Operations and Project Management Report: Whirlpool Company Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Whirlpool's operations and project management practices. It begins with an introduction to the concepts of operations and projects within an organizational context. The report then delves into a review and critique of Whirlpool's implementation of operations management principles, including organizational structure, fundamentals, accountability, variance, causality, change management, Six Sigma methodology, and lean principles. Following this, a continuous improvement plan is developed, based on the initial review, focusing on areas such as promotional activities, after-sales services, and coordination. The report also examines the stages of the project life cycle (PLC) and its importance for documentation. Finally, it evaluates the effectiveness of PLC within Whirlpool, utilizing relevant theories, concepts, and models to assess its impact. The conclusion summarizes the findings and the references used are provided.

OPERATION AND PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Review and critique of implementation of operations management principles in Whirlpool
Company.................................................................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Preparation of continuous improvement plan based on review and critique in Whirlpool
Company.................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P3 Stages of Project Life Cycle for developing a necessary supporting of documentation...8
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
P4 Effectiveness of PLC in Whirlpool Company using appropriate theories, concept and
models...................................................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Every organisation work on two aspects i.e. operation which is an ongoing process that
constitutes repetitive activities and other one is projects which are unique and have specific
beginning and end. Therefore, company for many reasons initiate projects so that needs and
wants of business can be met (Davies and Mackenzie, 2014). Company which is taken for this
assignment is Whirlpool, which deals in electronic and home appliances and is consider as one of
the renowned organisation in this sector . Present report will include implementation of
operations management and principles within an organisation. Other than this, a continuous
improvement plan will be made which will be based on critique and reviews. Apart from this,
each stage of PLC for a given project in included so that it can assist company as a
documentation for completing the project in a specific time frame. Lastly, review and critique of
PLC is included so as to determine effectiveness of the same using appropriate theories, concepts
and models.
TASK 1
P1 Review and critique of implementation of operations management principles in Whirlpool
Company
In an organisation there are different departments who perform their task for providing
benefits to a company. Operation management work with a purpose of converting raw materials
into final goods so that effective outcomes can be achieved. Thus, in an organisation role of
operation management is to manage and design production process. Therefore, it includes
planning and organising after identifying current market trends after which appropriate strategies
can be made (Larson and et. al., 2014). Some of the principles that are being followed by
Whirlpool Company for implementing management plan are given below:
Operational Management Principles
Basically, there are ten principles of operational management and some of them are
explained below:
Organisation: This help company in having interconnection with elements so as to have
better outcomes in terms of profits. As Whirlpool is one of the leading organisation and different
departments are working for manufacturing goods and services more effectively. But for some
instances coordination amongst employees is a major concern which firm has to consider.
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Fundamentals: These are determine as the foundation of production in an organisation as
through this, company maintains records of documents. Along with this, it assist firms in
implementing new and latest techniques. As Whirlpool Company was dealing for the first time in
manufacturing television because of which they face issues in producing goods like choices and
preferences of customers in relation to features and facilities they are required in the products.
Accountability: Here role of managers are important, as they are the one who set rules
and regulations and along with this, they define roles and responsibilities to their subordinates.
Checking whether goals and objectives are met on a regular basis is considered in this.
Henceforth, managers of Whirlpool Company is assigning roles as per their capabilities like
assembling of electronic parts are being done by technicians.
Variance: These are the component which is to be taken care of properly as it can be the
source of creativity for an organisation. As there are many firms who are manufacturing
television or dealing in the same sector. So, to make themselves different from one another it is
crucial that Whirlpool Company make or add some kind of features such as curved edges of TV,
automated sound system etc., for making their product unique from others. As it will help
organisation in attracting a large number of customers towards them.
Causality: It is determine as an issues and problems which can harm business operations
therefore, it is consider as important aspects. Other than this, it makes company capable of
handling situation if same problem appear again (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017). For example:
employees while performing their activities can show their casual behaviour which can affect the
performance of company in a negative manner.
Change: It is not possible that by implementing same theories and models company can
get maximum benefits. Therefore, company and employees should be able to incorporate and
embrace the same. Henceforth, while formulating strategies company should make these flexible
which will further assist them in incorporating changes. For example: with the increase in
production process, company want their employees in doing extra work but this situation was not
accepted by employees as a result company had to change the same.
SIX SIGMA:
Six Sigma theory is consider as a process that is used by a company for improving the
quality of a product and services provided by the firm. Along with this, it help enterprise in
minimising cost and save time as well. The another major significance which has been catered by
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this operation management approach is that it helps in eliminating major defects which directly
influences efficiency. Whirlpool Company has incorporated Six Sigma Theory in order to
improve the quality of product as there was an incident within the organisation in which fault
wires were attached because of which no display was showing in manufactured television.
Therefore, with the help of Six Sigma Theory company improved their product which was of
good quality (Joslin and Müller, 2015). Six Sigma theory consist two major methodologies and
both includes five sections i.e. DMAIC and these are explained below:
Define: It helps in defining issues and goals of a project
Measure: This measures different aspects of the process that is going on currently
Analyse: Determining data so as to evaluate what are the factors that are creating
problems.
Improve: In this, factors are considered through which process can be enhanced so that
goals and objectives can be achieved.
Control: Under this, firm takes proper care of what elements are to be considered in order
to execute activity in a better and systematic manner.
Source: Six Sigma Theory, 2018
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Illustration 1: Six Sigma Theory

Lean Principles:
Lean Principles was basically developed by Toyota so as to eliminate waste and
insufficient process that are no more required in manufacturing process. This includes five key
principles that are given below for better understanding:
Value: It is always stated as products and services that are determined by customers, For
example: What is product made of and its price whether it is according to expectations of
consumers.
Value Stream: Through this method, it assist lean team in understanding the value flow
in an organisation and majorly focus on complications and interruptions that can hinder business
operations (Cserháti and Szabó, 2014). One of the major challenge for lean principles is to break
down orthodox thinking of manufacturing products and if it is done so than, company can put
their efforts in order to become cross-functional in all departments. Value Stream in Whirlpool
Company is assisting lean team in knowing the issues which can further create problems in
business for example: how much raw material are used and wasted while manufacturing
television. As a result it assist production department in implementing resources accordingly.
Creating Flow: This comes after the process of removing wastage, and majorly focus on
smooth conduction of process without complications and interruptions. With the help of this
process Whirlpool Company can perform their operation of manufacturing goods effectively. For
example: after eliminating wastage, production department can get a clear passage for regulating
their other activities like assembling of items properly.
Pull: This process make easier for companies to deliver commodities according to the
needs as “just-in-time”. Therefore, customers can pull products from firm as per requirements.
Thus, for company it is not required that they manufacture goods in advance.
Perfection: This is the last step in which company seeks for improvement so that
meaningful changes can be done that will provide benefits to firm. Therefore, their prime focus
is on adding value to the products so that customer's need can be fulfilled.
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TASK 2
P2 Preparation of continuous improvement plan based on review and critique in Whirlpool
Company
Continuous Improvement And Its Meaning:
This is determine as a process which enables company in knowing defect so that
modifications can be done according to business structure. Thus, with the help of this process
XYZ Firm can give better services and facilities as per the needs and wants of customers.
Therefore, it assist enterprise in enhancing profitability for a company. In shorts, it is a continual
procedure that is conducted in order to get better understanding between customers and
company.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Provider
Date
Source Anticipated Outcome Recent performance
level
Improvement in
strategies
Promotional events Whirlpool Company,
because of their lack
of promotional
activities they are
unable to reach out to
maximum number of
people.
Whirlpool Company
has incorporated
certain marketing
practices which is not
providing better
information to
customers about the
products. As a result,
consumers are unable
to understand whether
they have to purchase
their goods or not.
According to the
current market trends,
company must
implement new and
effective marketing
practices for promoting
their events for
attracting customers in
large numbers.
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After sales services Many customers have
different perspectives
that after selling out of
products company
hardly focus on
queries (Golini,
Kalchschmidt and
Landoni, 2015).
In relation with the
commodities provided
by Whirlpool
Company, customers
thinks that firm should
increase warranty
period for a products.
Company must have
more service centres
and in customer care
services firm should
have appropriate and
efficient employees
who can easily clear all
doubts and
clarification. This will
assist firm in taking
proper feedbacks
which will further
helps company in
making strategies
appropriately.
Coordination In some instances poor
coordination between
employees and
department was seen.
Because of which a
decrease in production
process was seen.
Through meetings
company tried to
establish a better
mutual understanding
between different
departments. As a
result, task were well
performed by workers
as compared to
previous situations.
For maintaining a
better understanding
between employees
company should
conduct meetings on a
regular basis so that
activities can be
executed properly.
Continuous improvement plan and its effect
With the help of above mentioned factors planning can turn out to be a better tool for
Whirlpool Company in order to execute their action plan of enhancing coordination and
promotional activities in a better manner. Moreover it is required that firm develops and
formulate innovative ideas for making themselves unique from other who are dealing in the same
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fields. Other than this, managers can conduct a mini research so as to identify best possible
research methodology in order to enhance performance of company. In addition to this, firm can
determine ways through which better promotional activities can be executed (Bowers and
Khorakian, 2014).
Therefore, with the help of continuous improvement plan company make sure that better
products and services is being provide to clients so that firm's brad image can be maintained.
Thus, it can be done by reverting back to the feedbacks and reviews of customers regarding
commodities.
b) Effective strategies for implementation of continuous improvement plan
Entire process of continuous improvement plan is basically managed by managers in a
company which includes feedbacks given by customers. With the help of different activities,
company can do improvements and some of them are given below:
Good employee employer relationship: In order to get better results it is crucial that
company maintains a better relation with employer and employees. As performing their activity
will be according to mutual understanding and goods that will be produced of best quality.
Therefore, company will be able to have improved customer base according to different
geographical areas.
Proper communication channel: This is consider as a common tool for having proper
interaction between employer and employees. As a result it will develop mutual understanding
amongst subordinates so that they can work for a common goal (Davis, 2014).
Proper guidance and direction: This is an important element as with the help of proper
guidance and direction workers can achieve set goals and tagetes in a speculated time frame.
Therefore, it will enhance the ability and efficiency of firms so as to perform their activities
effectively.
Organizational Theories, Models and Concepts
According to current market situation company are using different models and theories
for formulating effective strategies and also to sustain a better position in market area.
Organisational theories, models and concepts mainly includes theories like scientific, classical
etc., therefore, all these are very essential for proper functioning of an organisation. For example:
Whirlpool Company, has incorporated Kaizen, which is assisting firm in improving its
productivity by eliminating wastage (Mok, Shen and Yang, 2015). Firm while manufacturing
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goods are minimising the resources which will further not add value to the product such as
minimum usage of metals, plastic, glass and chemicals.
TASK 3
P3 Stages of Project Life Cycle for developing a necessary supporting of documentation
a) Business case:
It is determine as a justification of a proposed products on the basis of which company
tends to find out expected commercial benefits. Further it includes certain factors which are
explained below:
Importance of new Product: As Whirlpool company was dealing in electronic and home
appliances and comes under one of the most reputed organisation around the globe. Although,
manufacturing television will be a less risky move by the firm as organisation is already dealing
in the electronic sector. But by developing new product it will increase their customer base. In
addition to this, it will assist firm in sustaining a better position in the market area.
Target Market: According to the product developed by company, they are manufacturing
Television by focussing people having different interest like person who are casual viewer,
obsessed super fans, all night binger etc., therefore, elements which are being used are of best
quality which will have less impact ion health of people.
Cost: While manufacturing television it includes 5 components. Therefore, for the entire
process of product development will cost approximately £500 which is ideal as compared to
other companies who are selling their products.
Whirlpool Company wants to launch a new product i.e. a television of 58' inches, and to
accomplish this it is required that company make appropriate strategies for manufacturing and
launching the same. In the market area, there are different procedure which company can adopt
for improving productivity level of an organisation so as to sustain in the market area for a
longer period of time. Analysing majorly includes activities like durability, cost of productivity,
elements which are required for manufacturing the product etc., henceforth, research and
development provides with effective data and information which firm can further use for
implement in formulating strategies and action plan properly.
In terms of Television, incorporates features like curved screen with HD projection which
is making the product different from other (Biesenthal and Wilden, 2014). therefore, after
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implementing all these factors Whirlpool company can competitive advantage and improve its
sales. Moreover, Whirlpool Company is using Product Life cycle Model as an effective process
of marketing. Further it has been explained below along with stages:
Product life Cycle Model: This model was developed by an economist Raymond Vernon
in the year 1966. Through this model Raymond Vernon explained that a product has a particular
life cycle that starts with commodity development and ends when it is decline. Further he divided
products into three categories that are New product, maturing product and standardised products.
b) Product Life Cycle Stages:
Introduction Stage: This stage comes after the development of products so that it can be
introduce at national and internal level. It will generate awareness amongst people and will
further increase demands of products through out customers. In terms of profit it is relatively low
because of few competitors that are present in the market area.
Growth Stage: With the increase in demand of products sales also improves as a result it
decreases cost of production which generate high profits. In context with commodity it becomes
known to every individual and competitors enter into the market with a motive of gaining profits
through new vision. Generally, in this stage price of products are relatively lower so that sales
can be increased (Locatelli, Mancini and Romano, 2014). Therefore, it assist firm in attracting a
large number of customers towards their organisation.
Maturity Stage: Under this stage, product is now widely known and bought by
customers. By coming onto this stage competition becomes intense and company implement
strategies and do anything in order to remain in the market for a longer period of time. In
addition to this, firm look out for different commercial opportunities like adopting innovations
according to requirements of products.
Decline Stage: At this point commodities provided by company becomes saturated in the
market and it is no longer popular. Eventually, sales gets down and it is not adding any value to
the product. Therefore, despite of its lower sales firm continue to offer commodity as a service to
customers who are loyal so that they remain happy with the products given.
c) WBS
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