Operations and Project Management Report: Cranswick and Portakabin

This report delves into the realms of operations and project management, offering a comprehensive analysis of key principles and their practical applications within organizations. The report is divided into two primary sections, focusing on Cranswick and Portakabin respectively. The first part scrutinizes the implementation of operational management principles at Cranswick, encompassing variance, organization, change, and fundamental principles, along with an analysis of how these principles align with organizational requirements and a discussion of different approaches to operations management, including Taylor's scientific management theory. The second part of the report shifts its focus to project management, evaluating the application of the project life cycle and its effectiveness, particularly in the context of Portakabin. Furthermore, the report proposes a continuous improvement plan for Cranswick, examining lean principles, including defining value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection, to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. The report concludes with a comparative analysis of existing and proposed methodologies for cost, quality, and delivery improvements.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Review and critique of the implementation of operational management principles in an
organisation.................................................................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2. Continuous improvement plan and principles of operation management............................3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P3. Application of project life cycle with the supporting documentation for completing the
project..........................................................................................................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
P4. Review and critique of the effectiveness of PLC applications.............................................9

INTRODUCTION
Operations management is the process of managing people and system in an organisation
who are responsible for the production of goods and services (What is Operations Management?,
2019). It handle various strategic problems such as inventory, quality, control etc. in order to
increase the outcome. Project management is a business scenario which refers to the practices of
planning, executing, monitoring and closing of the work to accomplish a specific goal. This
report is divided into two parts first one is based on Cranswick and the another one is on
Portakabin. Cranswick deals in food products and supplier of it and Portakabin deals in modular
building and currently launched its new product named “Yorkon Building System”. This report
includes review and critique of the operational management principles and the application of
continuous improvement. On the other hand, second part is based on the project life cycle and
the critique of the project to determine the effectiveness.
TASK 1
P1. Review and critique of the implementation of operational management principles in an
organisation
Company Overview
Cranswick was incorporated in 1974 in UK and deals in the wide range of food products
and the premium supplier of fresh food products. It is situated in Hull, UK and was founded by
Jim Bloom and Mike Field. In 1993 company diverse itself into pet products with the acquisition
of George Buckton and in 2009 sold its pet business.
Operations vs Operations Management
Operations include those activities in which raw materials are converted into finished
products in order to increase production and earn more profit (Huemann and et. al., 2018).
Whereas Operations Management is that area which make sure that the resources which are used
in the operational activities are utilised in an appropriate manner which increases the outcome or
improve productivity. Operation management is function of organising and managing the
outcome, production, workforce and available resources in order to convert them into final
product.
Operation Management Principles
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Variance: This principle represents that the company wants to reduce its cost or not
which is depends on the processing and manufacturing (Greene and Stellman, 2018). By supply
chain, cost reduction can be undertaken to ensure the effectiveness of the product and
organisations increases their variety of products. Cranswick implement this principle in their
supply chain in order to gain competitive advantage or to get success in the market.
Organisation: According to this principle, profitability and efficiency is increased in
order to properly organise the organisation. To manage its supply chain, Cranswick involves
movement of raw materials and also manages the flow of goods and services which is quite
difficult to handle while operational activities with same efficiency. Therefore, implementation
of this is somehow difficult for an organisation.
Change: This principle is necessary to ensure the change in an organisation or make sure
the alteration in any operational activities which is important to maintain consistency in order to
survive in the frequently changing environment (Fleming, 2019). In addition to this, it will help
in on time delivery of products to customers. In terms of Cranswick, they uses various tools and
techniques in their delivery procedure in order to increase the overall cost.
Fundamental: As per this principle, the success factor of the company depends on
maintaining the discipline and following the various rules and regulations of the company
(Kasemsap, 2018). In addition to this, tools and techniques also play a very important role in the
success of tan organisation. In the context of Cranswick, company manages its supply chain by
using environment factor in order to make sure the safety and sustainability of climate.
Analysis of principles in order to meet the organisational requirement
Operation management is important in order to operate and run organisation successfully
(Mishra, 2019). It is essential for the Cranswick to analyse and implement these principles in
order to meet the requirement of the company. Firm need to apply these principles in order to
enhance the effectiveness for the success of new product development. The analysis of these
principles in order to meet the requirement are as follows:
 This is the first requirement for Cranswick in order to reduce cost in their operations.
Company is breaching the law of food safety which affects the quality of the production.
For this company can company can apply principle of variance to enhance their offerings
in products and services. This principle suggests the firm to reduce the operational cost
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and helps in increasing the variety of products. However, it does not meet the
requirement of company.
 Another requirement is the consistency in the operations as the quality is affected when
the company is diversify their products in order to acquire more market area. This impact
the supply chain of the company and impact the implementation of these principles. This
states that each operational activity has its need which can cause hurdles in the
accomplishment of the principle of organisation.
 Third requirement is that company should make sure about the use of methods and
techniques in its production which can manage the supply chain. In this company adopts
change principle as it suggests new ideas or methods in the accomplishment of
organisational objectives.
 In addition to this, safety is the major requirement of every company from any
uncertainty and for this company can adopt principle of fundamental. Safety measures are
taken by company for their employees in regard to protect themselves. This requirement
is consummated at high level by this principle.
Different approaches to operations management
Taylor's scientific management theory: It is a scientific theory which describes and
analyse the flow of work and maintains the economic efficiency and productivity. Its major
principles are as follows:
Scientific, not the rule of thumb: It said that this approach is necessary in order to take
managerial decisions.
Harmony, not discord: It represents the unity of action and on the other side discord states
the various approaches.
Cooperation, not individualism: It represents the working manner of people in which they
achieve the goals and targets but for this individuals need to sacrifice their own targets.
High production: It represents that production needs to increase more and more in order
to increase the productivity. They never consider restriction in their deliverables.
Flexible specialisation: Here, company can use various machines and technology with
different purpose. They acquire themselves in multi-tasking and innovative techniques to adjust
in the frequently changing environment. It can be used by Cranswick to make their equipments
working for multi purpose.
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TASK 2
P2. Continuous improvement plan and principles of operation management
Continuous improvement refers to that method which helps in analysing the various
opportunities and production in order to eliminate waste. Continuous improvement plan is a
continuous process which helps the business in improving the quality and standards of products
and services (Gemünden and et. al., 2018). These improvements can be done when wastage is
reduce and quality of the products gets improved. CIPs will help the Cranswick to gain
competitive advantage and also helps in producing more products according to the need and
requirement of customers.
Lean Principles
It is a systematised manner by which wastage can be reduced in order to give something
valuable to customers. This principle is universal in nature as it applies in every company and in
every department in order to minimise the waste and cost of production (Park and Huh, 2018).
This principle put emphasis in producing more products with less resources. This principle is
useful in determining the process of operational activities in order to increase the effectiveness of
procedure. The various principles are included in it which helps in improving the operations:
Defining Value: It refers to the cost of offered products and services which is paid by the
customers. It is important for the company to determine the needs and requirements of the
customers which is helpful for them in order to produce something valuable and deliver products
according to customers (Hu and et. al., 2018). For this, Cranswick can determine the various
needs and requirements of the customers by conducting market research because this research
assist the company about what is expecting from them.
Mapping the value stream: This principle map all the connected actions and functions
which are necessary to convert the raw materials into finished goods in order to optimum
utilisation of the available resources (Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018). Cranswick need to
consider their customers while producing or making any food product because it determines the
value of operations. Cranswick focus on monitoring and functioning of the procedure which
assist in reducing the waste.
Create flow: This principle represents the actions which are taken to make sure the
smooth running of the production without any hurdle (Yasuda and et. al., 2019). This speed up
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the production procedure and for this, Cranswick make efforts to reduce those things which can
affect their food products and supply chain while delivering products.
Establishing pull: This principle states that company should not produce something if
there is no demand of that product. It put emphasis in offering those products which matches the
requirements and needs of the customers. Cranswick focus on improving its supply chain
management which can improve its food production and quality of food rather than introducing
new product in the marketplace.
Pursue perfection: Cranswick can eliminate its wastage by following the above
principles in an appropriate way according to the requirement. But from the all discussed
principles, pursue perfection is important in lean principles as it is consider as the continuous
process by which improvement can be done smoothly without affecting the culture of
organisation (Zwikael and Meredith, 2018). Cranswick can use this by launching itself with new
process and functioning which will not affect the production of food.
Continuous improvement plan for Cranswick
Basis Existing Methodology Proposed Methodology
Cost Cranswick is currently using
variance principles in its
operational activities. Rapid
changes in the production of
food affects the supply chain
management and its delivery
of the products and it increases
the cost of manufacturing
(Cranswick commisson report
on the future of food
transparency, 2019).
Cranswick should focus on
eliminating the wastage of
products. This aim can be
fulfil by adopting lean
principles which helps in
reducing its cost and wastage
or optimum utilisation of
available resources.
Quality Cranswick faces various issues
in its food products such as
production issues, food safety
issues etc. which affect the
It is suggested to Cranswick
that they can use six sigma to
eliminate the defects which
can improve the quality of
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quality of food products and
also affect the customer base.
Company can use principle of
organisation in order to
organise and manage their
production.
food production. They can
improve their production and
supply chain by monitoring the
procedure and take corrective
actions (Ruan and et. al.,
2019).
Delivery Cranswick is producing new
products which results in
delaying the delivery of raw
products to the final
production. For this,
Cranswick can adopt change
principle which helps in
introducing the change in its
production and delivery
system.
Just-in-time approach is
suggested to Cranswick in
order to make sure that
company can move from one
product to other product when
the demand of customers
arises for the new product.
Safety The main purpose of
Cranswick is to produce more
and more product in the
market in order to acquire
competitive edge. For this,
company is currently using
principle of fundamental
which restrict the employees in
order to eliminate wastage and
induces them to follow various
norms and regulations which is
followed by company.
Cranswick should focus on
their production efforts and
take measures for safety
purpose which can ensure the
corrective use of available
resources and also put
emphasis on the health and
safety of the food products.
Recommendations
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 Cranswick is facing quality issues in its manufacturing and production. For this, it is
recommended to Cranswick to adopt six sigma methodology in order to improve the
procedure and system which will help in removing the various hindrances.
 Cranswick makes frequent production which increases the cost of company and by this
the accounts of company gets affect. For this, company can adopt lean principles in order
to eliminate the wastage of resources and increases the quality of production.
TASK 3
P3. Application of project life cycle with the supporting documentation for completing the
project
Overview of case: Portakabin is the first modular building innovating company which was
developed in 1961 in UK. Company deals in manufacturing of modular buildings and has more
than 1300 employees and operates in 6 countries. Company's first product was PK16 which is a
portable modular building, this product was unique in building industry and by this product
company achieve success in the business environment. Portakabin introduced its new product
named “Yorkon Building System”. After launching of this product, it set high standards for the
modular building industry to develop new and innovative technology and engage themselves in
the research of market. Therefore, the project is based on the development of living standards of
people and maintenance of their lifestyle.
Project life cycle: This cycle includes 4 major steps in an order which is followed by the
project manager in order to the completion of project. It helps the manager and develops their
understanding in the project and also implement it in proper manner which is understandable by
employees (Yiu and et. al., 2018). This cycle contains 4 steps which is helpful in achieving the
organisational objectives. These stages helps in monitoring and controlling the project till its
completion.
Conceptualisation phase: In this stage, targets and goals has been establish for the
project and then issues are identified in order to resolve them. To overcome this, a proper
business case is required and the gathered information is helpful in preparing the business case
(Casio Computer Co Ltd, 2019). At this stage, company can adopt sic sigma in order to improve
the quality and processing of products. Six sigma is necessary in order to manage the reliability
and optimum utilisation of available resources. In this stage, company uses democratic
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leadership as in initial stage decisions are taken by the involvement of employees in order to be
more productive. Here, the project manager evaluates the vision, mission and objectives which is
helpful in achieving success.
Business Case:
Company Overview Portakabin deals in the manufacturing of modular buildings.
Company launched its first product in 1961 named PK16 which is the
unique product at that time and helps the company to achieve
competitive market segment.
Vision and Mission Company's vision is clear that they want to provide peace to their
customers across UK by providing quality products and services.
Their mission is to establish itself by acquiring the market of portable
buildings and achieve service excellence by its experience.
Objectives The objective of Portakabin by its new product “Yorkon Building
System” is to decrease the competition in modular building
technology to acquire the more market segment and make a positive
social impact in front of people.
Strategies While developing its product, Portakabin make various plans and
strategies for the better implementation and execution. Company
adopt those plans which are based on the market research.
Planning phase: This stage is based on the objectives and issues and the actionable task
in which problems and issues are addressed. In this stage, a proper schedule is made for the
completion of task. Project manager need to make sure that they divide the projects in smaller
tasks to achieve them easily on time (Moll, 2018). At this stage, project manager adopts lean
principles while making strategies and plans in order to eliminate the wastage of available
resources. Here, Portakabin will apply autocratic leadership as in planning stage if manager
involve its subordinates then conflicts and confusion can arise.
Project Plan:
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Cost The approximate cost which company uses while making its product
is £80,000 as external resources and techniques are required to
develop a project.
Quality Company focus on the quality of available products which they use
to make finished products to reduce the congestion problems.
Communication Portakabin communicates its plan via non-verbal method which
includes letters, e-mails etc. This communication includes the
information of purpose of project, information about stakeholders
etc.
Scope The scope of this project is wide as the company is providing tailored
structure to its B2B customers. Moreover, to present the same new
technologies and manpower has been recruited to conduct market
research and develop appropriate products.
Work Breakdown Structure:
Gantt Chart:
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Execution phase: Execution is carried out to plan the action according to the project and
monitor and control it after execution. If there is any issue in the plan or execution then
corrective actions are taken by manager in order to run the project smoothly (Taherdoost, 2018).
Here, Portakabin uses Total Quality Management which helps in tracking the resources and keep
them tracking and also ensure the optimum utilisation of available resources and eliminates the
issues which helps in increasing the quality of products. Here, company uses democratic
leadership as this stage cannot be handle by single person.
Closure phase: In this stage, follow up is taken of the project and its aim is to close the
project. This step is skipped by various companies and focuses on the final delivery of the
project (Huemann and et. al., 2018). It includes the communication between the manager and the
stakeholders and determine the benefits and drawbacks of the project.
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