Operations Management

CHAPTER 2

Project planning and scheduling

Execution and controlling

Operations Management

Operations can be classified according to the type of production process as: -

Continuous type
Batch type and
Project type of processing.

Let us restrict our discussions with project type of operations

Here,

The resources, tools, tackles, and equipment are brought to the place of production and the job is carried out.
These types of operations require flexible type of machinery and highly skilled and trained labourforce as the activities are not routine type or often repeated. Thus, skill is required.
As the jobs are not repetitive, high level of planning is required. Jobs are not routine and so plans cannot be programmed.

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Project planning and scheduling:

In a large and complex project involving a number of interrelated activities, managing resources becomes difficult and is not possible without meticulous planning and scheduling. Resources are mobilised according to the activity plan as required.

Statistical Charts are used for planning and scheduling of resources.

E.g., a simple PERT for illustration

A=excavation (4days, 8persons and 1 excavator)

B=laying of 25 km of cable (12 days, 12 persons, cable rollers and cables)

C=cable testing and commissioning (4days, 4persons, testing kit)

D=submission of as built drawings (2days, 2persons, drawings)

The above example is considered only for illustration purpose only and the actual PERT contains critical paths, parallel activities and other details also.

In the above example, a network is first drawn based on the activities.

This enable in planning for: -

Materials.
Work force.
Equipment and machinery.
Specialist agencies etc.,

For example, activity A requires 8 persons and 1 excavator but no specialist agency and material. Hence, 1 excavator and 8 persons should be mobilised before that activity can be taken up. Thus such a chart is required for planning the above.

In addition to this: -

Invoicing.
Expenditure.
Inventory model etc., are also planned using this charts.

Execution and controlling:

Work is carried out as per the plan and reviewed at regular intervals as specified in the plan. Actual results are compared with the plan. This indicates whether the job is under control or out of control and the extent of deviation from the plan. Measures are taken to maintain / bring the job under control as the case may be.