Tesco: Analysis of Operations and Project Management Principles Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of operations and project management, using Tesco as a case study. It begins by introducing Tesco and differentiating between operations and operational management. The report critiques the implementation of ten operations management principles, analyzing their effectiveness and limitations within the organization. It then assesses how well Tesco's operations management meets requirements, emphasizing the role and importance of operation management in achieving organizational goals. The report further explores continuous improvement as a philosophy, describing lean principles and their application. A continuous improvement plan is built, and recommendations are made to improve operations functions. Finally, the report shifts focus to Unilever, examining the project life cycle and its application to a project, including the reduction of staff movement within premises. The report provides supporting documents and a detailed overview of each stage of the project life cycle.

Operation and project
management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
1. An introduction to chosen organisation..............................................................................3
2. Operation management vs operations................................................................................4
3. Critique and review of the implementation of operation management principles...........4
4. Analyse the extent to which operations management of an organisation meets the
requirement.............................................................................................................................5
5. Continuous improvement as a philosophy by describing lean principles..........................6
6. Build a continuous improvement plan after reviewing and critique of operation
management principles...........................................................................................................7
7. By using continuous improvement principles and recommend to improve the operations
functions.................................................................................................................................8
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................10
MAIN BODY.................................................................................................................................10
1. An overview of the case study..........................................................................................10
2. A description of PLC and explanation of each stage.......................................................10
3. How each stage of PLC applies to project by supporting documents..............................12
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Operations management deals with day to day activities as well focus on strategic
business issues and management in systematic manner. Project management majorly deals with
planning, organising , monitoring and controlling various works and activities to achieve specific
goals and objectives in proper way. This report is based on Tesco which is an British
multinational groceries and general merchandise retailer in England UK. This report is based on

various operations management principles with their critical evaluation to reach at desirable
objectives. It also includes continuous improvement plan in organisational context.
MAIN BODY
1. An introduction to chosen organisation.
This report is based on Tesco which is an multinational grocery retailer in market of UK.
It is the third largest retailer in the whole world and ninth largest retailer in context of revenue. It
has large product portfolio and always focus on satisfying consumer needs and wants in proper
way and operates in many countries.
Operations and project management is the chain of activities consist of planning and
execution of operations in both service and manufacturing world by demand forecasting,
planning for production, control of inventory and quality management with supply chain
collaboration in better way.
2. Operation management vs operations.
Operation and operational management are very much important terms and a close
difference exist in both the terms. Operational management is an ever going process or function
that helps in produce products and supply services (Alias and et.al ., 2014..). For an example
production operations, manufacturing, information technology and many more. On other hand
operations is an permanent activity that helps in produce repetitive outcomes.
3. Critique and review of the implementation of operation management principles.
To reach at desirable goals and objectives majorly ten operational management that are as
follows:
Reality:
This principle states that organisation have to focus on problems rather than tools and
techniques, because any techniques is not self sufficient in itself but need a universal solution. In
context of Tesco while facing any problem their leaders and managers focus on major cause
behind it and after their solution. The concern with it that sometimes organisation fail to find out
the root cause of problem and not evaluate properly the universal solution of it.
Organisation:
In manufacturing or production all processes are interconnected to each other. In that
context predictions and consistency are very much obligatory to achieve similar outcomes (Bahn,

2013.). While manufacturing or production connected to each other if any kind of error find in
any tier of processing then it hinders the whole stage in negative manner.
Fundamentals:
This principle of operation management states that strict applications of fundamentals is
the cornerstone of effective production. By maintaining records of inventory, general principles
of Systems disciplines by which an organisation get 80% of their success and by application of it
get 20% success. In context of Tesco by practical application of theoretical principles
management achieve success. For an organisation practical implementation of plans and policies
is very much crucial but sometimes principles should be applied in only theoretical way not in
practical way that eliminate actual result of it.
Accountability:
That principle states that people in an organisation not put efforts for which they are
accountable. For an organisation it is very important to give motivation time to time so that they
can give their best in organisational growth and enhancement in positive manner. When an
individual working in a group and accountable for a particular job role but sometimes not give
best to reach at desirable outcomes in proper way. So in that scenario the principle helps to give
proper guidance to deal in positive manner.
Variance:
Principle of variance inherent in each and every process. In case the goal of system is to
reduce cost in that aspect variances should be measured and controlled (Binder, 2016.). In
context of Tesco manage each and every process that control in systematic manner to reach at
desirable goals and objectives. Sometimes when these activities are interrelated with each other
and all organisations have to follow them in systematic manner. In that scenario sometimes staff
members not able to coordinate all these simulateously.
4. Analyse the extent to which operations management of an organisation meets the requirement.
Operation management is very much important for an organisation and it can be accessed
after knowing role of it in achieving organisational goals and objectives in proper way.
Role and importance of operation management:
Operation management in which involves planning, organising, managing and controlling
production and manufacturing various processes ( Burke, 2013.). The major goal or aim of

operation management is to deliver products and services at appropriate time by turn raw
material into finished goods and services.
Operation management helps in manage and direct day to day activities that helps to organisation
better use of resources such as land, labour and raw material in proper way. In context of Tesco
they use operation management to utilize their precious resources in better way and get desirable
results out of it. So operation management applied in wider extent in achieving organisational
goals.
On other hand operation management helps in improving overall productivity of organisation, in
which ratio of inputs termed as productivity. In context of Tesco to become one of leading
organisation in retail sector they apply operation management principles to enhance productivity
in better way.
Hence it can be concluded that operation management is one of important and crucial aspect for
every organisation to lead in market and remain also leading position.
5. Continuous improvement as a philosophy by describing lean principles.
Continuous improvement is an practice that suggests constantly re examining and bring
improvement in works and processes. Continuous improvement is based on concept of japan
known as Kaizen which is a philosophy that helps in continuous improvement in operations of an
organisation. It helps in identification of benchmarks and create a sense of ownership in the
process. The basis of that philosophy that any aspect of operation can be improved in positive
manner by identifying major changes that should be build (Clarke, 4Sight Tech Inc, 2012.).
To bring better improvement in operation of an organisation, some principles should be followed
that helps in giving direction to move in a systematic path that are as follows:
Lean principles:
To achieve better results by finding out major spheres in which improvements are very
much crucial that are as follows:
Value:
Value is an important aspect by identifying needs and wants of consumers for a specific
product or services. In context of Tesco, they prepare timeline to produce or manufacture and
delivery of their product. Value should be created by accessing price and other important
requirements or expectations met as per the consumers needs.
Map the value stream:

In that phrase after determining the value that helps in giving delighted experience to
consumer base. In that stage organisation map the value stream or all processes and steps that
build a product by converting raw material into finished products and services (Fang and Marle,
2012.). It is an best experience that provides knowledge about all processes to design a product
or service in which includes production, design, procurement and administration. In context of
Tesco they plan each and every activity by giving responsibility to every department.
Create flow:
After eliminate all waste organisation have to ensure that they have to take care that
remaining activities should be processed in systematic way.
Establish pull:
After improving flow, market flows in systematic way and that that is time when
organisation can easily deliver products and services and deliver appropriately (Fang and et.al .,
2012). In context of Tesco, by producing products in a series helps to gain profitability in better
way.
Seek perfection:
In that process build lean thinking and processes that is a part of corporate culture. In that
step organisation have to adopt continuous improvement by constant effort and vigilance in
better way. In context of Tesco they after building products and services find out spheres in
which perfection is required.
6. Build a continuous improvement plan after reviewing and critique of operation management
principles.
Continuous improvement plan:
Continuous improvement plan is an important plan to bring necessary reforms in products
and services
Plan Do Check Act
After sale services After sale services are
very much important
for both organisation
as well as consumers
that helps in give
To check on planned
activities organisation
use many kinds of
tools and techniques in
which fundamental
After analysing the
services organisation
take important steps to
modify the processes
to bring effectiveness

delighted experience
to consumer base
(.Gilbert and et.al ,
2015)
principle of operation
management
principles helps to get
measurement of right
kind of services.
in present situation of
activity.
Cost reduction Cost reduction is one
of important aspect to
give competitive
advantage to consumer
base in comparison to
their competitors. To
implement that
organisation apply
advance tools and
techniques that can
give best products and
also focus on waste
reduction.
In that context
organisation apply
Lean principles to
reduce wastage in
effective manner to
reach at desirable
goals and objectives in
positive manner.
To analyse that
organisation conduct
various kinds of
activities such as set
standards to map the
quality so that
organisation can build
products accordingly
and easily modify it.
7. By using continuous improvement principles and recommend to improve the operations
functions.
In continuous improvement principles consist of focusing on the needs and wants of
consumers for that organisation have to initiate and achieve success in major areas.
In principles consist of focus on the consumers by which organisation can build perfect products
and services as per the choice of consumers (.Gilbert and et.al , 2015).
Use worker's ideas for adopting continuous improvement because continuous improvement can
not be come from top management, leadership and outside consultants. By ensuring leadership
support organisation and by bring incremental changes organisation can improve in their
operations in positive way. In context of Tesco to bring improvement in their performance they

have to adopt incremental changes and majorly focus on the consumer base that are the right way
to improve quality of products and services in positive way.
INTRODUCTION
Operation and project management is one of important aspect that helps in planning,
organising and controlling every activity. This report is based on Unilever which is an British
transnational consumer goods company headquarter is in London, UK. This section of report
covered project life cycle and review with critique the application of PLC in a project.
MAIN BODY
1. An overview of the case study.
This section of report is based on the building project life cycle to resolve two issues that
are reducing the movement of staff members in premises that currently creating congestion
situation (.Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). With give healthy and safe life to personnel that is an
important part of CSR activity. To reach at desirable goals and objectives organisation have to
produce project life cycle that gives direction to solve these issues in systematic way. In context
of Unilever they are very much conscious towards staff members and majorly contributes
towards their enhancement.
2. A description of PLC and explanation of each stage.
Project life cycle is very much important and critical for managers and other leaders
hoping to deliver projects to their clients in successful manner. There are some important steps of
project life cycle that are as follows:
Project initiation:
Project initiation that is a starting point of any kind of project or idea. Before start a
project strategic needs for a product or services should be keep in mind by upper management. In
context of Unilever that implement project to give best and safe life style to people so that they

always remain motivated to give their best to achieving organisational goals and objectives.
With they have limited space that creates congestion in their local area. So to solve these issues
in positive manner organisation planned to widen their area in which everyone can easily work
and on other hand managers find out the major factors that can give motivation to employees
and healthy life also. In that stage major problem should be discussed and project should be
developed to solve particular problem (.Luo and et.al ., 2016.). It takes 2 to 3 months to evaluate
and in that stage autocratic leadership style proved fruitful.
Project planning:
In planning phrase in which management give permit to launch a project in which set of
plans and policies by outlining the goals and objectives in positive manner. In that phrase the
purpose, vision and mission should be prepared in proper manner. In that availability of the
resources should be prepared in well manner so that desirable goals and objectives should be
achieve in positive manner (Meredith, Mantel Jr and Shafer, 2017.). In context of Unilever
they produce the project to solve the two major things or issues that movement of people in
launch break create congestion. For that they aimed to plan launch in two shifts after some time
of one break. With they aimed to provide training and development to their employees and adopt
safety measures at work place so that they remain always motivated to give their best. It takes
almost 4 months to complete the project and in that situational leadership style should be
adopted.
Project Execution:
That stage take place when project work is completed. In that stage raw material, tools
and techniques and resources should be transformed to reach at desirable goals and objectives in
positive manner. In context of Unilever to reach to these objectives they allocate all resources
such as collect information from employees that factors that are very much crucial for them to
remain always positive in workplace (Ming and et.al ., 2013.). In that context organisation plan
each and every attribute in a very careful manner by tracking resources, building budget and plan
resources and roadblocks to bring changes in organisational works and procedures in positive
manner. This stage takes almost 3 months to complete and various kinds of leadership style
should be used in that project according to the circumstances.
Project closure:

This is the fourth and final stage of project in which involves various activities that are
disbandment of project team, personnel and tools should be assigned new duties and powers.
Resources back to the parent organisation so that work should be done in proper way. In context
of Unilever they by evaluating each and every aspect in positive way and find out better solution
of issues so that organisation can reach at desirable goals and objectives. They by enlarge the
area and give breaks to employees in two shifts that reduce the rush. To motivate employees they
provide training and development and safety measures at workplace. This step almost takes one
month to complete the project.
3. How each stage of PLC applies to project by supporting documents.
In an organisation PLC can be evaluated by various supporting document that are as
follows:
PLC has four stages that have their own goals and objectives that helps to reach at
ultimate goal of organisation. The below mentioned factors are very much crucial for
organisation to attain objectives of each stage (Shaheen, InterDigital Technology Corp, 2014).
In PLC initiation stage business case helps to identify and evaluate each factor that helps in
success of an organisation. In planning phrase project plan helps to identify cost and other
factors. For remaining stages work break down structure helps to break work in small parts.
Business case:
in business case consist of task or a project in a systematic format to deliver right kind of
value to consumers and employees (.Strande and Brdjanovic, 2014).
Executive summary:
In Unilever they aimed to build project life cycle to solve two issues or concerns that are
to give space to move frequently at time of break and concentrates on CSR activities to give
motivation to employees.
Goal:
Goal of Unilever is to satisfy every need and want of employees by taking care of their
motivation level.
Solution:
The best solution of their major concerns that widen the area and give training and
development to employees to give motivation to them.
Cost:

The major cost which associated to successful completion of that project that is 30,000
pounds.
Execution time:
To execute that plan in successful manner organisation have to plan and coordinate each
and every activity and it takes almost one year to complete in successful manner.
Project plan
Project plan is an important concept that helps in evaluate each and every aspect to reach
at desirable goals and objectives in better way.
Scope:
It has wider scope in market to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers in better way
that also helps in attracting the competent staff members too.
Risk:
Every project have risk that associated with it and organisation responsible to eliminate in
wise manner by identify major spheres in positive manner.
Resources:
Resources are very much important for an organisation to reach at desirable goals and
objectives in positive manner. In that project main resources are finance and various programs
that give motivation.
Cost benefit analysis:
Cost benefit analysis is a chain of activities that analyse and taking decisions
appropriately. It helps to access major spheres that takes cost and expenditure to accomplish the
desirable goals of an organisation.
Work break down structure:
WBS is a part of project management and systems engineering that helps in divide
project into small parts (.Strande and Brdjanovic, 2014). It is a key project deliverable that
organize the work of manageable sections to understand and reach at desirable goals in positive
manner. In context of Unilever that divides the whole project into small parts so that everyone
can give their best in achieving goals and objectives.
Gantt chart:
Gantt chart helps to planning, coordinating each and every task in systematic manner to
reach at desirable goals.

CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been summarised that operation management plays very
crucial role in organisational growth and development. In an organisation operational

management principles plays very important role to coordinate each and every activity in a
systematic manner. To organise each and every activity organisation plans for an objective.
Continuous improvement plan is very much important to bring quality in products and services
to give delighted experience to consumer base.

REFERENCES
Books and journals:
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Bahn, S., 2013. Workplace hazard identification and management: The case of an underground
mining operation. Safety science. 57. pp.129-137.
Binder, J., 2016. Global project management: communication, collaboration and management
across borders. Routledge.
Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA.
Clarke, H.J., 4Sight Tech Inc, 2012. Enterprise project management system and method therefor.
U.S. Patent 8,306,841.
Fang, C. and Marle, F., 2012. A simulation-based risk network model for decision support in
project risk management. Decision Support Systems. 52(3). pp.635-644.
Fang, H., Han, D., He, G. and Chen, M., 2012. Flood management selections for the Yangtze
River midstream after the Three Gorges Project operation. Journal of hydrology. 432.
pp.1-11.
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teaming. U.S. Patent 9,189,756.
Gilbert, Y.S., and et.al , 2015. Case management system and method for collaborative project
teaming. U.S. Patent 9,189,756.
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scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Luo, G.L.,and et.al ., 2016. Wind curtailment of China׳ s wind power operation: Evolution,
causes and solutions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.53. pp.1190-1201.
Meredith, J.R., Mantel Jr, S.J. and Shafer, S.M., 2017. Project management: a managerial
approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Ming, Z., and et.al ., 2013. Historical review of demand side management in China:
Management content, operation mode, results assessment and relative
incentives. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 25. pp.470-482.
Shaheen, K.M., InterDigital Technology Corp, 2014. Method and apparatus for resource
management in handover operation. U.S. Patent 8,817,741.
Strande, L. and Brdjanovic, D. eds., 2014. Faecal sludge management: systems approach for
implementation and operation. IWA publishing.