Operations and Project Management Report: Analysis of Two Companies

This report delves into operations and project management, offering a comprehensive analysis of key principles and practical applications. The report begins with an examination of operations management within TK Maxx, a retail company, critically reviewing its implementation of operational principles, specifically logistics and supply chain management, and evaluating the effectiveness of its variance, organization, and change strategies. The report then progresses to the development of a continuous improvement plan for TK Maxx, focusing on optimizing its supply chain and logistics processes using lean principles. The second part of the report shifts focus to Reynolds Technology, a tubing bicycle frame manufacturer, and applies the project life cycle (PLC) stages, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure, for a project aimed at improving employee well-being and reducing congestion. This includes the creation of a business case and cost-benefit analysis. Finally, the report critically assesses the effectiveness of the PLC in this context, incorporating relevant theories and models to evaluate the project's potential success and the application of operations management principles across the two companies.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
P1 Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
within an organisation.................................................................................................................3
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................5
P2 Prepare continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations
management principle.................................................................................................................5
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................7
P3 Apply each stage of the PLC for the project producing necessary supporting
documentation.............................................................................................................................7
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................10
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the project using
appropriate theories and models................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Operation management is concerned with designing, managing and controlling the
production process in the appropriate manner. The major motive of operation management is to
ensure that functions of business are carried out in the effective manner. Plans and strategies in
this is made according to the needs, demand and preferences of the potential customer's.
Operation department in any organisation works for producing products, managing quality and
creation of services. This report majorly consists of two parts. The organisation chosen for the
first part is TK Maxx which is operating its business in retail sector of UK. While organisation
for the second part is Reynolds Technology which is a manufacturer of tubing bicycle. This
report will majorly cover reviewing of operation management principles, preparation of
continuous improvement plan and different stages of project life cycle (Bryde and Schulmeister,
2012). With the help of project life cycle each and every activity related to project can be carried
out in the efficient manner. Theories and models related to project life-cycle will also be
discussed in this report, by using these management of organisation will be able to compete the
assigned project in the effective manner.
TASK 1
P1 Conduct a review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
within an organisation.
Company overview
TK Maxx was majorly established in 1994 in different parts of UK. The organisation
majorly deals in footwear, clothing, furniture, etc. The major motive of the organisation is to
satisfy its potential customers by offering them better quality products as compared to its
competitors.
Operation Vs operation management
Operation is the continuous process of conducting and carrying different task within the
organisation. Under this activity various individuals are involved for completing the task in the
best possible manner. Operation management is the process in which raw materials are converted
into final product and making it available to the customer (Cândido and et. al., 2011). By
planning, organizing, directing and controlling profitability and sale of the organisation can be
directly increased.

Operation management principles
There are different principles of operation management which can be reviewed critically
for the achievement of goals and objectives in the best possible manner. Most important and
crucial activities of TK Maxx are logistics and supply chain management. As with the help of
these activities large number of customer's are attracted towards the company's product. Major
principles of operation management in context to TK Maxx are discussed below-
Variance- This principle is basically used to reduce and control the unnecessary cost in
the production process. With the help of supply chain management major changes in the cost
reduction can be done for the effective completion of task. The management of TK Maxx
focuses on managing their logistics so that wastage of cost can be reduced. But this generally
require trained and skilled employees (Carter and Liane Easton, 2011). This is because
management of cost can only be done by efficient employees. The management of TK Maxx is
unable to implement this principle in the appropriate manner because its employees are not
properly trained.
Organisation- This principle is majorly used to increase and enhance the sale,
profitability and operations of the organisation in the systematic manner. For doing this the
management of TK Maxx is using different techniques which are related with supply chain.
These includes hybrid trucks, use of dual full vehicles and implementation of latest techniques.
But it becomes difficult for the management to handle such operations with same and constant
efficiency. So use of this principle and operation will be ineffective for TK Maxx.
Change- It is concerned with ensuring better and effective supply chain management.
This enable the organisation in using new techniques for delivering of goods to the final
consumer. The management of TK Maxx focuses on using systematic and standard procedure so
that chances of error is reduced (Logistics. 2019). Since the organisation is using standardized
delivery technique so it is resulting into increase in cost.
It is very much necessary for TK Maxx to analyse the principles in the systematic
manner. As by doing this management of organisation will be able to know that such principles
are meeting the requirements or not (Dave, Murugesh and Devadasan, 2015). The analysis of
these principles are mentioned below-
 TK Maxx needs to focus on reducing the cost in its operation process. The organisation
is using principle of variance for increasing the quality of its products. But this principle

does not help the organisation in reducing unnecessary cost. So the principle of variance
is not able to meet the requirements of TK Maxx.
 TK Maxx is also focusing on making its operations constant so that targeted goals can
be achieved. This can be only done by managing the logistics and supply in the proper
manner. It is becoming difficult for the organisation to use its principle in the systematic
and coordinated manner. This is also resulting into increase in hurdles for the
accomplishment of requirements.
 Another major requirement of TK Maxx is to use best and latest techniques for its supply
chain management. So the organisation is using principle of chain for the fulfilment of
such requirement. But changes can be made by the management of TK Maxx for the
fulfilling the requirement in more effective and efficient manner.
With the help of these principles of operation management TK Maxx will be able to compete
the assigned task in the best possible manner and will also be able to meet the requirements
within limited period of time (Dul and et. al., 2010).
M1 Implementation of operations management in terms of Six Sigma and Lean principles
Six sigma and lean production method can also be used by the organisation for managing work
in a appropriate manner. Lean production is concerned with reducing waste from the production.
While of the other hand six sigma is concerned with reducing error in the products and services
of the organisation. With the help of both these two methods TK Maxx will be able to reduce
unnecessary wastage form the process, can focus on fulfilment of customer need and can also
find appropriate solution to the problem.
TASK 2
P2 Prepare continuous improvement plan based on the review and critique of operations
management principle.
Continuous improvement plan will help TK Maxx in improving its supply chain process
in the systematic manner. This plan is related with formulation of activities and plans for the
achievement of goals and also for increasing the output. With the help of this plan TK Maxx will
be able to make major changes in its plans and strategies for the future. Lean principle can also
be used by the organisation for the attainment of goals and target. Since the major focus of lean
principle is to reduce wastage in the production process, so TK Maxx will be able to directly

increase its productivity (Heagney, 2016). Continuous improvement plan of TK Maxx for
increasing the productivity of supply and logistics is discussed below-
BASIS CURRENT
METHODOLOGIES
PROPOSED
METHODOLOGIES
COST
The major focus of variance
principle is emphasised on
managing the range of
products. This means this type
of principle is not concerned
with management of cost.
This principle can be used in
the organisation for reducing
cost and also for managing the
logistics in the best possible
manner.
QUALITY
Organisation principle is not
properly used by the
management of organisation.
TK Maxx is using hybrid
vehicles techniques for
increasing the quality of
logistics.
The quality can be increased
by managing each and every
activity of operation. This can
be done by using JIT technique
as it will direclty lead to
increase in quality of logistic.
DELIVERY
The principle of change was
also not properly implemented
by the management of
organisation(Heizer, Render
and Munson, 2017). This is
resulted into mismanagement
of capacity with other retailers.
The focus can be emphasised
on using this principle in the
systematic manner. Various
mode of transport can be used
for delivering the goods to the
final consumer. These can be
include air , ship or cargo
transport.
From the continuous improvement plan various kinds of recommendations can be given to the
organisation. With the help of these better plans and strategies can be made for improving the
functions of operations within limited period of time. Some of the major recommendations are
discussed below-

 The management of TK Maxx can be focus on using latest techniques in its process of
delivering goods and services to final customer's. This means artificial intelligence
technique can be used for increasing the cost quality of product and also for reducing the
cost of organisation in the best possible manner.
 Just in time technique can also be used by TK Maxx for managing the operations in the
proper manner(Karlsson, 2010). This principle is basically used for managing the
inventory and reducing the wastage of raw materials. This method will directly lead to
improvement in the supply chain and logistic process of TK Maxx.
M2 Effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan
Continuous improvement plan will be very much effective for the management of TK Maxx as
with the help of this performance can be easily evaluated. This will help in reducing the chances
of defects and problems in the systematic manner. Management can plan to implementate some
strategies for improving the effectiveness of continuous improvement plan. These strategies
include- better communication channel can be used and promotional techniques can be used for
promoting the product. With the help of this goals and target of the organisation will be easily
achieved by the management limited short period of time.
TASK 3
P3 Apply each stage of the PLC for the project producing necessary supporting documentation.
Reynolds Technology is one of the biggest manufacturer of tubing bicycle frame in
different parts of Midlands (Reynolds Technology. 2019). The organisation was established in
1898 by John Reynolds in Birmingham. The organisation focuses on manufacturing high quality
of products for increasing and enhancing the satisfaction level of customer's. The organisation
has currently recruited many employees for the position of office staff and factory workers. The
objective of the organisation is to reduce movement of staff at the time of lunch break because it
is leading to increase in congestion at the local area. Another objective is to develop healthy life
style and performing various CSR activities(Mora, Bitsuamlak and Horvat, 2011). For the
achievement of these objectives a project plan will be made after analysing various things in
systematic manner.
Business case
BASIS DESCRIPTION

Importance
The plan is to manage a theoretical in house project and achieve the
objectives in the best possible manner. Focus will be emphasised
on reducing absenteeism among employees and providing them
better facilities for their overall growth and development.
Target
The major target is to achieve goals and objectives in the best
possible manner. Appropriate techniques and strategies will be
formed and implemented by the line manager.
Cost benefit analysis
Particulars Situation 1 2
Costs 100000 120000
Benefit 0 20000
(BEP point)
Project life cycle
Project initiation- It is the very first phase in the project life-cycle. The major focus in
this stage is to set the objectives in the proper manner. Plans and strategies will have made for
analysing the opportunities and threats, so that best use of available resources can be done. The
manager of Reynolds Technology will be required to set objectives before commencing actual
work of the project. Analysis in this stage is also done to check the feasibility of plan and to
decide the future action plan. In this stage objectives are also decided after analysing the current
and past situation of the internal environment of Reynolds Technology.
Project planning- It is the second stage of project life cycle, in this phase different kinds
of plans and strategies will be made as per the objectives. The manager of Reynolds Technology
will formulate plans by using latest tools and techniques (Rabetino and et. al., 2015). Plans in
this are generally made according to the availability of resources within the organisation. It will
also include formulation of budget as per the planned objectives and goals. Flexible plans are
made in this so that major changes can be done as per the current situation of the organisation. It
will be the duty of manager in Reynolds Technology to make and implement effective strategies

related to cost. Better communication strategies will also be used by the manager, so that vital
information can be transferred from one person to another.
Project execution- It is one of the most important stage in the project life cycle, as in this
actual and important work of the project is started. Major focus of in this stage is to ensure that
work is completed as per the plans and strategies. This means in this stage manager will try to
monitor each and every activity in the systematic manner. This will directly lead to making best
use of the available financial and non-financial resources of Reynolds Technology. If the manger
is not successful in managing activities at this stage than it can lead to mismanagement within
the organisation (Reid and Sanders, 2015).
Project Closure-It is considered as the last stage in the project life cycle. Analyse in this
is done on the basis of overall performance of the employees. It will be the duty of manager to
analyse that targets are meet as per the requirements or not. Actual performance is compared
with the planned performance to analyse the target and goals in the best possible manner.
Gantt Chart- It is basically prepared for managing and scheduling the activities of
project in the systematic manner. It helps in managing the relationship between activities and
current schedule of the project. It consist of managing the start and end time of the project, so
that work can be competed in the systematic manner. With the help of this chart Reynolds
Technology will be able to achieve the objectives in the best possible manner.

Work break down structure- This is basically prepared to break the complex task of
project into simple task. The major motive behind using this is to compete the assigned task or
project in the efficient manner. With the help of this chart work can be completed by using
resources in a appropriate manner.
M3 Rationale for the project methodologies, tools and leadership
This project will be completed by using secondary data as the information will be collected from
internet and journals. Situational leadership method can be used by the management of
organisation for solving the problems of project in the best possible manner. Appropriate tools
and techniques can be also be used by the organisation for executing the project in the effective
manner.
TASK 4
P4 Review and critique the effectiveness of the PLC in application to the project using
appropriate theories and models.
It is very much essential for the organisation to design and properly implement the
project life-cycle. Appropriate analysis and monitoring of the project activities can lead to

reduction in the chances of failure of the project. Reynolds Technology also needs to review and
analyse its project life-cycle for making necessary changes in the working structure. Waterfall
model can be used by the organisation for evaluating and analysing the stages of project life-
cycle in the coordinated manner, this model is discussed below-
Requirement- This stage is concerned with evaluating the requirements for commencing
the project. With the help of this model organisation will make strategies and tactics as per the
requirements of the project. Six sigma method can be used for the defining the deliverables in the
appropriate manner. Under this plans and strategies are made as per the major requirements of
the organisation(Sheu, 2010).
Design- This stage is related with forming appropriate and flexible strategies for the
overall completion of the project. In this stage Reynolds Technology focuses on using and
implementing lean production to reduce unnecessary wastage in the process. With the help of
this management of organisation will be able to make relevant changes for the effective
achievement of goals and target. Plans in this will also be made to reduce hurdles and barriers in
the process.
Development: This stage is concerned with development of the project in the best
possible manner. The management of the organisation is focusing on using Total Quality
management and democratic leadership technique. This means with the help of these methods
quality will be maintained and needs , preferences of the employees will also be taken into
consideration by the leader of Reynolds Technology(Witcher and Chau, 2010). Better and
effective cost controlling techniques will be used for using the resources properly. With the help
of democratic leadership style the ideas and views of employees in Reynolds Technology will be
considered. This will lead to increase in motivation level of the employees and reduction in there
absenteeism.
Testing and Maintenance: Under this method actual plan is tested so that goals of the
organisation can be effectively attained. With the help of this stage the management of
organisation can easily test overall activities of project and can try to maintain the requirements
in the systematic manner. Better plans and strategies can be made for competing the task and
goals. This can directly lead to increase in productivity, performance and proficiency of the
organisation within limited period of time. Better services can be offered to the customer's

because each and every activity will be planned and evaluated in the proper manner(Wong and
Wong, 2014).
Different theories and models for large and small scale projects
METHODOLOGIES SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
Six Sigma
Six sigma method can be used for
small-scale project by
formulating plans related to the
internal management of the
organisation. With the help of
this method major improvements
can be done in the existing
polices and strategies.
This technique can also be used
for large-scale project. As in this
new plans and strategies can be
made for analysing and evaluating
the availability of resources. This
process will be effective for large-
scale project because better plans
and strategies can be made for
using the resources appropriately.
Lean Principles
This principle in small-scale
project will be used to reduce the
wastage of resources. New and
latest techniques can be made for
removing unnecessary wastage,
this can lead to increase in
productivity and performance of
the employees.
This type of principle can be used
for developing and formulating
any new strategy. Lean principle
for large-scale project will be
directly lead to effectively use of
cost and eliminating lengthy
process in the effective manner.
M4 Critical analysis of using appropriate theories, concepts and models in the PLC for
differentiating between large and small-scale projects.
Waterfall method will be best suitable for the organisation in solving the problem within the
organisation. As with the help of this method each and every activity will be planned and
operated in the best possible manner. Chances of problems and disputes in the organisation will
be reduced and major objectives will be easily achieved by this model.