CMA4004 Operation and Resource Management Assignment Sample

Introduction - CMA4004 Operation and Resource Management

Efficient human resource management (HRM) is vital in the construction industry where the project includes complicated tasks, diverse as well as tight schedules. By accurately forecasting the supply and demand of resources, the company can avoid the understaffing situations (Alzoubi et al, 2022). This leads to better use of human resources, reduced labor costs as well as enhanced productivity. Efficient resource management results in the particular resources being accessible at the right time for the specific work. With full visibility resources, the company can efficiently schedule, manage and plan resources which aligns with the project at the right time. A well-thought-out construction project management programs assist in organizing the work to meet budgets and deadlines. This ensures significantly enhancing construction productivity.

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The report will emphasize on roles and responsibilities of the human resources which is used in UK construction projects as well as their implication for the project. Kier group is the leading provider of the infrastructure as well as construction within UK (Kier, 2024). This will also focus on the significance of the welfare facilities as well as their influence on the workforce productivity (Zhang and Chen, 2024). Key features of the report will highlight on efficient planning as well as scheduling of the resources allocated for the construction of the projects. Further, this will illustrate the supply chain used to offer the resources for this project and explain its significance in ensuring that resources are delivered on time with the allocated budget. The report will then focus on theories as well as practical considerations of the resource management. Resource planning includes identifying the resources which will be required to complete the project by estimating the quality of each resources needed. Failure to handle the overallocation of resources has horrible consequences on the workforce effectively as well as project delivery. The last section will emphasize on long-term strategies used in the development of employees within the construction industry.

Main body

Human resource and people management

HRM

Human resource management (HRM) is a strategic approach to handle the Kier Group’s goals. This includes managing the people, emphasizing on employees' performance, training as well as organizational culture. The HR department aims to improve the tools, knowledge, training, talent management, legal advice as well as administration in supporting the firm. This includes all management decisions as well as actions which impact the relationship between the employees and the organization (Haldorai et al, 2022). HRM ensures the efficient and seamless application of the procedures and policies in the business. There is a great role of 4 right such as right role, right skills, right people and right time in the success of the construction project. Efficient resource allocation ensures that the right resources are accessible to the project activities at the right time as well as in an appropriate manner. This helps the company to reduce the costs, enhance productivity as well as ensure the successful completion of the projects in the stipulated budget and time. This improves balancing the competing needs and determining the plan of action to enhance the use of limited resources as well as boost ROI.

Difference between project and business resource management

Roles and responsibilities of human resources

A project manager is significant as they act as the bridge between the project plan as well as its execution. Site supervisors monitor progress, handle the workforce as well as ensure that the project is carried out on the basis of the plan. Quality supervisors manage the cost of the construction projects ensuring that the project meets the budget set. Safety officers ensure employees' safety by executing and devising safety protocols (Kuhn et al, 2021). They conduct the risk assessment as well as enforce preventative measures to create the safe workplace. Subcontractors handle the specialized labor requirements required to complete the project.

Importance of welfare facilities

Site welfare facilities are the conveniences on the construction sites which are legally needed. Welfare facilities are significant in boosting the workers' morale as well as productivity levels while maintaining the safety and health. Rest spaces are significant as they offer employees with the place to refuel during the breaks. These areas have a major influence on the worker's physical and emotional well-being. Employees must have access to sanitary restrooms and laundry facilities which protect the workers' basic rights. Gender-specific amenities assist in promoting the comfort and privacy of the modern-day standards. Maintaining the health and safety on the construction sites needs drinking water when the work needs physically demanding tasks. Accessible as well as hygienic drinking water is significant for preventing dehydration (Pattanayak, 2020). The organization must have separate eating spaces which is significant in preserving hygiene. This lowers the risk of disease as well as stops the construction dust in the meals. Employees must be able to find the comfortable seating during the breaks with the physically demanding job. Efficient furnishing and lighting can enhance the usability of the areas.

9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

In UK employment law the Equality Act 2010 identifies nine protected characteristics. This includes age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sexual orientation as well as sex. By enhancing the awareness at the workplace, the organization can reduce the probability of the unethical discrimination as well as avoidable conflicts (Anderson and Lee, 2020). Identifying the problematic behaviors early helps in avoiding the employment tribunal claims for both indirect as well as direct discrimination. Enabling employees to prevent and identify the situations of the workplace discrimination contributes to creating an inclusive workforce. Everyone must be treated equally at the workplace which promotes an inclusive and diverse environment.

Effective planning and scheduling of resources

Physical Resources Required for the Project

Efficient construction resources are crucial which include careful planning, optimization and allocation. This includes materials, labor and machinery to make sure that the projects are completed on time with the highest quality standards as well as budget. This allows project managers to anticipate as well as navigate risk which allows them to adapt to changing conditions as well as maintain momentum with the project lifecycle. Strategic construction resources management includes long-term planning, resource allocation and budgeting strategies to ensure the success of the project (Greer, 2021). This approach entails the comprehensive analysis of the Kier group’s apartment block project and external factors which might influence the resource availability.

Construction projects need heavy equipment to perform the range of tasks that would be challenging to do manually. This includes cranes, bulldozers, saws, loaders as well as concrete mixers. Materials are the physical substances which are used to construct the project. These include building resources like steel, concrete, wood, cement, bricks as well as finishing materials such as tiles and fixtures (Farrukh et al, 2022). The construction sites need to include the infrastructure as well as services required to support the operations as well as the workforce on the construction site. This includes storage areas, site offices, worker accommodations, workshops, restrooms, as well as security systems.

An effective construction resource management framework facilitates the resource manager to leverage the cost-efficient resources for the project. This ensures that the right amount of the labor, equipment and materials are accessible at the right time. This assists in avoiding the underutilization, overstaffing as well as excessive inventory which leads to unnecessary costs (Strohmeier, 2020). The efficient construction resources plan offers the complete view of resources such as their key attributes like availability, capacity, cost rates and competencies. The managers can assign the specific construction resources to specific projects that ensure the allocation of project outcomes.

A better construction resource management facilitates Kier Group to monitor the overall usage of the workforce. This prevents the disengagement and burnout which lead to high workforce productivity as well as better project performance. Team collaboration is required to ensure the seamless project execution as well as the timely offering of the project. The construction resource management procedure improves the collaboration which promotes the open communication among the project stakeholders. This makes sure that each worker is on the same page as well as is aware of their collective and individual responsibilities to make the project efficient.

Supply chain management

Efficient supply chain management reduces the waste, costs and time in the production cycle. This influences the profitability which facilitates the Kier Group to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace (Stone et al, 2024). This seeks to enhance the more efficiency of all processes including turning raw materials as well as components into final products for the final customers. Efficient SCM helps in streamlining the firm’s activities to eliminate the waste, gain a competitive edge as well as enhance customer values within the marketplace. Efficient supply chain management outcomes in lower costs as well as faster cycle.

The construction supply chain management includes various stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, project managers, sub-contractors, clients and managers. The supplier offers raw materials such as timber, steel and cement. Labors execute the construction tasks using various equipment and materials. Logistic providers handle the transportation of the equipment as well as materials to the customer sites. Efficient collaboration among these stakeholders is vital for the seamless operations as well as the success of the supply chain projects.

Efficient communication is significant in handling the complexities of the Kier Group’s supply chain. Kier group establishes the clear communication channels as well as protocols among the stakeholders which helps in preventing the errors and misunderstandings. Progress reports, regular meetings as well as real-time updates ensure that each one is aligned with the project's timelines and project goals (Agyabeng-Mensah et al, 2020). Using collaborative platforms and tools can enhance the coordination as well as communication across the supply chain. Investing in the advanced tools as well as technologies can enhance the supply chain management within the construction sector. The software solutions for the supply chain management can streamline procurement, logistic processes as well as inventory management.

Reliable and competent partners are vital in the supply chain. This includes analysis of the potential suppliers as well as labors which is based on their track record, capability to meet project specifications as well as long-term relations with the key suppliers. Long-term relations with the key suppliers with trust as well as collaboration enhance the supply chain performance as well as resilience. Regular feedback assessments as well as supplier development programs make sure that the supply chain partners continuously meet the quality as well as effective standards. Accurate forecasting is significant for the efficient construction supply chain management (Collings et al, 2021). By analyzing the project requirements, Kier group can ensure the timely procurement of avoid delays, materials as well as reduce costs. The detailed project planning includes market trends, historical data analysis as well as preventive analytics to analyze the material needs accurately. Incorporating the buffer stock for the crucial items can also reduce the risks linked with the supply chain disruptions.

Technologies such as Building information modeling (BMI) as well as the Internet of things (IoT) can offer real-time insights and data, enhance decision-making as well as operational effectiveness. By adopting these tools assists in reducing wastage, reducing expenses as well as enhancing the project management.

Theories and practical considerations of resource management

Long-Term Strategies in Employee Management and Development

Continuous professional development ensures that all the professionals remain updated with the new developments, best practices as well as trends in the industry. This allows them, to perform their roles effectively as well as contribute to the success of the organization. By participating in CPD, workers can efficiently handle the risk associated with non-compliance, meet client expectations as well as adapt to regulatory changes while maintaining standards.

Mentoring within the construction industry plays a significant role in the career development. This facilitates the transfer of knowledge, skills as well as experience from seasoned professionals to less experienced people (Yong et al, 2022). This aids in personal development and also assists in maintaining the industry standards as well as bridging the skill gap. This promotes a culture of development, growth as well as collaboration which is vital for attracting as well as retaining the top talent.

Employee welfare emphasizes in creating the workplace which promotes a supportive environment. This includes ensuring the physical safety with the health and safety standards as well as mental well-being by handling stress. The firm needs to offer comprehensive benefits such as health insurance which covers medical expenses and vision care. Continued improvement includes gathering feedback, staying updated with industry trends as well as analyzing program effectiveness with best practices. This ensures that the welfare programs remain efficient in supporting the employees' requirements.

Resource Levelling as a Project Management Technique

Resource levelling is defined as the technique which helps the project manager in balancing all the resources available so that the project objectives can be attend well. The resource levelling ensures that the no resources over allocated and it is optimally utilised. With the help of the current resource levelling, it was evaluated that earlier the resources like project manager and Labour was over allocated. This ensures that the overall project is having the resources which are optimally allocated and as a result of this the objectives will be attained well.

Before levelling

After levelling

Key Steps in the Planning and Scheduling Process

A well-planned construction schedule facilitates for optimal usage as well as allocation of the resources such as equipment, labor and materials.

Allocation: This is the procedure of organizing the project’s assets for the different tasks as well as activities. By conducting resource allocation, the project manager ensures that the team have essential support to accomplish strategic goals. For example in allocation for the block include excavation, roofing as well as brickwork. Assign tasks to the team members are based on their expertise, skills as well as workload which ensure that employees are working on the specific tasks.

Aggregation: This is the summation of the resources needed to finish all the activities on the basis of resource allocation. This procedure ensures that the project manager has a better understanding of the resources required for the effective allocation as well as reducing the potential shortage. Identifying resource bottlenecks allows in better resource allocation which leads to enhanced utilization as well as reduced downtime.

Scheduling: This is the procedure of identifying when the project resources are allocated based on the factors like resource availability. The building construction procedure can be preconstruction, phases, construction as well as post-construction. The construction phase includes excavation, site preparation, framing, foundation, roofing and exterior finishing of the project.

Workforce as an Asset in Modern HRM

Human resource management is concerned with handling the people as a resource rather than as a factor of the production. Workforce management is a set of procedures that emphasize on enhancing the performance of the workers to reach the predefined objectives. Within the construction sector, the firm by investing in the training enhances employees' performance and productivity (Berman et al, 2021). With the targeted training initiatives, workers gain new knowledge and skills which allows them to perform their responsibilities more efficiently and effectively.

Employees have the power to support in promoting the corporate reputation among the external stakeholders. Corporate reputation from the company’s interactions with stakeholders which emphasizes the significant role the workforce plays in reputation management. Flexible working can lead to improved work-life balance, burnout among workers as well as reduce stress so that employees are engaged in the work. Flexible working sustains the inclusion and diversity by accommodating the range of lifestyles as well as requirements. This inclusivity can promote a more collaborative and innovative work environment. Motivation drives workforce success which plays a significant role in workers' satisfaction which drives performance (Mousa and Othman, 2020). The improved performance influences the customer satisfaction which enhances organizational productivity.

Strip foundation

With the valuation of the Gantt chart, it is clear that the clear structure of whole strip Foundation is assistive in managing and constructing the three-room Apartment. With the above Gantt chart it was clear that there are four different critical paths through which the project can be accomplished. But out of all the shortest period is the one which will take 44.25 days. Hene, it is recommended to the company that they must effectively comply with the critical path so that the overall project can be accomplished in less period of time. In addition to this, the total slack within the current project is zero which means that the project is expected to be delivered on time. In case company will be doing the project as per the Gantt chart activities then the overall working will be accomplished well. The critical path is defined as the path on which all the activities are critical for the completion of the project. In case any of the activity on the critical path will not be followed then it will be impacting the overall working to a great extent. Hence, for the company to be successful it is very necessary that appropriate and effective type of the activities are selected. In case company get delay in accomplishing any of the activity on the critical path then the whole project will be get delayed anti deadlines will not be met easily and effectively.

Critical path 1

2,3,4,6,7,8,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,21,22

3+2+10+4.5+2+2+3+3+2+8+2+2+3+3+1.25+2= 52.75 days

Critical path 2

2,3,4,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,21,22

3+2+10+3+3+2+8+2+2+3+3+1.25+2= 44.25 days

Critical path 3

2,3,4,6,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,21,22

3+2+10+4.5+3+3+2+8+2+2+3+3+1.25+2= 48.75 days

Critical path 4

2,3,4,6,7,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,21,22

3+2+10+4.5+2+3+3+2+8+2+2+3+3+1.25+2= 50.75 days

CONCLUSION

Efficient resource management is vital aspect of the project accomplishment. This includes understanding the significant of the allocation of the resources, optimization as well as planning to make sure that the project of delivered within the budget and timeline. Offering training opportunities within the construction industry is vital for the job satisfaction, employee improvement as well as retention. Kier group by focusing on regular training as well as development activities enhances high morale, boosts productivity as well as enhances the safety performance of the employees.

Resource leveling includes the resolving overallocation to ensure that the project is completed with the accessible resources. This allows to handle the client and resource expectations by maintaining the similar level of quality for project deliverables. Building strong connections among the team members as well as cultivating a culture of respect and trust enhance employees’ morale which leads to enhance productivity. By clearly defining the goals as well as milestones the project manager creates the strategy for concluding the project in the assigned time limit while navigating the resource limitation as well as budget.

Proper allocation of the resources leads to more streamlined operations. This makes sure that every phase of the project links with the required project needs, enhances effectiveness as well as reduces delays. By planning and anticipating the resource usage the project manager can mitigate the influence of project timeline. This proactive strategy keeps the project on track which enhances the customer satisfaction. By optimally using both human and physical resources, the project manager is more likely to meet their goals as well as meet client expectations. Allocating the right resource combination for the demands of the complicated engagement with updated knowledge, capacity as well as availability. This needs the ability to predict the resourcing decisions influences on engagement performance.

REFERENCES

Books and Journals

• Agyabeng-Mensah, Y., Ahenkorah, E., Afum, E., Agyemang, A.N., Agnikpe, C. and Rogers, F., 2020. Examining the influence of internal green supply chain practices, green human resource management and supply chain environmental cooperation on firm performance. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 25(5), pp.585-599.
• Alzoubi, H.M., Ghazal, T.M., Sahawneh, N. and Al-kassem, A.H., 2022. Fuzzy assisted human resource management for supply chain management issues. Annals of Operations Research.
• Anderson, L.G. and Lee, D.R., 2020. Optimal governing instrument, operation level, and enforcement in natural resource regulation: the case of the fishery. In Fisheries Economics, Volume II (pp. 307-319). Routledge.
• Berman, E.M., Bowman, J.S., West, J.P. and Van Wart, M.R., 2021. Human resource management in public service: Paradoxes, processes, and problems. Cq Press.
• Collings, D.G., McMackin, J., Nyberg, A.J. and Wright, P.M., 2021. Strategic human resource management and COVID‐19: Emerging challenges and research opportunities. Journal of Management Studies, 58(5), p.1378.
• Farrukh, M., Ansari, N., Raza, A., Wu, Y. and Wang, H., 2022. Fostering employee's pro-environmental behavior through green transformational leadership, green human resource management and environmental knowledge. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 179, p.121643.
• Greer, C.R., 2021. Strategic human resource management. Pearson Custom Publishing.
• Haldorai, K., Kim, W.G. and Garcia, R.F., 2022. Top management green commitment and green intellectual capital as enablers of hotel environmental performance: The mediating role of green human resource management. Tourism Management, 88, p.104431.
• Kuhn, K.M., Meijerink, J. and Keegan, A., 2021. Human resource management and the gig economy: Challenges and opportunities at the intersection between organizational HR decision-makers and digital labor platforms. Research in personnel and human resources management, 39, pp.1-46.
• Mousa, S.K. and Othman, M., 2020. The impact of green human resource management practices on sustainable performance in healthcare organisations: A conceptual framework. Journal of cleaner production, 243, p.118595.
• Pattanayak, B., 2020. Human resource management. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd..
• Stone, R.J., Cox, A., Gavin, M. and Carpini, J., 2024. Human resource management. John Wiley & Sons.
• Strohmeier, S., 2020. Digital human resource management: A conceptual clarification. German Journal of Human Resource Management, 34(3), pp.345-365.
• Yong, J.Y., Yusliza, M.Y., Ramayah, T., Farooq, K. and Tanveer, M.I., 2022. Accentuating the interconnection between green intellectual capital, green human resource management and sustainability. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 30(8), pp.2783-2808.
• Zahra, S.A., 2021. The resource-based view, resourcefulness, and resource management in startup firms: A proposed research agenda. Journal of Management, 47(7), pp.1841-1860.
• Zhang, J. and Chen, Z., 2024. Exploring human resource management digital transformation in the digital age. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(1), pp.1482-1498.

Author Bio

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