Projects vs. operations

Question 1

What is the relation between projects and manufacturing?

Answer 1

Projects create or change operations; manufacturing is the ongoing operation.

Manufacturing is not a project.

Question 2

Focuses of manufacturing

Answer 2

• Throughput
• Inventory
• Cost per item

Question 3

Time attributes of Projects, Project-based operations and operations

Answer 3

• Projects: Defined beginning and end.
• Project-based operations: Defined beginning and end, repetitive cycles.
• Operations: Ongoing and repetitive.

Question 4

Outcomes of Projects, Project-based Operations and Operations.

Answer 4

• Projects: Unique product or service.
• Project-based Operations: Familiar product or service with a unique set of features (customisation).
• Operations: Familiar product or service.

Question 5

People and Resources in Projects, Project-based Operations and Operations.

Answer 5

• Projects: Temporary (team disbands upon completion)
• Project-based Operations: Temporal tasks executed by permanent resources.
• Operations: Permanent

Question 6

Authority in Projects, Project-based Operations and Operations.

Answer 6

• Projects: Project manager (authority can be weak or strong).
• Project-based Operations: Project manager responsible for customised tasks. Functional manager responsible for resources.
• Operations: Functional manager has formal and direct authority over people and processes.

Question 7

Primary Life cycle in Projects, Project-based operations and Operations.

Answer 7

• Projects: Project life cycle
• Project-based Operations: Task execution based on customisation.
• Operations: Product life cycle