Operations and Project Management Report: Marks and Spencer Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management principles, using Marks and Spencer as a case study. It begins by defining operations and operations management, then critiques the implementation of operations management principles within the chosen organization. The report explores continuous improvement as a philosophy, detailing Lean principles and proposing a continuous improvement plan. The second part of the report delves into the Product Life Cycle (PLC) within the context of developing new products, including a business case, project plan, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Gantt chart. It examines the effectiveness of the PLC, discussing the importance of its design and implementation, cost-saving techniques, and methods for ensuring quality and scope. Finally, the report critically analyzes the application of different theories, concepts, and models in both large and small-scale projects, evaluating the prepared PLC within practical and theoretical frameworks. The report aims to provide a detailed understanding of operations and project management, offering insights into practical applications and strategic improvements.

Operations and Project
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
PART 1............................................................................................................................................4
1. Introduction to chosen organization........................................................................................4
2. Explanation of operation vs operations management.............................................................4
3. Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles................5
4. Analyse extent to which the operations management of the organization meets requirements
.....................................................................................................................................................6
5. Discuss continuous improvement as a philosophy and describe the Lean principles.............7
6. Continuous improvement plan on review and critique of operations management principles
.....................................................................................................................................................8
Total quality management:..........................................................................................................9
7. Continuous improvement principles and recommendations to improve the operations
function.......................................................................................................................................9
PART 2..........................................................................................................................................10
A. Product Life Cycle (PLC) to project of developing new products...........................................10
1. Business case.........................................................................................................................10
2. Project plan...........................................................................................................................10
3. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for developing of a new product..................................11
4. Gantt Chart based on the WBS depicting critical path and project completion time frame. 11
5. Theoretical and conceptual arguments to justify use of project methodologies, tools and
leadership required within the given project.............................................................................12
B. Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to project.............................12
1. Review and critique effectiveness of PLC in application to project using theories models
and concepts used in the project management..........................................................................12
2. Why designing and implementing PLC is important to execute the project successfully....13
3. How cost saving techniques could be incorporated in PLC..................................................13

4. What different techniques could be used to ensure quality, scope and tenure in project
implementation..........................................................................................................................14
5. Critically analyse how different theories, concepts and models could be used between large
and small-scale projects............................................................................................................14
6. Critically evaluate the PLC you have prepared within practical and theoretical frameworks
...................................................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Operations management is defined as responsibility for directing, overseeing and
controlling operations of business (Beringer, Jonas and Kock, 2013). This includes
manufacturing, accounting, maintenance, productions, software support. Project management is
defined as application of tools, knowledge, skills and techniques for meeting requirements of
project. These both are important function of organisation for achievement of goals and
objectives. The given report is based on two sections and two companies. The first chosen
organisation is Marks and Spencer which was founded at United Kingdom that deals in retail
sector. The second organisation is Sunshine Drinks which manufactures and sell fruit drinks. The
aim of report is to explain about operations management principles and concept of continuous
improvement. It also highlights about product life cycle and their application.
PART 1
1. Introduction to chosen organization
The chosen organisation is Marks and Spencer which was founded in 1884 at United
Kingdom. This is retail multinational firm founded by Thomas Spencer and Michael Marks. It
deals in food, clothing and home products at high quality. There are 1463 locations where it is
operating their business and providing goods and services to consumers. It is serving its goods
and services worldwide with high quality. There are various brands of Marks and Spencer such
as autograph, classic, per una and others which are serving at international market. The key
people of this organisation are Steve Rowe chief executive and Archie Norman as chairman. It
has more than 960 stores out of which 615 sells food product to consumers.
2. Explanation of operation vs operations management
Operations
Operations are defined as business activities which helps firm to convert raw materials
into finished goods and services and selling to consumer for earning profits (Gunasekaran and
Ngai, 2012). These procedures are used for creating products and services where they market
them to their consumers and delivering final goods. The business activities of organization are
different from each other. The manufacture activities mainly consist of buying materials and
converting them into actual goods and services.
Operation Management

It is defined as administration of firm practices for creation of high level of efficiency in
organization. This focus on conversion of raw materials into finished goods in better manner for
maximizing profit of organization. It is mainly concerned with organizing, planning and
supervising the production, manufacturing various services. This management is responsible for
directing, controlling and overseeing various operations of business. The example of operation
management is manufacturing, accounting, production maintenance, software support. With help
of these minimum resources should be used for manufacturing along with quality achievement
and creating best services. It is very important for respective organisation to have proper
operation management in their business in order to run their activities and operations in an
effective and efficient manner for positive results.
3. Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
Case Study: Marks and Spencer is planning to expand their business operation in
Monaco with existing product and services. This helps in enhancement of customer base and
profitability ratio. They have to do market analysis in order to know about customer requirement.
Operation management principles are referred as guidelines, rules, regulations which is
essential for staff in order to follow perform work activities and functions (Harrison and Lock,
2017). There are various operation management principles which help in achievement of goals
and objectives. These principles can by use by any organisation for better achievement of goals
and objectives. Some of the most essential principles which assist in doing the operations and
project management in an effective manner which are going to be discussed as follows:
Organisation- The process of manufacturing is interconnected to each other for goal
achievement. Marks and Spencer should make elements to be organised in effective and efficient
manner. This can help in better result for business to target consumers. With organisation of each
and every activities, work can be performed in best possible manner.
Accountability- Marks and Spencer should follow this principle and implement in their
business for better outcomes. They need to set rules and regulation in firm so that set goal and
objectives can be achieved. This helps in carrying responsibility for subordinates and checking
performance on regular basis (Jerbrant, 2013).
Causality- Through this principles, Marks and Spencer can identify problems and their
causes. With finding of cause they can solve issues which can arise again and again.

Managed Person- The employees are regarded as main assets of organisation who helps
in achievement of goals and objectives. This can help Marks and Spencer to deal with problems.
Humility- Through implementation of this principle, Marks and Spencer can save cost
and move with trial and error process to detect problems and issues.
Success- The success of organisation depends upon customer satisfaction so Marks and
Spencer should implement success in their business.
Change- It is dynamic in nature as business operates in changing environment which
needs to be changed accordingly. This can help respective organisation to apply new theories and
solutions for arise problems.
Reality- It is very important principles where Marks and Spencer should focus on
problems rather than techniques. As there is no tool made which can provide universal solution
to given problems.
Scientific management
Scientific management refers to the theory of management which help in analysing or
evaluating the workflows in the company. Its major role or objective is to lessen down economic
inefficiency majorly in labour and productivity context to gain potential outcomes. It helps to
save cost and efforts in order to remain always competitive in marketplace. The chosen
organisation need to apply effective management within their business organisation so that all
the activities as well as operations in best possible manner along with saving time and cost to
gain positive outcomes.
Lean production
Lean production is an approach of management that helps to organisation in cut down the
cost associated with the project by ensuring good quality. Respective approach applied in every
aspect of a business such as in design through the production till the distribution to gain potential
outcomes to gain positive outcomes. In context of Marks and Spencer, such approach is applied
to cut down cost and maintain quality of work in appropriate manner.
Six Sigma
Six sigma define as the approach with the help of which organisation will be able to
reduce errors and wastage. It has been said that by using this principles managers will be able to
produce high quality services so that profitability of the company will be enhanced. In the

present case of Marks & Spencer, managers of the company adopt six sigma method so that
errors and defects will be reduced.
4. Analyse extent to which the operations management of the organization meets requirements
It is very important for organization to implement operation management in their
business in order to get success and growth (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). This can help
respective organization to carry out work in effective and efficient manner so that goal can be
achieved. The operation management provides guideline to carry out each and every work in
sequence manner. There are various requirement of every business running in competitive
market which can be fulfilled with help of operation management. Thus, this can lead to grow
business in changing world with proper utilization of resources and implementing in practical
situation. The respective organisation has adopted organisation management principles in order
to carry their work for achievement of goals and objectives in proper manner at Monaco.
Therefore, with this principle all work is performed in efficient and efficient manner.
5. Discuss continuous improvement as a philosophy and describe the Lean principles
Lean principle is technique which helps organisation to enhance product value by
reducing waste of organisation (Krajewski, Ritzman and Malhotra, 2013). It assist in developing
goods as per customer requirements. By using this principles, organisation can easily eliminate
waste and manufacture high quality goods and services. Marks and Spencer has to adopt this
principles in order to reduce cost of production and waste minimization for offering in different
location. There are some lean principles which should be followed by Marks and Spencer that
are as follows:
Define Value- This is defined through needs and requirement of consumer for particular
products. Here, Marks and Spencer can use such principles in their business for better
achievement of goal and objectives. This includes timeline for delivery and manufacturing, price
point, requirement or expectation. If respective organisation can value goods and products then
they can easily sustain and grow in market.
Map Value Stream- This is another principles where particular product carry steps from
raw materials into finished goods and delivering to consumers (Kulkarni, Apte and
Evangelopoulos, 2014). It is related with design, procurement, administration, customer service,
delivery, production. The map is prepared for flow of materials and product with help of process.

The respective organisation should focus on goal achievement of results by using map value
stream so that final product can be reached to consumers.
Create Flow- In this principle, process should be flow smoothly without delays,
bottlenecks and interruptions. Each and every activity should be carried in effective and efficient
manner so that goals can be achieved in better and effective manner. Marks and Spencer has to
create flow in their business for their consumers so that they can get products without any delays
which helps in enhancement of brand value and goodwill of business.
Establish Pull- With proper flow and time to time market, production can be improved.
As per these principles goods should be manufactured through proper system and should not
build in advance. Marks and Spencer need to establish pull for their consumer in terms of
improving production so that manufacturing process is improve from time to time.
Pursuit Perfection- It is the last step where lean manufacturing is developed in business.
This can help them to achieve goals and objectives in better and effective manner so that profits
can be maximized and growth and sustainability can be maintained. With the adoption of such
principle by respective organisation, lean manufacturing is enhanced in business for positive
outcomes.
6. Continuous improvement plan on review and critique of operations management principles
Continuous improvement is also called as continual improvement process which is
ongoing effort for improving goods, products, services and processes (Mir and Pinnington,
2014). It is type of method in order to identify opportunities for reduction of waste and work.
This is used by all types of organisation for improving their products and maintains quality to
serve their consumers in better and effective manner. This is the good philosophy which helps in
achievement of business goals and objectives. This is informal and formal set of practices
guidelines. It is advisable for Marks and Spencer to follow such practices in their business for
better results. There are various benefits of continuous improvement such as streamline
workflows, reduction of project costs and prevent overage. In order to cut time and cost and
improve quality continuous improvement is used. The respective organisation has made
improvement plan in order to expand business at Monaco which is mentioned below:
Plan Do Check Action
Conduct Market The respective For market analysis The products should

Analysis organisation has to
develop products and
services on basis of
customisation for
providing at Monaco
place.
and requirements of
Monaco users, they
have to hire expert
teams for offering to
users.
be based on
customisation for users
so that they can retain
customers for long
time period.
After Sales Services Marks and Spencer
has to use
accountability
principles for solving
problems of their users
in respect of queries of
products and services.
The organisation has
to provide training
session to employees
in order to solve
queries and problems
in effective manner.
The improvement plan
assist in solving
problems and queries
of customers in proper
manner.
Total quality management:
Total quality management is one of most effective structured approach for overall
improvement in organisational management. The majorly focus of respective tool is to improve
in process by improving quality in context of outputs which includes goods and services that is
crucial internal process of an organisation to gain potential outcomes.
Kaizen:
Kaizen is an important concept refers to the business activity that helps to bring
continuous improvement in all functions in which each and every member involves from CEO to
line workers to gain effective results. It proved beneficial in improving quality and cost effective
in nature to gain potential outcomes. Marks and Spencer has to follow Kaizen technique in
business for doing continuous improvement that leads to rise in brand value, goodwill,
sustainability and profitability.
7. Continuous improvement principles and recommendations to improve the operations function
There are various principles of continuous improvement which are applied by Marks and
Spencer. In order to improve operation functions of business, recommendation are given for
better results. The ideas of employees are valuable though it should be improved in better and

effective manner. It is recommended to organisation to listen to ideas of employees but they
should not implement it thoroughly and make proper analysis of each and every thing. The
organisation should not provide full ownership to their employees as they are main performer for
business and its activities. In order to improve operation functions it is very much important for
Marks and Spencer to involve their employees but not in ownership. It has also been said that
one of the recommendation which is given to the managers of Marks & Spencer is that they must
develop effective strategies and policies so that they can accomplish the goals and objectives in
an effective manner. Along with this, it is also required by the managers to examine and modify
their strategies and policies on a regular basis.

PART 2
A. Product Life Cycle (PLC) to project of developing new products
1. Business case
The new product which Sunshine Drinks Company is going to produce in market is soft
diet drink which is especially for gym going people. This can help them to maintain their body fit
and healthy. As it is new drink in market which helps gym going people. The business case is as
follows:
Importance of New Product- This product helps in maintaining body healthy and fit
who are regular customer of gym. This contain all the nutrients, vitamins and proteins required
for gym going people
Target Market- The target market of new product is gym users or gym going people.
Cost Benefits Analysis- In order to make such project cost required is $150 for
achievement of goal and objectives.
2. Project plan
It is defined as formal documents which is designed in order to guide control and
execution of project (Morris, 2013). This is key to successful project and required documents
which has to be created when starting any business plan. There are four stage of project plan
which are described below:
Project Initiation- In this stage, Sunshine Drinks Company should analyse market and
their need and requirement in better and effective manner. This can help them for proper
analysis. It has been said that in the present case of project initiation stage feasibility study as
well as business case is required to be developed in an effective manner so that positive outcome
will be produced.
Project planning- It is second step where proper planning should be done regarding
location, place, area, budget, target consumers and other for better project execution (Pemsel,
and Wiewiora, 2013). It has been said that in the present context of planning stage managers of
the company need to adopt cost-benefit analysis, WBS as well as Gantt Chart and many more.
Project execution- In this stage, the planning made is executed in market for their
consumers which can help them to know about new products and market. There are various

method used by the company in case of execution phase such as feedback report, project
monitoring plan and so on.
Project closure- It is last stage where project comes to closure stage. In this stage, the
product comes in market for their consumers. In this stage, organisation earn profit or loss
depending upon reviews of customer regarding new products and services.
Feedback Reports
feedbacks reports is very much important for an organisation to evaluate and measure
various factors after projecting the whole plan and policies after following the structured path in
order to gain potential outcomes. With the help of project life cycle organisation set standards
and after that evaluate results accordingly in order to gain potential outcomes.
3. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for developing of a new product
It is defined as structure which helps in dividing work of project into small parts and each
task is delegated to skilled and capable person for better achievement of goals and objectives.
This assist in handling large size project work and provide more productive outcomes. It make
work more easy and simple by dividing task into smaller forms.
4. Gantt Chart based on the WBS depicting critical path and project completion time frame
It is described as graphical representation of diagram that depicts both starting and finish
date of given work, task dependencies, person liable for project (Ramasesh and Browning,
2014). This helps in defining date in order to complete assigned project work in an effective and
efficient manner.