Operations and Project Management Report: Dyson UK Large Screen TV

This report provides a detailed analysis of operations and project management practices at Dyson UK, focusing on their potential entry into the large-screen television market. The report begins by outlining the implementation of various operations management principles, including Lean principles, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Six Sigma, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in the context of Dyson's operations. It then moves on to the preparation of a continuous improvement plan, discussing how cost, quality, safety, and delivery can be managed through these principles. The report further explores the application of the project life cycle (PLC) for the development of large-screen televisions, detailing the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure stages, along with the leadership styles and tools that can be employed. Finally, it reviews and critiques the effectiveness of the PLC, providing a comprehensive overview of project management strategies and their practical application within Dyson UK.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Implementation of Operations Management Principles.......................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2. Preparation of Continuous Improvement Plan......................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P3. Application of Project Life Cycle.........................................................................................6
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P4. Review and Critique of the Effectiveness of PLC..............................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Project Management refers to overall planning, executing and accomplishing each stage
of a specific project. It undertakes allocation of resources as well as application of strategies
which undertakes appropriate completion and perfect execution of a project (Kerznerand Kerner,
2017) . The following report is based on Dyson UK, which is one of the top manufacturers and
distributors of home and electrical appliances. It includes review as well as critique of
effectiveness of operation management principles, application of continuous improvement and
project life cycle. The report also undertakes critical evaluation of effectiveness of PLC within a
certain project.
TASK 1
P1. Implementation of Operations Management Principles
Operations Management is a field of study and practice which reflects upon
administration of various practices which are connected to modifications in business operations.
While Dyson wishes to enter into Large-screen televisions, it is of vital importance that each
strategy, resource and plan is developed in context to gain maximum effectiveness out of
operations. To achieve this agenda, the organisation is required to adopt certain methodologies
which are mentioned below:
Lean Principles:
Lean is a term that is widely used by organisations globally to determine various
inconsistencies and inefficiencies within their companies and to help improve and achieve better
standards. The principles covered by lean are purely based on improving management of
processes and working to attain better outcomes by eliminating every aspect that is not
contributing to effectiveness. There are various principles of lean which are evaluated below:
 Defining Value:
The very first principle of lean revolves around defining appropriate customer value
which they are willing to spend on the products. Dyson must adopt methods to define value of
their operations as well as their Large-Screen Televisions. This would help the company in
identifying and defining customers' perspective as to what is valuable to them. Such deciphering
is necessary for the quality and price of their product (Aragon's-Beltrán, and et. al 2015).
 Mapping the Value Stream:
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Another prominent principle of lean is value stream mapping. The value defined by
Dyson in the previous step would be used as an indication point in relation to which, every
appropriate task that contributes in achieving that value would be determined. However,
activities which could cause failure in attaining this value would be treated as waste and further
removed. This enhances the assurance level that each activity is directed towards development of
desired products (Kivilä and Vuorinen, 2017).
 Creation of Flow:
In this principle of lean, Dyson would be required to appropriately align each activity and
process in ways which ensure smooth running of processes within the company for development
of their televisions. Each step and process must be reconfigured and goals of each department
must be integrated to create an intact flow of operations within Dyson.
 Pull Establishment:
While working for the development of Large Screen TV, Dyson must also keep a close
watch at potential production system waste elements such as Work In Progress and Inventory.
According to this principle, such wastes must be removed which would enable other appropriate
and contributing processes to establish smoothness in development processes.
 Persuasion of Perfection:
The final and most important principle of lean focuses on pursue utmost perfection in the
process of developing televisions. It requires Dyson in establishing and maintaining a culture of
continuous improvement within the organisation which is essential in determining aspects that
could contribute in appropriate development of televisions and aspects which don't so that
effectively assist the company in keep the quality high (Park and Huh, 2018).
Critical Evaluation of Lean Principles:
The most prominent aspect of application of lean principles within Dyson's Large-screen
Television production is that it minimises time of production once each process in aligned
however, there are still chances of failure on suppliers' end that could lead to incompletion of
orders on time. Moreover, since the principles of lean aims at reduction of waste and damage, the
firm by default becomes incompetent to buy raw materials in bulk. This raises the cost of
acquisition of these materials.
Total Quality Management:
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It is a customer-based approach which is consists of ensuring a culture of continuous
improvement to ensure maximum satisfaction to buyers. It is a management approach which
undertakes extensive examination and evaluation of the quality of operations and the television
that could deliver utmost value to customers. In addition to this, processes and equipments at
each level of production is evaluated in order to deliver best quality and maximum effectiveness.
Critical Evaluation of Total Quality Management:
TQM is very effective in ensuring maximum effectiveness within the production
processes in a company (Erdogan and et. al 2017). However, regular modifications are required
as this approach might lose its impulse overtime. This phenomena is known as quality
disillusionment. Moreover, this enhances burden on the overall organisation as each department
and personnel is required to appropriately adopt a culture of TQM to ensure its consistency.
Incomplete establishment of TQM might bring severe consequences to the firm and partial
efforts might fail.
Six Sigma:
A methodology which is directed towards improving a firm's processes using quantitative
analysis and statistical measurements. It uses two approaches, DMAIC and DMADV, where the
former considers improvement in existing processes while the latter considers improvement in
development of new product or service. Since Dyson is entering into a new market, it is
imperative that the firm adopts DMADV approach which is discussed below: Define: The initial stage is based on defining goals of the overall project along with
internal as well as external deliverables (Zou and Jones, 2017). Measure: Next stage requires the company to effectively attain knowledge about
customer needs and appropriate specifications. Analyse: Third step of Six Sigma needs the company to analyse all the processes which
are required to meet consumers' needs. Design: After analysis, Dyson must design the processes and allocate resources to
accomplish customer demands.
 Verify: Dyson must verify the previous steps appropriately by applying methods such as
stimulations as well as pilot programs.
Critical Evaluation of Six Sigma:
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Since its a customer-based approach, Six Sigma requires skilled workforce consistently to
maintain the quality of operations. This is quite hectic and sometimes not possible for a
company. In addition to this, its applicability removes chances of modifications as it promotes
rigidity within the operations.
TASK 2
P2. Preparation of Continuous Improvement Plan
After determining the methodologies that could be used in developing Large-screen
televisions, Dyson must prepare a continuous improvement plan that revolves around ensuring
consistency of top quality production and product quality of the televisions (Hwang, 2017). The
continuous improvement plan is mentioned below:
BASIS PRINCIPLES/APPROACHES IMPLEMENTATION
COST
Lean principles is the methodology
that could appropriately be used in
managing the cost of production.
Lean principles considers defining of
value which undertakes all the aspects
and elements which customers seem
valuable. Thus, applying lean principles
would eradicate possibility of inclusion
of any waste equipment or process
which unnecessary could add to the
cost.
QUALITY
TQM is the standard approach which
could be utilised to maintain effective
quality of product and processes
(Eroshkin, 2017).
Various techniques within TQM such
as Mastercontrol and other software
could be implemented by Dyson which
would assure appropriate and effective
quality of each process, equipment and
personnel. This would appropriately
enhance the scope of maintaining
quality standards within the project.
SAFETY To manage and enhance the safety
standards of the project and
It is very important for Dyson to
appropriately maintain the safety
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televisions, Six sigma could be a well
methodology which Dyson could
apply within the project.
standards of project and televisions. Six
Sigma could be used as an effective
approach as its steps require analysis
and appropriate verification of safety
standards as per the customers' needs
(Marques, 2017).
DELIVERY
Dyson should use principle of
organisation to manage delivery of
televisions within due time and with
utmost effectiveness.
While it is crucial to deliver the product
within due time, principle of
organisation would enable Dyson in
maintaining a successful flow of
operation and better management of
each activity within the project. This
would allow accomplishment of tasks
within due time and timely delivery of
televisions.
Continuous Improvement Plan Analysis:
Each plan must effectively be analysed in order to adequately accomplish the agenda of
consistency within the overall project. However, it is also imperative that analysis of CIP is made
on the basis of various operations management principles discussed below: Flexibility: This principle works on concept of flexible operations within an organisation
which is necessary in order to ensure maximum adaptability. Lean Principles require
regular monitoring and modifications in processes and equipments to determine usage of
most capable aspects within a project. Thus, while developing large screen television too,
this principle could be accomplished by Lean. Organisation: While each activity within the project is appropriately organised, thus, it
would provide the firm with appropriate management for the project along with
accomplishment of set standards (Șerbanoiu, 2017). Fundamentals: Six Sigma would be applied appropriately in creation of environment
within Dyson to ensure employee and customer safety be prioritised. Application of six
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sigma would be appropriately fulfilment of various disciplines which is necessary for
maximum safety within the project.
 Humility: While implementing TQM, each manager and subordinate is required to
consult and have discussions about appropriate ways in which overall improvement in
processes. Moreover, each department would also integrate their efforts to enhance the
quality of procedures and televisions. Thus, humility will be accomplished via
application and implementation of TQM (Zhang, 2018).
TASK 3
P3. Application of Project Life Cycle
Dyson, in order to appropriately enter the large screen television market effectively, is
required to set up a work frame which is crucial for each project. However, every project is
consisted of various stages which takes overall development of product from idea or concept to
an actual offering. For Dyson, the project life cycle for development of Large Screen Televisions
is mentioned below: Initiation Stage: This stage consists of developing a framework for the overall project
ahead. Brainstorming must be an appropriate activity in this stage where managers along
with subordinates work together to develop objectives that are related with their
introduction of new product range of Large-screen televisions. Moreover, they must
undertake feasibility analysis where each factor must be reviewed on the basis of their
contribution. Lean Principles could be utilised as a strategy for this stage to determine
what customers seem valuable and effectively mapping the value stream. Since this
requires appropriate insight of subordinates as well, democratic leadership could serve as
most appropriate style to be adopted by the managers. In addition to his, Microsoft
Project Professional must be utilised by Dyson for this stage (Poirier, 2017). Planning Stage: Approval is an essential part to commence the project planning. Dyson
managers must get their project of Large-Screen Televisions approved from senior
managers and the board. After their approval, they must be effectively approach towards
planning the whole project. Project plans and workflow documents are needed to be
created. In addition to this, resources must be acquired and gathered for further execution.
Moreover, plans must be created after risk assessment and appropriate factors and
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counter measures must be implemented. Six sigma could be an approach which would be
appropriate in this stage as planning would be done appropriately on perception of
customers which would help in execution of project according to their needs. For this
stage, Autocratic Leadership style must be used as it is an essential approach for
allocating duties and responsibilities to employees along with implementing desired
strategies for the product development. Toggl or Rational Plan are some tools that could
be utilised for this stage appropriately (Cavka, 2016). Execution Stage: The most crucial stage is developing the whole idea into a product. The
above set processes, equipments and resources are now required to work in ways which is
essential for appropriate execution. Communication is an essential aspect which must be
adequately and abundantly used by Dyson to maintain effective workflow and
simultaneous development of product. Performance of employees must be monitored by
managers and budget must be allocated and managed in order to conduct daily operations
effectively. For this stage, Total Quality Management must be used in order to effectively
achieve set standards and highest possible product quality. As for leadership, Leadership
Style could be essential to develop during this stage as new tactics and innovative
strategies could help in cost reduction as well as delivery of utmost quality and safety.
Microsoft Project could be used by Dyson during execution as it would help it in
determining shortcomings and overcoming the same appropriately (Aarseth and et. al
2017). Closure: The last stage is based on complete analysis of the overall project which is
essential for its effectiveness. Performances of each resource must be evaluated along
with other post-implementation reviews which is very important in order to modify any
process to ensure consistency.
Business Case:
Organisational
Overview
Dyson UK is a technical organisation situated in Wiltshire, United
Kingdom, which deals in electrical and home appliances (Dyson UK,
2018). It is planning to enter Large Screen TV market.
Vision and Mission Dyson UK's vision with these television is to itself strongly in the
television market. To attain this, mission of this firm is to implement
efficient, technologically advanced and innovative methods to
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address market needs approprately.
Objectives
XYZ's objective is to enhance its customer base of Large Screen TVs
within the UK and beyond. Another objective of this company is to
increase television viewing for all its customers by applying latest
technologies in their televisions (Sanchez and Terlizzi, 2017) .
Strategies
Appropriate planning along with allocation of innovative methods
and technologically advanced sources which allows the company to
implement effective methods according to market needs to develop
their Large-Screen Television.
Project Plan:
Cost
The overall cost involving resources, processes, distribution as well
as overall development of large screen televisions would be around
£1,25,000 - £1,30,000
Communication
Internal and external along with vertical as well as linear
communication would be used as appropriate strategy for production
as well as distribution of Large Screen Televisions.
Quality
Advanced technology along with adequate products are being utilised
to develop these televisions, firm promises effective quality
production and television quality.
Scope
To develop the scope, Dyson would be employing skilled employees,
advanced production equipments, appropriate software as well as
technologically advanced processing.
Gantt Chart:
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Illustration 1: Gantt Chart
Illustration 2: Gantt Chart
Work Breakdown Structure:
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Illustration 3: Work Breakdown Structure
TASK 4
P4. Review and Critique of the Effectiveness of PLC
Project life cycle must appropriately be reviewed critically which is essential for long-
term success prospective for the company. In addition to this, evaluation of this could effectively
serve well for removing any shortcomings in the project.
 Lean Principles are being used in initiation stage which determines appropriately the
activities and methods that are contributing towards appropriately accomplishing the
project. However, lean principles might set up cost high in case of ensuring mitigation of
waste which might risk chances of its approval. For this, the firm must adopt appropriate
methods that could provide effective quality with limited and effective price.
 Six Sigma is being used in planning process which is effective for achieving customer
perspective. However, its rigidity might lead to development of plans that couldn't be
modified further, which might cause organisational disturbance. Thus, it is imperative
that flexibility be adopted in planning. Execution stage uses TQM as managing the quality which is crucial for the firm in
developing televisions. However, it might add to unnecessary addition in teams and
processes that further increases its time for its accomplishment and development of
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