Operations and Project Management Report - Hotpoint and Midland

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management principles through two case studies. The first part focuses on Hotpoint, reviewing and critiquing the implementation of operations management principles and developing a continuous improvement plan. This includes an examination of operational versus operational management, the application of principles like reality, organization, fundamental, and accountability, and the evaluation of how well Hotpoint's operations meet organizational requirements. The second part shifts to Midland Pump Manufacturing, applying the project life cycle (PLC) to a project aimed at establishing an employee canteen. The report outlines each stage of the PLC—initiation, planning, execution, and closure—along with supporting documentation. It also reviews and critiques the effectiveness of the PLC, supported by relevant theories and concepts such as lean principles and six sigma. The report concludes with recommendations for improvement and a detailed examination of how these principles can be used to enhance operational efficiency and project success.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
P1 Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles in
organisation.................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................5
P2 Prepare continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of principles.........5
PART B ...........................................................................................................................................8
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................8
P3 Apply each stage of PLC to given project producing necessary supporting documentation.8
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................11
P4 Review and Critique the effectiveness of PLC with the help of appropriate theories and
concepts. ...................................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Project management is generally concerned with planning and organising each and every
activity related to project. It is essential for different organisations to plan and implement
effective tactics and strategies for sustainable project. With the help of project management any
organisation can easily achieve success after reviewing its feasibility(Akkerman, Farahani and
Grunow, 2010). Operation management is concerned with supervising and organising activities
of production and manufacturing. In this plans and tactics are made for utilizing the resources in
the best possible manner. This report will majorly consist of two parts,for the first part Hot point
company is chosen. While for the second part Midland pump manufacturing is being selected. In
the first part review and critique implementation of operation management principles and
continuous improvement plan will be discussed. In the second part project life cycle and use of
some theories and concepts related to effectiveness of PLC will be discussed.
TASK 1
P1 Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles in
organisation.
Introduction of organisation
Hot point was majorly established 1911 with the motive of providing better services to
customer's. Its first major product was iron, after some period of time organisation decided to
launch other products which included washing machine, refrigerators, etc. Organisation majorly
deals in home appliances. Hot point mainly focuses on producing its products after analysing the
need of its customer's. But for managing its operations manger of Hot point will require to
certain principles which are discussed below(Gamal Aboelmaged,2011).
Operation vs Operational management-
Operations- Operation is considered as the function in which plans and strategies are
made for effective management of products and services. The major motive of this is to achieve
goals and objectives in the best possible manner. This is generally done by planning each and
every activity of operation systematically.

Operation management- It is related with ensuring and managing the activities of
production by implementing new plans and strategies. This works for the motive of increasing
and maintaining the quality of products and services offered by the organisation.
Difference between operation and operational management:
Basis Operation Operational management
Nature It is the collection and combination
of various activities.
It is concerned with managing
operational activities.
Importance For the effective manufacturing of
product operations is required.
It works for the increasing the quality
of products and services offered by
the organisation.
A review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
Case study- The organisation is focusing on launching washing machine as per the demand of
its customer's. For this organisation will be required to make best use of operational management
principles which are mentioned below-
Principle of reality According to this principle management of Hot point needs to
focus in managing different tools as compared to solving the issue.
This is with the help of this focus can be emphasised on using
managing the products and services. Current washing machine
offered by Hot point is not made with the help of new techniques
and machines.
Principles of organisation As per this principles it is the duty of manager to make better plans
and strategies for the achievement of goals and objectives. Since
each and every department in every organisation is inter-
connected with each other so management should plan strategies
accordingly(Gremyr and Fouquet, 2012). Before launching any
new washing machine organisation will be required to plan things
effectively.
Principle of fundamental Every organisation mainly focuses on establishing appropriate
standards so that target of production can be achieved. Hot point
will be required to set and achieve its standards before the

launching of new washing machine.
Principle of accountability This principle is concerned with delegating roles and
responsibilities to every individual as per their skills and
knowledge. Organisation uses this principle to maintaining
accountability among its employee's. In this focus will be
emphasised on manufacturing product as per need and demand of
customer's.
Analyse the extent to which the operations management of the organisation meets the
requirements of the organisation:
Management of the operation is very much essential for fulfilling the requirements in
best possible manner. Keeping this in mind Hot point is planning to launch new product after
analysing the need of its potential customer's. Different kinds of principles is also being used for
maintaining standards of the organisation(Jacobs, Chase and Lummus, 2011). As with the help of
these principles each and every activity can be planned in the effective and efficient manner.
Employee's of organisation will also help in performing the task as per the plans and strategies
made by top management of Hot point. Competitive advantage can also be achieved by the
organisation is these principles are used after analysing the current and past situation. These
principles are also used in the organisation for managing task of production, marketing and
selling of new washing machines.
TASK 2
P2 Prepare continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of principles.
Continuous improvement plan is the method which is concerned with improving ,
identifying and benchmarking the success standard. The major motive of this plan is to improve
current and future situation of organisation within limited period of time. This is done by
analysing and evaluating the current and past situation.
Lean principle- Lean principle is concerned with reducing and minimising uncessary
wastage of financial resources within the organisation. Plans and strategies in this made for
manufacturing the product with less wastage(Johnson and Ronngren,2010J). Major principles
regarding lean manufacturing used by Hot point is mentioned below-
Define value As per this principle major focus of the organisation must be

on increasing the value of its products so that large number of
customer's can be attracted. Hot point focus on using this
principle for increasing its sale.
Map value stream As per this principle manager of Hot point must ensure that
target of each and every stage is achieved within limited
period of time. This is done by managing various task related
to production, manufacturing and designing.
Create flow This principle is concerned with monitoring and management
of manufacturing process with the motive of reducing
problems and hurdles.
Establish pull This principle is mainly based on just in time technique. This
is manager of Hot point can focus on completing objectives of
task before its deadline. As by doing this goals and target can
be achieved within limited period of time.
5. Pursue perfection As per this principles focus can be emphasised on using latest
tools and techniques for maintaining the quality and
sustainability of product.
continuous improvement plan is the combination of different activities which are mainly
used for improving current situation. This is generally done by reviewing each and every activity
in the systematic manner(ugulum and Samuel, 2010). So the improvement plan for Hot point is
discussed below
Plan Do Check Act

The manufacturing plan and
process is majorly based on
six sigma technique. Its
elements are discussed below-
 Delivering high quality
product with less errors
and complications.
 Achievement of
competitive advantage
in a particular market.
 Increase its market by
12 percent by using
£200 million budget.
 Producing of 3000
units of washing
machine.
 Different types of
washing machines as
per their features and
quality.
 Make use of used raw
material for producing
and manufacturing
washing machine.
The organisation will
prepare a blue print of
washing machine and
than transfer it to
physical production
department. Plans and
strategies will be
made for
manufacturing new
washing machine
with less errors and
mistakes(Karlsson,
2010).
After the
production of
washing machine
it will be the
duty of operation
manager to
check and
analyse the
efficiency of
machine. This
includes
monitoring of
washer and other
essential parts of
washing
machine.
The quality of
machine is tested by
using Total Quality
Management
technique. In this
evaluation of actual
performance is
compared with
standard ones. If the
final product is not
appropriate than
different set of plans
will be made for its
improvement. With
the help of this
organisation manages
in maintaining better
relationship with its
customer's and also
increasing its sale
and profitability
within limited period
of time.
Two justified recommendations for the improvement of operation function are mentioned below-
The organisation is focusing on launching new washing machine with the motive of
increasing their business and profitability. So the organisation can plan for gathering feedback
form its customer's. As by doing this Hot Point will be able to offer better services to its potential
customer's.

Another recommendation which can be given to Hot point is organisation can plan
appropriate flexible development plan for evaluating the activities of new washing machine.
Appropriate evaluation technique and method can also be used for managing each and every
activity in the systematic manner(Khanna, 2015).
PART B
TASK 3
P3 Apply each stage of PLC to given project producing necessary supporting documentation.
Overview of case study:
The organisation in this case study is operating its business in manufacturing sector. Its
name is Midland Pump manufacturing which has approximately 1250 employee's who are
performing their work at various job roles. The objective of organisation is to prevent its
workforce form coming at the premises at the time of lunch break. Its motive is also to reduce
chances of employee turnover and absenteeism. These objectives will be achieved by
implementing project life-cycle within the organisation.
Project- The goal is to arrange canteen for employee's so that they can stay their during
their lunch time. Focus is also to improve and maintain the health of its employee's so that they
can work in different shifts(Kim, Kumar and Kumar, 2012).
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
Project life cycle is concerned with managing every activity of project form its
conception till the end. It helps in providing a framework and guidelines for the management of
Midland pump manufacturing. With the help of this objective of organisation will be easily
achieved as effective use of resources will be done. Any problems or issues related to project can
also be easily solved with the help of this project plan(Kuruppuarachchi and Perera, 2010).
Project life-cycle mainly consist of four stages which are project initiation, planning, execution
and closure. Each stage in context to Midland pump manufacturing is discussed below-

Source- Project life cycle. 2019
 Project initiation- It is the very first stage in project life cycle, it basically involve
defining and setting the objectives for the project. In this stage focus is also emphasised
on identifying and evaluating the issues which can arise in future. The objective of this
project is to improve and enhance health of its workforce so that they are able to give
their best output and also to reduce the chances of movement of employee's at the time
of lunch break.
 Project planning- After the initiation of project next step is to plan various things in
advance. In this stage management organisation will be required to plan time, cost and
resources which will be used in project. Each and every stage in this life-cycle is inter-
related and inter connected with each other(Laureani and Antony, 2017). So in the
absence of this stage Midland pump manufacturing will not be able to achieve its set
targets. It becomes essential for the organisation to plan effective strategies for the future
course of action.
 Project execution- In this stage actual work of the project is started and monitored. This
means in this stage plans converted into actions to achieve the desired results. This stage
is considered as important and difficult stage of project life-cycle. As if the management
of organisation is not successful in implementing appropriate plans than targets will be
difficult to achieve and chances of mismanagement will be increased. So if the
organisation wants to achieve its objectives than flexible plans can be prepared for the
same. As in case of any problem changes can be made accordingly(Marzagão and
Carvalho, 2016).
Illustration 1: Project life cycle

 Project closure- It is the last stage in which all the objectives behind commencing a
project are achieved. This means in this stage organisation will find appropriate solution
to the problem and utilisation of resources will also be done in the effective manner.
Business case of Midland pump manufacturing
Company overview The organisation is basically located in Midland. UK. It deals in
producing and manufacturing gear and specialised pumps for its
potential customer's. Midland pump manufacturing is operating its
business form last 40 years in different parts of Birmingham. They work
for providing better and high quality products to customer's at affordable
prices.
Vision and mission The mission of organisation is to become top pump manufacturer in
Midland.
Objective The major objective of organisation is to provide better and appropriate
working condition to its employees. There motive is also to prevent its
employee's form moving out at lunch time.
Strategy This objective can be achieved by implementing innovative strategies.
Follow up In this manager of organisation will check at things are working as per
plans or not(Munro, Ramu and Zrymiak, 2015).
Project plan-
Cost Organisation will require fund of £15,000- £ 20,000.
Communication Effective communication strategies will be used by organisation for
transferring any vital information to the individuals of Midland pump
manufacturing company. As by this all the objective of organisation will
be achieved in the effective and efficient manner.
Scope For the achievement of objectives message will be transferred and
strategies will be taken for the welfare of employee's in Midland pump
manufacturing. In this flexible working hours will be provided to
employee's as per their need and want.

Cost benefit analysis- In this type of analysis organisation evaluate its profitability by
deducing unnecessary cost. With the help of this method company can easily analyse its
profitability and sale by actual revenue and subtracting cost from it. With the help of this
organisation will be able to sustain in the market for longer period of time(Qin, Nembhard and
Barnes II,2015).
Work break down structure:
In this type of method activities of project are divided into different stages so that work
can be managed accordingly. With the help of this organisation will be able to achieve its target
as complex work will divided in appropriate manner.
TASK 4
P4 Review and Critique the effectiveness of PLC with the help of appropriate theories and
concepts.
It becomes essential for the organisation to implement project life-cycle in a structured
manner. As with the help of this work can be monitored effectively. Innovative tools, techniques
and models can be used for the same. Water fall method will be best suitable for Midland pump
manufacturing. Different stages of this model is mentioned below- Requirement: In this step of waterfall model management of organisation will deeply
analyse the need and requirement of resources in the systematic manner. For this

company is aiming to implement six sigma method, but it will reduce scope of
modification in the future.
 Design: It is concerned with preparing flexible plan and design for effective
management of project. For this Organisation can make use of lean technique, so that
wastage of unnecessary resources is reduced. Autocratic leadership style can also be used
in this for involving the employee's in decision-making process. This will lead to increase
in motivation level of workforce and achievement of goals and objectives.
 Development- In this stage new and better techniques are used for overall development
of the project . Total quality management technique can be used by the organisation for
maintaining its quality standard for a prescribed time period. This will lead to
achievement in competitive advantage and sustaining in the market for longer period of
time. Internal as well as external environment of organisation will be improved in this
stage(Snee, 2010).
 Testing and maintenance- Under this stage various tools and techniques used are being
tested for the future course of action. Test in done on the basis of current performance
and standard performance. If there is any gap in the performance than appropriate
strategies are made according to the demand of situation.
Different Uses of Methodologies for Large and Small Scale Project
METHODOLOGIES SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
Six Sigma
For the management of small
project six sigma technique can
be used. It will provide better
methods for overcoming the
problem of Midland pump
organisation.
For the management of large-scale
project various factors related to
six sigma can be used. With the
help of this standards can be
achieved and better coordination
of activities will also be done.
Lean Principles Lean technique in this can be also
be used for managing the work of
small scale projects. With then
help of this chances of
Planning and strategy formulation
techniques can be used for saving
the cost and time of organisation.
With the help of this Midland