Operations and Project Management: Sainsbury's Analysis and PLC

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management principles. It begins with a critical review of Sainsbury's operational practices, including accountability, collaboration, and the application of lean production and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC and DMADV). The report then proposes a continuous improvement plan for Sainsbury's based on this review. Furthermore, it applies the product life cycle (PLC) to the Cross Rail Project, producing necessary supporting documentation. Finally, it reviews and critiques the effectiveness of the PLC in the context of the Cross Rail Project, using relevant theories, concepts, and models. The report aims to provide a detailed understanding of operations and project management, offering practical insights and applications.

Operations and Project
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................3
P1 make a review and criticise the implementation which are used in operations management
principles within an organisational aspects.................................................................................3
P2 Prepare a continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations
management principles within an organisational context...........................................................8
P3 Apply each stage of the Product Life Cycle to a given project, producing necessary
supporting documentation for completing the project..............................................................10
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using
appropriate theories, concepts and models................................................................................14
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................15
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................16
Books and Journal.....................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Operations Management is a management procedure which involves various group of
functions and activities facilitating from the planning of the operational process to the controlling
of the same. The functions and operations rendered by the operational department help the
organisation in carrying out the manufacturing processes in a stable and productive manner.
Supply chain management is an integral part of the operations and project management as it
assist the organisation in providing the good s and services of the organisation to the respective
customers in a efficiently. Project management lays concern over the effective execution of the
duties and assigned tasks in the respective project in order to enhance the productiveness of the
same (Shenoy and Haley, 2020). The Part 1 involves the critical review of the management
practices of Sainsbury's in relation with its operational department and the improvement plan as
well. The second part of the report encompasses the product life cycle of Cross Rail Project and
the impact and effectiveness of the same is also highlighted in the respective report.
TASK
P1 make a review and criticise the implementation which are used in operations management
principles within an organisational aspects
Operational management is the most crucial element in the management functions of the
business organisation as it aids the organisation in smooth implementation of the operational
activities on regular basis. It is a management process that allows the organisation to acquire an
overview about the transition process i.e. conversion of the raw inputs into the finished products
and services. The critical examination of the operational processes incorporated by Sainsbury's is
important in order to enhance its sustainability as well as the growth in the target market
environment. The general principles that guides the execution as well as the implementation of
the operational management of Sainsbury's are as follows :-
Accountability
It is the duty and responsibility of the designated operational manager to manage the
operations carried out by its subordinate accurately in order to reduce the chances of any
disruptions and errors at the workplace. The operational manager of Sainsbury's is responsible
for quality performance of the employees as well as the smooth flow of operations in the
business organisation. It is the responsibility of the operational management to ensure that the

communication with the customers is carried out in prominent manner and their feedbacks as
well as the reviews are taken into consideration as well as the appropriate resolutions are
provided to the same.
Collaboration
In order to accelerate the production and operations process in the respective business
organisation, Sainsbury's needs to concentrate on analysing the customer trend in the market in
order to gain insights about the preferences and desires of the its potential customers. The
company needs to interact with customer to determine the prospective need (Dhamija and Bag,
2020). Collaboration needs to be facilitated within the organisation and the customers in order
realise the business goals and to cater brilliant products and services to the target consumers of
the concerned business enterprise.
Change and Modifications
The respective principle of operational management lays concern over the importance
and value of regular alterations or changes in the operational process. Changes and modification
in the existing process can help Sainsbury's in establishing new and improved techniques and
models in the operational department. Modification are also very prominent as they allow the
company to upgrade their quality standards in relation with the technology, employee
performance, organisational environment and business processes.
Humility
The process of implementing new concepts regularly in the organisation and mapping and
measuring their effectiveness is an time consuming task and can possibly cause implication on
the efficiency of the the operational activities of the Sainsbury's organisation. In order to reduce
the impact of the same, the individual entitled to perform the duties of operational manager
needs to put efforts in the identification as well as implementation of the most suitable concept
for the operational process. This principle will have the management of Sainsbury's to save their
expenditure as well as time.
Competition
In order to survive longer in the market environment, it is important for Sainsbury's to
keep an eye on its competitors move in order analyse and examine their strategies properly. This
examination of competitor's move and strategy can help Sainsbury's to implement more advance
and better strategies from the competitors so as to achieve higher advantage in comparison to the

rivals of the respective organisation. The competition's analysis is very beneficial for Sainsbury's
as with helps of them same the company can produce relative better and innovative products and
services that can do well in the market. This will help respective organisation to acquire a a
larger market share in the retail industry.
Organisation
The organisation of the the established strategical plans is one of the most critical aspects
of operational management. An organisation can set a million objectives for its business process
but how the formulated objectives are organised matters the most. Sainsbury's can also focus on
enhancing and uplifting standard of execution in the organisation. The company needs to ensure
that employees and workers are delivering good performance in order to facilitate the
organisation of the predetermined objectives in a better manner. The major aim of the respective
principle is to emphasise the concentration on the organisation of the organisational components
in such a way that they are consistently related together so as to maximise the smoothness and
fluency in the operations.
LEAN PRODUCTION
Lean Production is a management mechanism that allows the business organisation to
focus on the reduction of unwanted waste materials and components from the production process
(Piekarz, 2020). The former practice alleviates the organisation to perform with more
consistency and the possibility of interruptions in the operational process is also minimised due
to the implementation of the same. Sainsbury's has incorporated lean production practice in its
manufacturing and production process so as to reduce the expenses related to the waste
management and to promote more systematic and organised line of operations in the concerned
business organisation. The numerous facets of lean production implemented by Sainsbury's are
mentioned below :-
Value
Value generation can be characterised as one of the major goals of a business entity . In
order to leverage the value of the organisation, Sainsbury's needs to meet up to the exceptions of
the target customers in the market environment. In order to generate higher value, the
organisation will have to provide the best standard of quality goods and services to the customers
prevailing in the market domain.

Value Stream
In order to provide value to the organisational expectations and to live up top the
demands and requirement of the customers, it is essential for the respective organisation to
stream and monitor the necessary steps and procedures involved in transition of the raw material
into finished goods offered by the concerned organisation among the target market environment.
In this aspect, the identification of the components that does not render value to organisational
objectives is determined (Alzarrad, 2020). Once these non essential components are identified,
then the management personnel involves in the lean production works to eliminate the same for
the process of lean production in order centralise the attention to the important value generation
variables by reducing the focus to non credential elements of the production process.
Flow
The flow of the operations are very crucial as they help the organisation to provide the
quality services customer without any delay in the delivery time. The flow of operations needs to
be managed and controlled by the operations team of Sainsbury's in order to ensure that the
systematic patterns of operational flow is maintained in order eliminate the chances of any
interruptions in between the operational functions of the respective organisation.
Pull
Flow helps the business subrogation to improvise the the existing flow of operations in
the concerned business entity. With the enhanced and smooth flow of lean production, Sainsbury
will be able to pull the required products for the customer in case of any urgent requirement or
demand from the same. Sainsbury will have to focus on maintains a good stock of inventory so
as to ensure that the organisation is able to meet the sudden request for the requirement of the
good and services so as to enhance customer retention in the business organisation.
Perfection
Perfection in lean production can be archived with the implementation of the guidelines
set out for the effective regulation of the lean production process. The principles of lean
production needs to be followed and incorporated by Sainsbury's in order increase the accuracy
and credibility of the operations. In order to leverage from the operations of lean production, it is
necessary for Sainsbury's to focus on briefing the workers about the effective execution of the
operations pertaining to the lean production and tra8ining them to utilise the same in the favour
of the business institution.

On a larger note, the critical assessment of the incorporation of the lean production process
in the operational functions of the organisation states that are are various benefits as well
as disadvantages associated with the same.
Benefits :-
 The respective process helps Sainsbury's to validate and enhance the production
functions by focusing on the reduction of the waste material generated in the system.
 It also ensures that the work efficiency as well as the effectively of the employees
working in the lean production is improved to a good extent that its can provide
maximum output to the organisation in the long run .
Drawback :- The major drawback of lean production process it can test the patience of the
worker as it leads to busy and hectic time table for work operations that needs to be
followed. The functions needs to be implemented in the order stated in the schedules
so as to enhance the relevancy of the lean production.
SIX SIGMA
Six Sigma can be determines as technique or method that can be adopted by the business
entities in order to enhance there work productivity and accuracy. The tools provided in the
specific method also help the business firms to enhance their management and operations
system. The six sigma method also helps the enterprises to enhance their profitability in the long
run by providing them with the business tools that can be implemented with strategies to enhance
the befits and profiterole outputs associated with the same. The organisational climate is also
improved by the utilisation of six sigma as it allows the embers of organisation to enhance their
willpower in order to perform various functions in the business firm. The maintenance of the
prominent and standard quality can also be achieved through the utilisation and capitalisation of
sic sigma method in the respective business institution.
The two major theories or methodologies included in the six sigma system can be termed as
DMADV as well as DMAIC.
DMAIC helps the business organisation to upgrade the quality of the goods and services offered
by the same in the market environment. The respective theory focuses on rendering the best
possible services and good to the end consumers with are competent and reliable in nature.

Sainsbury needs to effectively implement the determination to the control phases provided in this
methodology in order to implement in an effective manner.
DMADV vis an methodology that is incorporated so as to promote the introduction of new goods
and services in the target market in order to generate the awareness about the existence of the
same among the potential customers in the marketplace (Harold, 2021). The respective approach
concentrated on identifying the product and services specifications required by the customers and
to provide them with same in order enhance the satisfaction and retention of the target customers
in the business entity (Picciotto, 2020 ).
It can be analysed that the implementation of the Six Sigma Approach can act as a value
addition component for the facilitation of the business process of the organisation.
Advantages :-
 The respective method helps Sainsbury's in leveraging and uplifting the current
standard of performance of the individuals in the business enterprise.
Disadvantages :-
 The major complications with this approach can be determined as the inability of
the organisation to optimise the business tools provided by Six sigma model of the
Sainsbury's organisation in a prominent and effective manner.
P2 Prepare a continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations
management principles within an organisational context
The improvement plan is very essential for Sainsbury's as it can assist the company to
focus on its long term scope for expansion and up-gradation in the system.
Source Principles Outcomes Target Date Administration
Safety and
cautiousness
Safety and
security
guidelines
It is important for
Sainsbury's to
ensure that there
is systematic
security system in
the operational
and production
25th February,
2021
Safety Officer

unit in the
business entity so
as to reduce the
risk of injuries
and dangers to the
worker catering
in the respective
firm.
In order to
implement the
same, the
business entity
can focus on the
establishing then
policies and
guidelines which
are compulsory to
be taken into
consideration
while processing
the functions and
b business
activities.
Cost reduction Six Sigma Model Sainsbury's can
optimise and
consider six
sigma model in its
operations in
order enhance the
financial stability
as well as
30th March, 2021 Financial
Manager

productiveness of
the business (Al-
Odeh, 2020). The
model also
provide the
business
organisation with
the opportunity to
alter the cost of
incurred in the
operations and
management
process. The cost
reductions and
ministration can
also be facilitated
with the effective
utilisation of Sic
sigma model in
Sainsbury's
management.
Quality
maintenance and
waste reduction
Lean
Manufacturing
Sainsbury can
adopt the lean
production
process in order
to maintain
optimum quality
standards while
manufacturing of
the offering
delivered by the
15th April 2021 Head of
operations
Department

firm in the
business
environment. The
waste
management can
also be reduced
and minimised
with the with
enhanced focus
and concentration
on advancing the
lean production
process in the
respective
business unit.
In order to formulate and development of a a competent and effective improvement plan, the
company needs to lay focus on the establishment of the objectives that it would like to
accomplish through the development plan. The improvement plan will help the organisation to
acquire good and stable position in the market place (Larsson and Larsson, 2020)(. It will also
assist business organisation in catering best services to the customers to satisfy their expectation
in an effective manner in order enhance the engagement with organisation at a good level. The
incorporation of lean production as well as the six sigma model can enhance as well as
encourage the overall operations of the business firm in the target market in a sustainable way
which can also help the company top survive in the organization for a longer run (Styhre, 2020).
The financial as well as the marketing department of Sainsbury's can also work in a systematic
and competent manner with the establishment of the continues improvement plan.
P3 Apply each stage of the Product Life Cycle to a given project, producing necessary
supporting documentation for completing the project
Cross Rail Project life cycle can be developed with the incorporation of the five major phases
that depicts the journey from the establishment of the idea of the project to the closure of the

same. The cross rail pro0hject is known to be one of the biggest railway project in the history of
United kingdom and a manpower of approx. 15000 employees or individuals will be undertaken
to move ahead with the construction as well as the development of the respective project. The
manager entitled fro the facilitation of the project is required to develop the Product life cycle in
order to get an overview about the operations and functions that needs to be accomplished in
every phase of the project.
The Initial Phase
The first phase of Product Life Cycle refers to the identification and determination of the
purpose behind the establishment of Cross Rail project. In the respective stage, the feasibility as
well as the sustainability of the project is tested in order ensure that the project will be able to
deliver its respective prosed goals or not (Caramia, 2020). The project will be tested against
various comp9oents in order establish the relevancy as well as the capability rendered by the
same in the real time environment.
The Planning
The planning stage can be determined as the stage wherein the Cross Rail project manger
will be planning for the resources that will be require to execute the process in systematic and
orderly manner. The plans will be formulated in order to facilitate the implementable of the
entitled operations in the development of the project. In relation with the cross rail project, the
respective project portfolio, operational plan, financial plan, marketing plan, risk maintenance
plans and procedure, contingency strategic plans etc. will be formulated in order to lead the
operations in a sustainable manner (Beam, 2021).
The execution
The productive execution of the plans and objectives formulated at the planning stage
needs be executed in an competent manner so as to maintain the accuracy of the functions and
reduce the possibilities for any unnecessary interruption in the project process or system of
operations. The Cross rail needs to ensure that the execution of the work assigned to the workers
is carried out in an effective manner.
Performance Monitoring stage
The respective stage involves the assessment and monitoring of the performance
delivered by the workers appointed in the development of the Cross rail project in order to
identify the any deviation in the performance and to take corrective measures for the same.

Closure Stage
It is a stage wherein the project comes to an end and all the objective and goals generated
for the project development are accomplishes and achieved by the cross rail project.
Gantt Chart
Gantt chart can be characterised as a chart that facilitates the organisation in determining
the work schedule that needs to be followed in the order to complete the project on time.

Project Portfolio
It refers to the portfolio established in order to demonstrate the procedures and techniques and
processes that will be followed by the management of the project. It specifies the plans
formulated for the project and the ways that they will executed. It involves resource allocation
and distribution of the duties and responsibilities as well.
Executive Summary
The executive summary includes the accomplishments of the respective cross rail project.
The major purpose of the project was to establish an innovative infrastructure that has the ability
to generate advancement in the current transportation mechanism of the the city.
Goals
The objective of the project is to cater to the needs and wants of the travellers and
customers who want an easy and more feasible mode of transport.
Solution
The solution can be termed as the development of a project plan that can leverage as
facilitated the need and requirement of the travellers in the city.
Cost
The cost incurred for the project management of the cross rail can be stated to
approximately £18.6bn. The estimated expenditure will be divided in to the facilitation of
various department such as manpower, resource, construction, finance and marketing in the
proportionate manner.
Risk
The risk associated with the cross rail project can be termed as it inability to meet the
requirement of the customers and provide them with customer satisfaction.
Resources
Various essential resources will be required for the completion of the project such as
technology, human resource, finance, stock , machinery and equipment, raw material etc.
Benefits
The enhancement in the value as well as the reputation and goodwill in the market
environment can be termed as the benefits derived from the project.
Execution time
The time incurred for the completion of the project is 10 months.

Project Plan
The respective plan details about the classification of the scope of the project, cost of the
project and resources required in the same as well as the risk associated with the project
execution.
Work break down structure
It refers to the systemic mechanism in accordance with which the project work is
classified in to various components in order to determine and allot the cross railway project
responsibility and work to different individuals.
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the chosen project using
appropriate theories, concepts and models
Initialisation phase : is a phase wherein autocratic leadership approach was adopted in order to
set the prospective plans that needs to be initialised in order to facilitate the starting phase of the
cross rail project.
Planning phase : In this respective phase situation leadership style was adopted so as to allows
the subordinates to alter and modify the planning behaviours and strategies in accordance to the
situations in the project planning.
Execution Phase: Servant approach of leadership was adopted in the respective phase in order to
guide the workers to follow the instruction of the stage-manager in an obedient and disciplined
manner.
Closure Phase: The team approach of leadership was adopted in the respective phase in order to
acknowledge the contribution and team efforts of the workers.
Programme Theory
Programme theory lay concern over the concept that analysis and programming of the
project has better chances of positive outcomes (Spector and Corps, 2020). The idea behind this
theory is that if the process of project adopted by Cross rail is carried out in a programmed and
systemic manner, the results are likely to get accelerated as heightened by the same.

Benchmark Model
It is a model that can incorporated by Cross rail in order facilitate the estimation of the inputs and
outputs required to execute the respective project in a systemic way. This can be done by
obtaining necessary information and referencing about the previous projects that have
implemented in such manner. Cross rail can do the same as it will help the company to realise
the potential resources and expenses that will be incurred while regulating and executing the
respective project management of Cross rail.
CONCLUSION
From the above analysed information, it can be concluded that Sainsbury;s is
incorporating the right set of management operations principles and need to focus on the
modifying its lean production time to time. The PLC of cross Rail Project seems quite brilliant
and the project is likely to excel in the near future.

REFRENCES
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485.
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sustainable project management. Sustainability, 12(2), p.585.
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Management.
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Piekarz, M., 2020. Sport Operations Management and Development: An Applied Approach.
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