products and
processes on evidence of safety
effectively.
Recommendations
As per the above discussed operation management, there are given two recommendations
for M&S to make their all the business transactions smooth and effective.
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 The organization must ensure the proper connectivity among all the manufacturing
activities which includes the product testing and determination of durability in utmost
conditions so that they will be able to attain the higher competitive advantage(Heizer,
Render and Munson, 2017).
 M&S must adopt innovation in their manufacturing processes and follow some effective
techniques such as lean manufacturing and total quality management in order to maintain
the quality of their products and services and can make their supply chain smooth.
PART 2
Overview
Portakabin is a business to business (B2B) organisation which is operating its business in
constructing modular and portable buildings. This company is operating its business in 6
countries with its 1300 employees. The buildings of this company is constructed on-site and
transported off-site. The main focus of this company on introducing more technology in the
marketplace due to this they have developed their first portable PK16 building in 1961. In present
scenario, Portakabin has launched a new building system named as Yorkon Building
System(YBS) which is an innovative product built by using cutting edge modular building
technology(Kerzner, 2017).
Project Life Cycle
Project life cycle is an effective process which is implemented within the organisation to
effectively execute all the stages of the project. In order to attain success in introducing a new
Yorkon Building System the designing and formulating an effective PLC is required for the
business organisation. By launching this product company will be able to introduce more
technology in the marketplace which enables them to attain higher recognition and help them to
attract a range of customers in their busines. As this will help them to operate all the project
activities appropriately by determining the needful process at the each stage of PLC (Nicholas
and Steyn, 2017). This process contains four stages which are described below:
 Project Initiation:
It is the first stage of the PLC in which the project manager will determine all the
strategies, processes, risk and objectives of their project. Along with this, in this step the teams
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are ascertained along with their responsibilities. For this aspect, company will frame a Business
case which is given below:
BASIS DESCRIPTION
Organisational Overview
Portakabin is leading its business in manufacturing the portable or
transportable buildings. The recent product which has been
launched by the company is Yorkon Building System.
Vision and Mission
The main vision of the company is become a well-reputed
organisation in Modular Construction Technology which is highly
demand able in the marketplace. Along with this, the firm is giving
their focus on marketing and R&D in order to enhance the usage of
technology in the marketplace. The mission of this company is to
expand their business globally so that the higher succession and
growth can be attained.
Objectives By offering a new product in the market the company wants to
increase the share of the market as well as their profitability.
Strategies Organisation is giving priority to the market research so that the
succession of the product can be assured.
Target Market The target market of this firm is manufacturing organisations in the
both tertiary as well as secondary sector.
Follow up This factors enables the manager to find that all the operations are
operating as per the set standards or not.
In relation to methodologies company has adopted the Six Sigma at this stage, which has
various stages like Define, Measure, Analyze, Develop and Validate. Moreover, the tool which is
adopted by the company is Microsoft project 2019 as they are working at the initiation phase of
the project. In respect to leadership the firm is using the Autocratic leadership style in order to
assigning the task and ascertain the strategies or methods appropriately(Schönsleben, P., 2018).
 Project Planning: This is the next stage, in which the project manager will formulate a
plan related to availability of their resources, funds, workforce and other elements which
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required to performed all the production activities effectively. Along with this, the setting
up the cost and the deadlines of the whole project will be ascertained in this stage. In
context with the Portakabin, the firm will go though from the project plan for the Yorkon
Building System which is as follow:
BASIS DESCRIPTION
Cost
YBS is an effective product which enhance the usages of the
technology in the marketplace. Due to this, the cost of this is higher
than the previous products of them.
Quality To ensure the higher quality of the product company will use TQM
approach as it will help them to ascertain the quality of their project
effectively.
Communication
This is the most important factor within the business as it increase
the free flow of ideas and opinions in the organisation. In this
context, the firm is using the various communication methods like
verbal and non-verbal communication, internal vertical and others.
Scope The scope of this project is wide as the Portakabin is focus on
providing the modular building to their B2B customers.
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The total quality management methodology is used by the organization at this stage as it
will enables them to improve the quality of their product or services. Firm is using the
Democratic leadership style at this step as this stage requires the involvement of the employees in
the decision-making process(Pheng and Meng, 2018). In this aspect the company is using various
tools which are given below:
Gantt Chart:
Gantt Chart is a very useful graphical tool which is used by the business organisation in
order to show all the activities or task against time. By preparing this chart for the new product
the Portakabin will be able to drills down all the business operations which needs to done in the
pre-determined time period with great efficiency.
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Work Breakdown Structure:
WBS is an effective method of dividing and conquer the large and complex project into
the smaller part so that all the activities can be done with more efficiency and speedily. By
adopting this structure in business Portakabin can break out all their activities among all the
employees effectively related to constructing a modular building. As because this will reduce the
pressure from each employees which will enables them to do their efforts with more efficiency so
that organisation can attain their desired outcomes.
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 Project Execution:
This stage refers to the execution of the project after considering all the above stages. In
this stage all the planning related to develop the YBS will execute and the effective monitoring
and controlling channel will develop. In this context Portakabin will establish coordination
between their human and technical resources so that the desired outcomes can be attained. For
effectively operating all the activities leaders will follow the transformational leadership in which
they will give their focus on motivating the people to effectively complete their work. Other, lead
production has adopted by them to reduce the wastage and Zoho Project was used by the
organisation to successfully implement this stage(Rendon and Snider, 2019).
 Project Closure:
It is the last stage of PLC where the organisation will use various methods and techniques
to establish proper monitor and control so that the quality, safety and tenure of the business can
be maintained. The firm will use Key Performance Indicators to establish proper monitor and
control on their production activities. The strategic leadership will adopt by the leaders to
appropriately accomplish this stage.
Critique and review effectiveness of PLC by using concepts and models
The various frameworks are available which are used in order to critique and review the
implementation of PLC. For this purpose, organisation can use the Waterfall Model to evaluate
the new product development of Portakabin:
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 Requirements: This stage refers to the requirements of the business in completing the
project. At this stage, the Six sigma methodology is used with the autocratic leadership
style to give all the task according to the requirement. But other the disadvantage of the
six sigma that is it increase rigidity. This has also experienced in YBS so in order to get
success in the project company should apply this concept on some specific variables like
design. Other, company should focus on democratic leadership style as it will enhance the
motivation of the employees towards the objectives of the business(Kasemsap, 2018).
 Design: This second stage refers to the designing the technologies requirements so that
the Portakabin can accomplish their project effectively. At this stage, the organisation
needs to adopt democratic leadership so that all the necessary training, development
programs can easily provide to the employees in order to effectively execute the project.
 Development: In this stage all the strategies and plans will made by the business in order
to effectively operate all the business operations. At this stage the company must focus on
adopting the lead principles and democratic leadership style as these both will help them
to reduce the wastage from the operations and create the healthy environment within the
organisation.
 Testing and maintenance: This is the last stage in which the project manager will
determine that all the activities are going as per set standards or not so that the project
closure or regulate decision can be formulated. In this stage the autocratic leadership style
can be adopted as because the involvement of the employees is not required in this step.
As in this by establishing proper monitor and control Portakabin can achieve their desired
results and cover a huge marketplace(Kerzner, 2019).
Critically analyse how different theories, concepts and models could be used between large and
small-scale projects
The various theories and concepts are used by the organisation whether it is small or large
projects. The concept of lean principles is most appropriate for both the large and small type of
projects as it will helps them to operate all the activities of the project in the most significant
manner but it also has some advantage like it is more time and cost consuming concept due to
which business have to face the more problem in faster decision-making. Other, the six sigma
concept is used by the business for their large and small projects as well which helps them to
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eliminate all the defects from their operations but on the other hand it might create rigidity and
bureaucracy which can hinder the creativity and delay the decisions.
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CONCLUSION
From the preceding study, it can be concluded that it is necessary for every organisation
to manage their business activities in order to attain the objectives of the project. For this, several
principles of operation management are acknowledged which will help the business to effectively
execute their project. Also, the continuous improvement plan is given which helps the company
to effectively operate their business in changing environment. Along with this, the project life
cycle has been explained in this file that is required to be considered by the business in order to
accomplish each and every stage of the project in a significant manner.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chirumalla, K., 2018. Managing Product Introduction Projects in Operations: Key challenges in
heavy-duty vehicle industry. The Journal of Modern Project Management. 5(3).
Heizer, J., Render, B. and Munson, C., 2017. Operations management. Pearson Education
Limited.
Heldman, K., 2018. PMP: project management professional exam study guide. John Wiley &
Sons.
Heldman, K., 2018. Project management jumpstart. John Wiley & Sons.
Kasemsap, K., 2018. The roles of information technology and knowledge management in project
management metrics. In Global Business Expansion: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools,
and Applications (pp. 1191-1221). IGI Global.
Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H., 2019. Using the project management maturity model: strategic planning for project
management. Wiley.
Lee, C. K. H., 2018. A review of applications of genetic algorithms in operations management.
Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence. 76. pp.1-12.
Nicholas, J. M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Pheng, L. S. and Meng, C. Y., 2018. Managing productivity in construction: JIT operations and
measurements. Routledge.
Pheng, L. S. and Meng, C. Y., 2018. Managing productivity in construction: JIT operations and
measurements. Routledge.
Rendon, R. G. and Snider, K. F., 2019. Management of defense acquisition projects. American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc..
Schönsleben, P., 2018. Integral logistics management: operations and supply chain management
within and across companies. CRC Press.
Schönsleben, P., 2018. Integral logistics management: operations and supply chain management
within and across companies. CRC Press.
Slack, N., 2018. Essentials of operations management. Pearson UK.
Wilson, K. B., Bhakoo, V. and Samson, D., 2018. Crowdsourcing: A contemporary form of
project management with linkages to open innovation and novel operations.
International Journal of Operations & Production Management. 38(6). pp.1467-1494.
Online
Operations and Project Management. 2019. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.beds.ac.uk/research-ref/bmri/centres/bisc/opm>.
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