Mba Project Operations Management Free Download
Christa Gulbransen
While defining Project Management and Operations management as two separate ways that ultimately lead to the same destination may be an appropriate metaphor, a rational concern about the differences between the two tracks will arise.
Project Management and Operations management are excruciatingly interweaved and interconnected. However, the level of interface and intersection between them depends highly on the way things are perceived and varies based on how the things are characterized.
According to Moore, while projects in a wider sense primarily emphasize on deliverables; operations on the other hand are largely concerned with the procedures of mass-producing deliverables. In a study conducted by Kwak and Anbari which investigated research on Project Management from the standpoint of its connections to other management disciplines; it was found that when academics and practitioners evaluate the amount of interaction between the two areas, the degree of association between Project Management research and operations research is placed second among the top fields/disciplines affiliated with Project Management.
The Project Management Institute delineates Project Management as the application of varied tools, knowledge, skills, and strategies to project operations so as to achieve the requirements of the concerned project. A project in this context is described as an activity performed for a shorter duration in order to develop a unique, that is, a one-of-a-kind outcome (product or service).
Contrarily, operations, from a generic wide perspective, are viewed as a series of connected activities that generate a service or a product. Operations Management, as per Heizer and Render, is defined as a series of actions that transmutes inputs into desired outputs so as to yield value in the form of the so-generated goods and services. Operations Management disciplines apply to both the provision of services, such as schools or hospitals (in the teaching and health industry) and the production of commodities, such as factories.
Here, we will try to elaborate upon the similarities and differences between Project Management and Operations Management.
Project vs Operations:
Similarities
Differences:
Projects and Operations are distinguished primarily on the basis of each of their characteristics. Therefore, in order to understand the difference between Project and Operations, it is of utmost importance to study the characteristics of each.
According to Frisanco and Anglberger, the prime characteristics of a project are as follows:
Elaborate and Fixed Budgeting: Generally, a precisely defined and fixed budget is prepared for the entire duration of the project. This generally consists of certain pre-defined items.
Cyclical Budgeting: In the case of operations, a long-term budget with expenses only partially specified or approximated is made. Operations work on a cyclical budget and cost management.
In light of the aforementioned characteristics of each project vs operations, the difference between Project and Operations can be summarized in terms of duration, details in budgeting as well as in terms of staffing.
Project Management vs Operations Management
Similarities
There are many a time when the responsibilities owed to Project Management overlap with those owed to operations management, which is why there have been extensive studies on the inter-relatedness of both these fields of management.
Following are a few instances, highlighted by Bolick, where the similarities between Operations Management and Project Management are brought out.
Alteration of an Operation: First, when it is necessary to significantly alter a component of company operations, the change is frequently managed as a project. Once the project has delivered the change, operations will continue their emphasis on maintaining, running and supporting the project's goods or services.
Closeout of Project: Second, in the closeout phase of a project, it is required the Project Managers and Operations Managers to cooperate on a very regular basis. This is done in order to begin the process of shifting charge and accountability for any continuing maintenance and operations related to the project deliverable.
Several times, the tasks of Project Management coincide with those of Operations Management, which has led to substantial research has been conducted on the inter-relatedness of both of these domains of management. This makes it extremely important to clearly understand and delineate the difference between Project Management and operations management:
Primary Focus: One of the most important differences between Project Management and operations management is that while Project Management primarily emphasizes management and control of the project; operations management on the other hand has its main focus on the management and monitoring of operations.
Nature of Activities: While Project Management requires the conduct of tasks such as Project Management, work streamlining, and cost management, Operation management requires handling the operations such as the production of goods and services.
Duration: Project Management is temporary in nature, hence shorter-lived when compared to Operations Management. This is because while managing operations is an ongoing process, Project Management comes to halt as soon as the project goals are achieved.
Responsibilities: Project Managers are in charge of overseeing the start and end of projects, as well as monitoring various stages of development. Operations Managers are in charge of providing services or products to clients in a more effective manner.
Change in focus: The Project Manager's focus shifts based on the needs of the project, and the targeted outcomes are likewise distinct. Since each project is unique in its being with its separate set of goals and requirements, it naturally requires the Project Manager to alter its approach and focus accordingly. On the other hand, the basic aim of an Operations Manager does not vary; it is to conduct corporate operations effectively and productively.
Mode of organizational transformation: Project Management affects organizational transformation by introducing new goods and meeting client requests by tailoring new products or services to the consumer requirement. On the other hand, operations management on account of continually enhancing the process delivers the same product but with new upgrades and features owing to regularly improvised processes.
Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. A project is a temporary endeavour with a defined beginning and end (usually time-constrained, and often constrained by funding or deliverables), undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives.
Operations management is an area of management concerned with overseeing, designing, and controlling the production of outputs and redesigning operations for the production of goods or services. It involves the responsibility of ensuring that operations and business processes are efficient in terms of using as few resources as needed, and effective in terms of meeting customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Operations are repetitive, permanent, or semi-permanent functional activities that produce products or services.
The Master of Science in Operations & Project Management is a 10 course, 30-credit program that provides the essential knowledge and skills to pursue or accelerate careers in operations and project management.
The program includes broad exposure to contemporary topics and skill development in lean techniques, total quality management, Six Sigma, operations management, and project, program and portfolio management, while overlaying an aspect of team dynamics. This exposure and student participation in facilitated simulations provides them with the requisite competencies and leadership skills necessary for success in operations and project management.
With access to relevant content and projects, students are further prepared for a professional career relating to business analysis, project and portfolio management, design, implementation and management of business operations and processes, both in manufacturing and service organizations.
Develop the skills necessary to link operations and projects with relevant activities in almost all areas of business with the Master of Science in Project Management and Operations from Southern New Hampshire University.
You'll receive broad exposure to leading-edge topics and skill development in operations management, project management, supply chain management, logistics, quality control and management science. This exposure and your participation in several team projects will provide you with the concepts, language, insights, tools and leadership skills you'll need for success in operations and project management.
You'll enjoy access to authentic market-relevant content and projects. In the process, you'll be further prepared for a professional career relating to analysis, design, implementation and management of operations and projects in manufacturing and service organizations.
The MS operations degree program explores the contemporary issues that make almost any business run smoothly. Areas of study include supply chain management, international supply chain management, project management for PMP certification, management of service operations and Six Sigma quality management.
"I am an external resource for some projects at work, and what I learned made their shortcomings really obvious," she said. "Though my focus was on the project management side of the degree more than the operations management side, what I learned also made me notice a lot more about how the operations at my workplace could improve."
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