Operation and Project Management for Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operation and project management principles applied to Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd, a UK-based manufacturing company. It begins with an introduction to project management and its significance for organizational success. The report then delves into the critique and review of operational management principles, specifically focusing on Six Sigma and Lean methodologies, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in the context of the company's expansion into manufacturing stainless glass. A continuous improvement plan is developed, addressing cost, quality, safety, and delivery aspects. Furthermore, the report applies the project life cycle (PLC) to a company project, including project initiation, planning, and execution, supported by documentation such as a project plan, business case, WBS, and Gantt chart. Finally, the effectiveness of the PLC is critiqued using various models and concepts.

OPERATION
AND PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Carry out a review and critique for implementing operational management principle in
context of business organisation.............................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2 Develop a continuous improvement plan based upon critique and review of operational
management principles...........................................................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P3 Apply every stage of Plc and produce required supporting documentations for
accomplishing project.............................................................................................................5
Critique and review the effectiveness of PLC for chosen project by using various models and
concepts..................................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Project management is defined as an aspect which focuses on completing and managing a
project in expected time period. Management of operations and project is very important so that
organisational success and growth can be assured in a desired manner. It involves effective
planning, initiation, systematic execution along with monitoring of tasks so that desired results
can be achieved (Schniederjans, Cao and Triche, 2013). This report is based on Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd which is a UK based manufacturing company, situated in Midlands, West
Berkshire. At present, company is employing 1250 employees and successfully operating at
different sites in various buildings. This assignment is going to mention about critiques and
review of operation management principles along with the formulation of continuous
improvement plan. Beside this, different stages of PLC along with required documentations such
as project plan, business case, WBS, Gantt chart is mentioned. At last, critique and reviews for
effectiveness of PLC is carried out with the help of appropriate models and frameworks.
TASK 1
P1 Carry out a review and critique for implementing operational management principle in
context of business organisation
Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is a manufacturing company which is based in Midlands,
West Berkshire, UK. Company manufactures stainless steel and at present employing around
1250 employees. As company is performing well, they have their offices and factories in
different locations. Due to their efficiency, company has achieved renowned success in UK
market. Now, company is going to introduce stainless glass in market as their business
expansion.
Operation and operation management
Operation is defined as all those processes and activities that are performed by a company
so that organisational targets and objectives can be attained in an appropriate manner. Operation
management is referred to the planning and implementation of different processes of business
which are related with manufacturing, production and other organisational activities. In context
with Midland manufacturing co Ltd, this management is necessary as it will benefits in the
company in using their resources in an optimal manner. Other merit associated with project
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management is that it will enhance the overall productivity of company in a desired manner
(Kerzner, 2019).
There are different type of principles and methodologies of operations that will benefits
the company in improving their manufacturing process. Some of these methodologies and
principles are stated below:
Six Sigma: It is referred to the set of processes and techniques so that processes of
business firm can be improved in a proper manner. This methodology benefits in improving the
output quality by identifying the cause of defects. After it, the defects can be removed so that
variability in manufacturing and production can be minimised to a certain level. This
methodology has different aspects such as DMADV and DMAIC. DMADV approach is used for
developing a new product and DMAIC is used to improve their existing products. Company is
going to use DMADV to manufacture stainless glass.
 Define: This step defines the targets and goals of the project in a proper manner. This is a
vital aspect as it results in initialisation of project and offer it required standards
beforehand. This will help Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd in acknowledging
expectations of consumers (Vanhoucke, 2012).
 Measure: In this stage, company is required to measure and calculate the needed
capabilities of their stainless glass along with gathering of essential information and data.
 Analyse: Here, overall manufacturing procedure of Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is
analysed. This will helps the company in assuring that demands and needs of customers
will be satisfied in a proper way.
 Design: After analysing the manufacturing procedure, company design the processes in
accordance with the desired of customers.
 Verify: This is the last stage where the business firm verifies if the produced product I.e
stainless glass is capable to satisfy the needs and demands of customers or not (Fleming
and Koppelman, 2016).
Critique of six sigma
 If six sigma is not applied in a proper manner, it will results in offering shortcomings
rather than advantages. This methodology is not flexible and adaptable in nature.
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 In this process, each procedure is given consideration rather than focusing on new
developed product. Despite such factor, this methodology discourages innovation and
creativity.
 Implementing six sigma is a costly procedure and this method is more suitable for those
conditions where continuous improvement is required (Gilbert and et. al., 2015).
Lean methodology: This operational management principle emphasizes on minimisation
of wastage without compromising with productivity and efficiency. The main objective of this
methodology is to remove inconsistencies that can hinder the growth of organisations like
Midland manufacturing co Ltd. There are different principles of lean methodology that can give
high contribution to the manufacturing of stainless glass. Some of these principles are mentioned
below:
 Value defining: This step defines the value of buyer. In this context, Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd is needed to acknowledge the current trends and market needs for
stainless glass. There are different methods such as interview and questionnaires that can
help Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd in acknowledging the aspects which are valuable for
customers.
 Mapping value stream: In this step, all those procedures and activities will be followed
that will helps in accomplishing value which are important for customers (Glukhov, Ilin
and Levina, 2015).
 Creating flow: During this principle, labour, resources and materials are aligned so that
project work can be performed and completed in an organised manner. In this stage,
employees of Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd will be given training so that complex work
can be performed in a simplified way.
 Pull establishment: Here, the manufacturing and production systems are analysed
effectively so that resources can be used optimally. This is a vital step for Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd as pulling establishment will helps in accomplishing project in a
timely manner.
 Perusing perfection: This principle is based upon assuring the appropriate standards for
every aspect that will be encountered during production of stainless glass (Harrison and
Lock, 2017).
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Critique of Lean methodology
 These principles can induce the internal frustrations in workers as it discourages
inconsistencies.
 In context with Midland manufacturing co Ltd, this methodology will results in increased
production due to which overflow of goods and products will takes place. If demand of
products will be less, enhanced production of stainless glass will increase cost for
company.
TASK 2
P2 Develop a continuous improvement plan based upon critique and review of operational
management principles
While manufacturing or producing a particular product, it is essential for the company to
check the effectiveness of overall production processes and implement important methodologies
so that desired success and outcomes can be attained in a proper manner. Beside this, companies
such as Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is needed to focus on their continuous improvement in
services and products so that satisfaction level of customers can be enhanced in a considerable
manner and advantage over rival companies can be gained in a desired way (Kerzner, and
Kerzner, 2017).
As Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is going to manufacture stainless glass, it is important
for them to carry out continuous improvement on timely basis. This will benefits them in
sustaining a strong presence I market by out pacing the products which is offered by competitors
operating in same market. In this context, continuous improvement plan for company is
discussed below:
Basis Principles/Approaches Implementation
Cost The approach or principle which can
be applied to manage cost of Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd is causality.
By using it, overall expenses and
costs of company will be reduced due
to which productivity will increase.
Causality will benefits Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd in focusing
on those aspects that can increase
the cost while production of
products. Different issues which
hike the prices will be
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acknowledged and resolved due to
which over cost can be reduced.
Quality In order to increase the quality of
stainless glass produced by company,
they can use total quality
management approach (Kundu,
Kumarand Chandra, 2015).
By implementing TQM, Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd will be able
to emphasize on the quality of
product as per latest standards and
needs of clients. Each material and
resources that is used while
production will be analysed so that
expected quality can be achieved.
Safety To assure the safety of products and
staff members, company can adopt
six sigma approach in which defects
from products and machines will be
minimised so that overall safety can
be ensured by the company.
Adopting six sigma approach is
very beneficial for Midland
manufacturing co Ltd. These
principles are going to set up those
activities and practices that will
formulate a safe working
environment for employees so that
they can perform work in a
comfortable manner.
Delivery While delivery of stainless glass,
company can adopt lean
methodology and associated
principles (Lam and Lai, 2015).
Principles in this methodology will
increase the growth in effective
measures and removal of
inconsistencies which will assists in
timely execution and delivery of
products.
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TASK 3
P3 Apply every stage of Plc and produce required supporting documentations for accomplishing
project
At present company is facing two major issues which are decreasing the movement of
staff members from office during lunch break and developing a healthy lifestyle for employees
which is a part of social corporate responsibility. In this respect company is going to introduce a
project and manage it with the help of project life cycle.
Project: Company wishes to launches a canteen in working premises so that employees can eat
meals during lunch time. Also, to improve their mind and health condition, company is adopting
flexible working hours.
Description of Project life cycle and brief explanation
A project life cycle consists of four steps and it is essential for the manager of Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd to follow these steps so that workers will not have to go out of office
during lunch and their absenteeism will also reduce. PLC will offer a framework which will
allow the manager of company to control various activities of project in a proper manner. In this
context, Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is going to follow below mentioned stages in a proper
manner:
 Project initiation: It is referred as the first stage associated with project life cycle. Under
this stage, objectives and goals for a project are specified and various aspects for the
project are built. Beside this, different issues are also identified in this stage. In this step,
objectives of Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd which is reducing the movement of
employees in lunch and required improvements in their health are identified (Krajewski,
Ritzman. and Malhotra, 2013).
 Project planning: This stage is defined as a continuous process where planning for the
project is performed in accordance with the available time, cost and other resources. This
stage will continue till execution phase. In this stage, manager of company will prepare
different plans so that the objectives of improving heath of employees and reducing their
movement in local area can be achieved properly.
 Project execution: In accordance with the given name, this stage is concerned with the
implementing and monitoring the plan so that desired progress can be achieved. Under
this stage, the plan will be converted into action so that project activities can be
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performed in a proper manner. Plan of opening a canteen in office so that healthy diet
will be given to employees will be executed in this phase. It will benefit the company in
meeting their both objectives i.e. reducing employee’s absenteeism and providing them
good quality food to improve their health (Van Wassenhove and Martinez, 2012).
 Project closure: This is the last stage associated with project life cycle in which expected
objectives will be achieved and project will be closed in a proper manner. But if
objectives of company i.e. to open a canteen is not accomplished project cannot be
closed.
These were the steps which must be followed by the manager in Midland Manufacturing Co
Ltd so that their project and associated objectives can be achieved in a proper manner.
Business case for the concerned company is mentioned below:
Business case:
Company overview Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is located in West Midland,
Birmingham, UK. It is a manufacturing company will offer stainless steel
but now company is also preparing stainless glass for their clients.
Vision and mission Vision of company is to became a market leader in manufacturing of
stainless steel and glass. Mission of organisation is to offer high quality
products to the customers so that high sales and revenues can be earned.
Objective The main objective of firm is to improving health of workers by offering
them better food and working condition. They want to reduce the
movement of employees during working hours (Weglarz, 2012).
Strategy Company is going to introduce a canteen within company so that comfort
level of employees and their health can be enhanced considerably.
Follow up It is the last stage of a business case in which previously performed
activities are monitored and their effectiveness is acknowledged so that
project can be accomplished in a proper manner.
Project plan-
Cost In case of above mentioned project, estimated cost required by the
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company is £15,000- £ 20,000.
Communication It is very necessary that there must be a proper interaction and
communication among workers and managers of company. Without any
communication, it will not be easy for project manager to work on project
in a proper manner. In this project, objective of company is to carry out
improvements in the health of employees and reducing their absenteeism.
It is not possible to accomplish without appropriate communication
among employees. By communication, project manager can acknowledge
the actual working condition of employees. For communication, manager
can use text message, e-mails, phone calls or face to face interaction
(Rowbotham, Azhashemi and Galloway, 2012).
Scope Scope of this project is high as if working and health conditions of
employees will improve, their working productivity will enhance. Due to
this company will be able to earn high revenues and profits.
Cost benefit analysis- In this kind of analysis, an organisation needs to evaluate their profit
margins by summing up the total number of profits and deducing it from the total incurred cost.
By this company can easily identify their profitability for different business activities.
Work break down structure:
This kind of structure is used when an organisation is working on a large project. With
the help of WBS, a big project can be divided into small manageable sections so that each
activity can be performed in a desired and proper manner (Sterman, Oliva, Linderman, and
Bendoly, 2015). By dividing the project in multiple sections, a company can give more
consideration to the prioritised work so that efficient results can be gained in a proper manner. In
context of project, started by MIDLAND MANUFACTURING CO LTD , a WBS is provided
below:
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TASK 4
Critique and review the effectiveness of PLC for chosen project by using various models and
concepts
After formulating a detailed project life cycle, concerned company Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd is needed to critique and review about its effectiveness to identify those
limitations which can hinder or reduce the success of project. PLC in context with Midland
Manufacturing Co Ltd is reviewed and criticized below:
 In the first phase of project initiation, company has used democratic leadership and six
sigma so that an appropriate framework can be prepared and objectives can be identified
in a simple manner. With the help of six sigma, principles for this project can be
identified properly but that can be hard to modified later as per the situation. Also,
democratic leadership will create ambiguity as different employees will have different
opinion of healthy working condition. Midland Manufacturing Co Ltd is required to
adopt flexible policies so that objectives can be attained properly (Heldman, 2018).
 Another step linked with planning has used lean principles and the strategic leadership as
their methodology. Lean principle can bound the company to choose only those processes
and methods that have high contribution and costly. Due to this, expenses of company
can increase. In this context, company can take a 360-degree analysis for every
procedure which must be used by company. This will assure the long term benefits for
the organisation.
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 In the third step of execution, organisation is taking the help of transactional leadership
along with total quality management so that required processes and activities can be
executed in a proper manner. Beside this, company is also needed to formulate standards
for the performance management so that progress and work can be amplified in a proper
way (Lientz and Rea, 2012).
CONCLUSION
From above mentioned report, it is comprehended that projects and operation management is
important for performing work in an effective and efficient manner. There are various
principles and methodologies which are used by a business companies to perform their
business activities. With the help of effective, continuous improvement plan, a company can
carry out required modifications as per market trends and needs of customers. This will also
ensure quality work so that high profits can be earned. Also, project life cycle helps in
accomplishing a project in an organized way. With the help of project management plan,
WBS a project activities are performed in a proper manner so that high results can be
achieved.
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