Strategic Project Management Report: GGMC Strategic Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of strategic project management, focusing on the Gulf Glass Manufacturing Company (GGMC) in Kuwait. It begins by explaining the crucial link between projects and strategic plans, emphasizing the importance of strategic management in achieving organizational goals. The report delves into the Kaizen and TQM models, highlighting their roles in continuous improvement and quality management within GGMC. It then describes the major components of the strategic management process, including environmental scanning, strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The report also outlines the roles, tasks, and essential skills of project managers, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, leadership, and risk mitigation. Furthermore, it explores the significance of project portfolio systems in reducing project risks and promoting strategic decision-making. Overall, the report underscores the impact of strategic project management on business performance, emphasizing how it enables project completion within specified timelines and helps organizations achieve a competitive edge.

STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
QUESTION 1...................................................................................................................................3
Explaining how projects are linked to strategic plan...................................................................3
QUESTION 2...................................................................................................................................7
Describing major components of Strategic management process...............................................7
QUESTION 3...................................................................................................................................9
Role, task and skills of project management...............................................................................9
QUESTION 4.................................................................................................................................10
Project portfolio system.............................................................................................................10
QUESTION 5.................................................................................................................................11
5.Five common project risk strategies to identify threats that project may face.......................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
The strategic project management is one of the crucial aspect in the organization. Present
report deals with GGMC (Gulf Glass Manufacturing Company) located in Kuwait and engaged
in glass manufacturing. Strategic management is beneficial for company in attaining an edge
over its competitors by formulating strategy. Explanation of how projects are linked to strategic
plan will be discussed. Along with it, various components of strategic management process will
be enumerated in effective manner. On the other hand, it will also include explanation about
risks that arise in projects and how it could be overcome. Moreover, for reducing project risks,
importance of project portfolio system will be implemented in a better manner. The role and
tasks performed by project manager in company will also be discussed. Hence, importance of
strategic project management has much influence on overall performance of business and how it
can achieve project completion within stipulated time.
QUESTION 1
Explaining how projects are linked to strategic plan
The strategic planning is required to be done in a better manner so that firm may be able
to accomplish set objectives in the best manner possible. It can be analyzed that for completing
project within stipulated time, strategic management needs to be implemented. It guides
company to have proper direction so that tasks can be accomplished with ease. Business
environment is then studied and creating business strategy is required so that stated goals can be
accomplished. Projects are concrete action which are taken by business for executing strategic
plan. The two models can be listed such as Kaizen Model and TQM Model are explained below-
Kaizen Model

Figure 1 Kaizen Model Source:
Kaizen cycle for continuous improvement. 2018
Kaizen model is a strategy to make continuous improvement as small changes can reap
more of the improvements quite effectually. It is quite important for Gulf Glass Manufacturing
Company (GGMC) which is engaged in manufacturing of glass and it can eliminate wastage
during production quite effectually. It can be interpreted from above chart how Kaizen cycle for
continuous improvement works. The stages are listed below-
Get employees involved-
The involvement of workers are required so that issues and problems may be analyzed.
Specific group of employees should be charged with gathering information.

Identify problems-
Creating shortlist of complaints from employees by taking widespread feedback from
them and potential opportunities if any.
Creating solution-
Encourage employees to sufficiently create solutions or presenting ideas. From this,
winning idea should be implemented (Heldman, 2018.).
Testing solution-
The winning solution should be taken and pilot programs to be created for testing
solution or checking viability.
Analyzing results-
Regular check at various intervals and monitoring strategic plans of GGMC so that
ground-level employees remain intact. Determining success of change initiated
Standardize-
The results if are positive, adopt the solution overall in the firm so that standards may be
set and more effective manufacturing can take place (Carnall, 2018).
Repeat whole steps-
The above listed steps should be repeated in order to enhance overall results in effectual
manner for new solutions for tackling problems with ease.
TQM (Total Quality Management) Model-
TQM model is another model which can be adopted by GGMC in order to achieve
desired level of production with reduced wastage leading to fulfilment of goals in the best way
possible. There are 8 principles on which TQM model is based which are listed below-
Customer-focused-

The level of quality is being determined by customers. No matter what methods are used
for quality improvement such as training workers, upgrading computers and customers
determines whether quality is good or not.
Total involvement of employee-
Achieving common goals can be made by full participation of employees. It can be
assessed that GGMC should empower employees to work towards accomplishment of goals.
Self-managed team is one form of empowerment (Daniel and Daniel, 2018).
Process-centered-
Process thinking is followed which means that series of steps from input from suppliers
are taken and conversion to output is made and are delivered to customers.
Integrated system-
The integration is one of the factor which helps for accomplishing specialization of
integrated tasks. It is the horizontal process that interconnects organization functions.
Systematic and Strategic approach-
The strategic planning is important for attaining group’s mission, vision and goals. This
helps to prepare strategic plan in which quality is integrated as a main component.
Continual improvement-
The improvement to be made on continual basis by GGMC by incorporating both
analytical and creativity in finding ways to satisfy stakeholders (Tonchia, Tonchia and
Mahagaonkar, 2018).
Decision based on facts-
Data collection on continuous basis is required and analyze so as to improve decision-
making and initiate accuracy in the best way possible.
Communication-

The communication is key factor as during periods of organizational change, effective
communication maintains morale of employees to stick with productivity.
Thus, by adopting Kaizen Model and TQM Model, GGMC will be able to increase its
efficiency at operating level and desired productivity would be achieved. Thereby, meeting
expectations of customers and stakeholders with ease.
QUESTION 2
Describing major components of Strategic management process
Strategic management process is one of the important process in which organization’s
strategy can be applied. The management is able to make choice of set of strategies which will
enable to accomplish better performance. It is termed as continuous process which appraises
industry in which firm is engaged, competitors are analyzed and goals are fixed in order to
ascertain competencies and assessing strategy. The main components in strategic management
process are as follows-
Environmental Scanning-
The term environmental scanning means to process of collecting, scrutinizing and
imparting information for the purpose of strategy (Amoako-Gyampah, Meredith and Loyd,
2018). It is quite helpful as it lists and assesses external and internal factors which has major
influence on GGMC. It provides clarity what competencies are evaluated in a better manner so
that factors may be assessed for preparation of strategy. Soon after making execution of
environmental process of analysis, management of GGMC should assess the same on continual
basis in order to derive deviations and strive for making improvement.
Formulating strategy-
The second component of strategic component process is of the important step as in it
best course of action available to firm is decided. This selection of best available ideas help to
enhance and attain stated goals and objectives in the best way possible. Hence, organization
purpose can be successfully accomplished without any difficulty. Soon after conducting
environmental scanning, management of GGMC is able to formulate corporate, functional and

business strategies in the effectual manner. This helps firm to effectively attain competitive edge
over its competitors with ease.
Implementing strategy-
Next component of strategic management process is to implement strategy in the best
manner possible. The chosen strategy into action could be implemented in a better manner
achieving organization’s desired objectives. The strategy implementation involves making
design of company’s structure, distributing resources and then developing process of decision-
making (Bredillet, Tywoniak and Tootoonchy, 2018). Lastly, human resources are managed in
effectual manner. Thus, company is able to implement strategy in effectual manner which helps
firm to achieve efficiency. Hence, strategy is implemented for attaining efficiency in
organization.
Evaluating strategy-
It is the final component in strategic management process. In its activities which are
covered are appraising external and internal factors that represents root of current strategies, then
measuring performance in order to find out deviations from planned and actual performance as
per the strategy. After that, corrective action is taken for improving current performance or
remedial actions are taken (Amarakoon, Weerawardena and Verreynne, 2018). The evaluation
strategy ensures that strategy and its implementation meets objectives of GGMC in effectual
way.
It can be evaluated that components listed above are carried in accordance to
chronological order to create fresh strategic management plan. GGMC can revert to these steps
for enhancing its operational level and then attaining desired objectives in the best manner
possible. Hence, it can be said that strategic management plan can be made in accordance to
situation’s requirement and thus, necessary essential changes could be made by the firm. Hence,
company may be able to achieve goals with ease.

QUESTION 3
Role, task and skills of project management
It is important for the project manager of the organization to be disciplined and
responsible in order to manage task or certain project within derived time constraints. Project
managing person of organization are effective negotiator, reasonable, achievable an overcomes
milestones within set deadline. The role of project manager of organization is based on imitation
of idea, planning to achieve certain innovation with cost effectiveness, designing and execution
path in order to conduct smooth work in progress of all workers (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
Further, the project managers of companies are focused on monitoring and controlling executive
stage because it assists the managing person in making optimum utilization of resources and
mitigating risk. For example, Gulf glass manufacturing company of Kuwait assigns project
management for every order or new task. This is the strategy which assist the firm in simplifying
task and aligning resources and employee work in one direction.
Apart from this, task of project manager is to develop and manage use of technology and
employee according to strategic planning which is done according to different models like, total
quality management, six sigma, four stage of operation contribution, etc. In this manager aim at
determining way to accomplish certain target. However, project manager is responsible for
planning project for which person focuses on use resources required, setting deadline, tea
building, and areas of initiating certain project work (Pant and Baroudi, 2018). After deriving all
the planning aspect of project the management aim at communication plan to responsible and
related people like employee who will be part of particular team experts and senior authorities
who sanction execution.
Allocating task is another responsibility of project which need to done according to
employee interest and capabilities. It helps in boosting individual morale of working on project
and aid in aligning activities in appropriate way. The least consideration of project manager is
setting mile stone in which every activity is executed by deriving particular time frame. It helps
in managing value of operation management which is foremost art of strategic planning of
project manager.
Skills of project manager play crucial role in managing effectiveness in project
management plan of organization. Skills comprise characteristics and traits of individual for

managing employee in one direction which aim at meeting deadline and lean and quality
management. For example project manager of Gulf glass manufacturing company aim at
managing transparent communication with employee which is the best way of reducing waste
and managing smooth flow of project plan. On the other hand, project manager needs to be good
leader because the person is responsible for guiding employee in one direction. Further, in this
the person aim at influencing workers to coordinate skills and work with other employee in order
to complete task within set time constraints (Gammelgaard and Larson, 2011). Likewise, risk
mitigation and scheduling are the essential skills of project management which helps the person
in incorporating safe working practices for protecting all stakeholders involved in particular
project. Thus, as per the discussion, it can be articulated that skills of project manager are direct
proportion of role and responsibility of person because it derives completion of task.
QUESTION 4
Project portfolio system
Implementing and managing project according to strategies is the best technique for the
business for eliminating errors as it promotes strategical decision making. The project managers
of manufacturing companies implements the use of project portfolio management which is
centralized management system which offers incorporation of process, methods and
technologies. It is effective for reducing errors because it helps the project managing in making
proper use of resources which helps in creating value of project. In accordance with this system
the companies is bale to derive setback of particular project which needs to be managed.
The key elements of project portfolio management are enterprise project structure which
is determined by making an overview of overall plan and design. Further, it enables
organizational breakdown structure which improve flow of task and information of certain task.
Next is scheduling and budgeting in which focus of managing person in on setting mile stone and
make proper allocation and use of resources (Altuntas and Dereli, 2015). Next element is
tracking key indicator which is linked to performance evaluation of project which helps in
outlining benefits of investment made. Last aspect of PPM is deriving efficiency of project
portfolio which aim at outlining forthcoming challenges and profits from specific project.
Implication of project portfolio management help the project managing in overlooking
entire project which is the best way to design and plan task. In this focuses of manager in on

deriving improvement areas and challenges which can hinder smooth flow of employee
activities. The centralized system suggest the use of resources and requirement of technology for
different functional units. For example the gulf Glass manufacturing company implies of project
portfolio to keep a check over management of activities and use of resources by employees.
The PPM is implemented and used by project manager of various companies because it
helps the person in outlining answers of 5 essential queries of any project that is optimum
utilization of resources which helps in deriving individual interest in business activities. Further,
there is promise of return where the manager aim at analyzing return from particular project. In
accordance with this business sis able to derive whether the project is beneficial for business or
not. However, the management system allow the manager in analyzing need of changes which
are set to overcome loopholes which can be hindrance to project execution.
In addition, PPM is centralized and therefore helps manager in deriving wellness of
execution and need of resources to manage smooth and systematic flow of project operations.
Lastly, the portfolio helps in deriving effectiveness of investment by predicting return. Thus, it
can be articulated that PPM is effective centralized tool for project manager (Stettina and Hörz,
2015). Hence, it can be outlined project portfolio system can go a long way to reduce, or even
eliminate the impact of various business problems which come when performing one specific
task.
QUESTION 5
5.Five common project risk strategies to identify threats that project may face
GGMC is facing lot of project risk that includes poor leadership, lack of resources, ,lack of
training etc. Organization in order to successfully achieve the business goals make sure that risk
are identified in order to achieve the objectives of the organization and complete the project.
GGMC can face problems of lack of resources which may affect the project and reduce the
performance level of firm in completing that project(de Carvalho, Patah and de Souza Bido,
2015). Project risk strategies assist in reducing the risk to successfully archive the business
objectives. These strategies consist of the following :

 Avoid the risk : Avoiding the risk assist in eliminating the cause of risk. GGMC in
order to avoid risk can change its activity or objectives that are at risk. Some risk can be
avoided by early identification of information and communicating it to different
members of the organisation. For example, changing the scope of project activity and
also to avoid risk which can affect company growth and liquidity organisation must close
the project completely.
 Transfer the risk : In this approach of risk management, the risk is transferred to the
third party that include insurance company or any other third person. The burden of the
risk by using this strategy is borne by the third party on behalf of the organisation. Risk
transfer does not eliminate the risk but it eliminates the direct impact of risk on project.
This approach is most effective in reducing financial risk. For example, To reduce the
financial risk which may impact project organisation can sign a contract with the third
party to bear the risk.
 Mitigate the risk : This strategy reduces the probability of occurrence of the risk by
following the fundamental principle of taking action earlier before the risk affect the
project. For example, use of high technology to detect error at the earlier stage of
project.
 Accept the risk : Accepting the risk when no other option is available with the firm to
reduce the risk factor. Passive acceptance require documentation of risk to deal with it
occur. In active acceptance, contingency reserve is implemented to recover the loss of
time, money and resources (Shahrokhi, Nasserabadi and Babaei, 2017). For example,
risk that are small and also which are insured by the insurance company are accepted.
 Contingent risk response strategies : These strategies are implemented by the
organisation when certain event occur. The project team before implementing these
strategies wait for warnings. These strategies include financial reserve, staffing
reallocation and implementing workarounds to minimize the loss and damage. For
example, Risk response strategy is implemented when the project faces risk of financial
crises.