Assignment Sample on Advance Project and Logistics Management
Introduction
The covid-19 pandemic puts a major impact on the logistics management of the food industry in the UK region. The worldwide lockdown has paused the supply chain of the food industry. Because of the inclusion of globalization all the businesses and trade are interlinked with each other. The pandemic has stopped this whole process of trading and transaction. This Covid-19 crisis has put a negative impact on all types of businesses all over the world. The food industry is one of the major sections that faced loss because of this pandemic crisis. The demand for the food was at a higher rate during the Covid-19 pandemic but due to a lack of supply of food products the food industry was not able to provide products to their customers. The pandemic also slowed down the cultivation of edible products. For that reason, the food industry was not able to get raw materials for the food products. The exit of the UK from the European Union puts a negative impact on the food industry. All these problems create a negative atmosphere in the food industry of the UK.
Impact of Covid-19 on projects and logistics in the food industry
The logistics industry is the most vital section for the industry. The logistic industry of the UK delivers food products to all the parts of the country even in the covid-19 crisis. In March 2020 when the pandemic was in its early stage the surveys of Logistics UK displayed an 85% downturn (fmcgmagazine.co.uk, 2021). Because during the covid-19 many orders were canceled that put a negative impact on the supply chain of the food industry. In the month of May, the stat of the downturn was reduced to 60% (www.fmcgmagazine.co.uk, 2021). In this time the supply chain of food products was improved by some margins. Based on the reports that are created on the first ten weeks of the lockdown displayed the supply chain was poor at this time. Mainly the cancelation of the ordered products gave a major setback to the logistic section of the business. For this reason, the food industry faced a huge loss in business. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit issue the UK food industry has taken new strategies and methods to supply their food products in a foreign country. There was no problem with the logistic system in the UK at an earlier time. The logistic system of the business is depending on the rail, road, and port, and air industry. Due to pandemic the all these industries were stopped. That decreases the rate of supply of food products all over the world.
The UK food companies also faced these issues during the pandemic situation. The overall lockdown was started from the mid of March. From March to May the supply chain of the food industry witnessed a huge downfall. Due to the lack of supply of food products retailers of the UK suffered a lot. The retailers are totally dependent on the suppliers for that reason they faced huge losses in the business. The manufacturers of the food industry had to face losses during this pandemic situation. Without the proper movement of goods, the manufacturer is not able to produce materials. The lockdown period of the UK has stopped all the transportation systems, domestically and also internationally. For that reason, the food companies were unable to send their products to the customers (ifc.org, 2021). Even the food industries were unable to fulfil the requirements of the customers because the lacks of raw materials were very hard to get during this pandemic situation. The logistics firms of the UK have been directly affected. The movement of the food flow of products all are connected with the logistic firms of the UK (www.ifc.org, 2021). Many food products got wasted in the storage section because of the slow transport system. For that reason, the food industry as well as the farmers of the UK has faced severe losses. The UK government declared some subsidies and allowances for the food industry. Through which the food industry can increase its production rate in the post-Covid -19 situation (Guertler and Sick, 2021, P.103).
It has been reported that as a result of long-term lockdown due to Covid-19, both GDP and performance of logistics have shown a negative growth.
Effect of Brexit on logistics and projects in the Food industry
The exit of the UK from the European Union puts a major impact on the food industry of the UK. The UK firming implements some new projects in the cultivation of the food products. The food industry applies AI, big data, and robotics systems in the firming as well as in the production section of the industry. In order to implement all these technologies, the government puts the investment of 24 million euros in the food industry. The main target of the UK government is to reduce the use of carbon emission technologies in the food and beverage industry. There are various information technology companies is involved in this project for example Deep Branch biotechnology, B-Hive, NIAB, University of Lincoln, and many more. The Nottingham Deep Branch Biotechnology company developed a converter that directly converts Co2 into clean animal feed. This technology enhances the production rate of the food industry, as well as the unused products of the industry, which can be recycled (agri-tech-e.co.uk, 2021). It has also been reported that more than 28% food materials are supplied from Europe and this particular aspect has greatly affected by Brexit following a significant fall in UK food industry. As for this reason, food industry asked the UK government to waive possible aspects of competition law for allowing films in co-ordinating and supplying directly with each other based on a no-deal Brexit (bbc.com, 2021).
The Saga robotics company which is under Lincoln invent a Robotic Highway demonstrator. This technology helps the farmers to move heavy products from one location to another. This also helps in the packing of the products like crops, fruits, etc. The robotic technology also assists to reduce crop diseases. The Feed Algae company of London develops a technology name Agri-Satt through which the food industry can regulate the nutritional quality of the food products. Through this project, the organization can collect satellite data (www.agri-tech-e.co.uk, 2021). Through which they regulate the production. After Brexit, UK has taken various strategies that are helping them to grow their food industry. The UK government also take some initiatives to give a boost in the supply chain of food products. Due to Brexit, it is hard for European workers to work in the UK. That’s why the government takes various approaches to secure the workplace of the workers.
Importance of innovation in logistics and project management
The significance of logistics in the food industry is very important that is discussed in the above discussion. The food industry needs to move the food products to the proper location at right time. In order to move the products in time, the logistic firms of the UK must take innovative strategies to deliver food items. The covid-19 crisis has given a major setback in the supply chain process of the food industry. The logistic firms of the UK have taken various innovative systems in order to deliver their products in the shortest of time. The government develops the port, roads, and railway all these come under the transportation system. The logistics firms also include AI technology in the business. Through which the logistic firms are able to gather a huge amount of data on their supplied materials. The inclusion of robotic technology in logistic firms minimizes the time of packing of food products. This not only reduces the time but also enhances the packaging system of the products. These innovations are necessary for the food industry of the UK. Due to covid-19, it is important to minimize the contact of the people in food production. For that reason, the logistics firms of the UK develop a robotic delivery system (Guertler and Sick, 2021, P.103). Through which the customers, as well as the sellers, will remain safe during the delivery of products. Various indigenous UK companies have displayed their interest in developing technologies in logistics firms. That puts a direct impact on the enhancement of the food products. The government also provides various kinds of subsidies to these IT companies to discover new technologies in logistics firms (fmcgmagazine.co.uk, 2021).
The UK food industry has taken various new management strategies to increase the food business. The chosen industry of the UK has conducted various surveys through which they understand the lacking part of the trade. It is important for the food industry to use its resources in the right manner (Guertler and Sick, 2021, P.103). In order to this, the industry has put a huge amount of capital into the advertisement of their products. Though which they display their safe and secure delivery of the food products to the customers. The Covid-19 has still its presence for that reason the food industry of the UK has decided to minimize the contact of the workers during the production of the food. The industry also took some projects regarding the sanitization of the workers. This is one of the major steps that are taken by the food industry of the UK. In the context to expand the business, the industry has taken various steps. Because of the innovation in the food industry, many foreign businesses want to invest in the UK food industry.
Advancements in logistics and project management
Value generation in logistics and project management is mandatory to unlock growth as well as profitability in an organization. Especially, the food industry cannot generate brand loyalty if it is unable to generate value in logistics and project management. With the advancement in technology, logistics and project management have also advanced their elements. Detailed knowledge of Agile, Lean and benefits management will allow the food manufacturing companies to maintain a quality logistic system even in the pandemic situation of Covid -19.
Agile management: Feedback from customers is given the main priority while using Agile methodology in project management. A project is broken into several parts for better adaptability and understanding of project elements. An environment for continuous improvement is provided here. For example, a food manufacturing company in the UK wants to improve its logistic services. It requires focusing on the areas where improvement is needed rather than working on the overall logistic system (Karabulut and Civelek, 2020, p. 65). The agile methodology will allow the company to get real customer feedback which can be decision-making factors for the company.
Lean Management: Lean manufacturing principles are implemented in the practice of project management. The value of a manufactured can increase if the produced waste can be minimized. Lean management allows the food industry to give a valuable service to its customers by decreasing the overall cost. Identifying each stakeholder and understanding their needs is also given priority here. It is not only useful for the company but also for the environment. The logistics of a company can be operated in a better way using lean management as elimination of excess inventory is done here (Kayikci, 2018, p. 783). In today’s world, food manufacturing companies are adopting lean initiatives so that dealing and uncovering of inefficiency can be done easily. Four principles of lean logistics include specifying a value, creating a product flow, mapping out a value stream and establishing a pull system for customers.
Benefits Management: Identification, planning, measuring and tracking of benefits of a project is done through benefits management. In project management, it works like a thread between project delivery and change management. The food industry of the UK can get both financial and no financial benefits if they focus on managing the projects based on their benefits (Ahmed, 2018, p. 1839). Here, a boundary should be maintained with other programs so that benefits are not counted twice.
Advancement in logistics and project management will allow the companies to get a competitive advantage in the market. Food manufacturing companies of the UK will only get a leading position in the market when they can improve in their logistic and project management. Especially in a difficult situation like Covid-19, managing logistics has become essential. Applying the best project management methodology will help the companies to deliver their high-quality food products to the customers on time.
Benefits of logistic and project integration and development of global organization
Logistics allows creating visibility into the supply chain of a company. Maintenance of project and logistics will increase the quality of the supply chain of a business organization. Strong collaboration is possible when an integrated supply chain can be implemented. According to a report, 82% of business entities made it possible to provide on-time delivery by integrating logistics and projects.
Increased flexibility is another benefit that business organizations obtained as a consequence of integrated logistics and projects. Operational flexibility can be helpful to respond rapidly to the events which are organized externally. Companies can be aware of the actions of competitor companies when they are a part of an integrated supply chain. Predicting the next moves of rival companies allows the companies to make better decisions. Being connected with global logistics increases the intelligence level of the companies (Elfirdoussi et al. 2020, p. 500). Management of cash flow is also easier for the company as they can make better plans regarding expenses of the company. Companies will not need to worry about the expenses made for product manufacturing. Integration with the global supply chain will allow the companies to get the raw materials at the best prices. When logistic and project integration is maintained in a company, better quality products can be manufactured. On the other hand, increased visibility helps the products or services of a company to stay on top of demand. Fluctuation in the economy can hamper the demand for the products (Kamilaris et al. 2019, p. 655). Hence, it is important to accommodate products with short life cycles as per the demand in the market. Increasing collaboration, increased visibility, staying on top of demand, eliminating waste and flexibility are possible because of the maintenance of integrated logistics and projects in organizations.
Globalization has encouraged business organizations to operate business activities on an international scale. Integration of logistics and projects is allowing organizations the essence of global organizations. Increased sourcing opportunities allow the organizations to offer a large selection of services and goods. If complexity in data collection can be managed, global organizations will surely expand their business and make huge profit in future.
A critical review of technologies and innovation in logistics
With the advancements of new technology, several major transformations are made in the logistics of the food industry. Logistic technologies such as additive manufacturing, big data analytics improve the services of the company whereas, Drones improved the capabilities of delivery and tracking. According to a report, artificial intelligence will impact logistics to a great extent in the year 2021.
Additive manufacturing: Dynamic production is possible by integrating the technology of additive manufacturing with logistics. Amy complex shapes which are suitable for customized and fast production can be made using this technology. Food producer companies are adapting the new technology because it is quite affordable and decentralized manufacturing is possible using the technology. Legacy parts can be easily optimized and recreated using additive manufacturing in logistics and projects.
Big data analytics: This technology offers better route optimization in logistic and supplies chain management. Food producer companies have to track their goods and products as too much delay will damage the products (Barczak et al. 2019, p. 815). Big data analytics offer better tracking of food products. Perishable products such as dairy products need quick delivery. Big data analytics is a boon for all companies that deal with perishable food products.
Drones: Drone delivery will soon transform the logistics of the food industry. One of the biggest advantages of Drone in logistics is that less investment is required here. Delivery of the food products also becomes earlier as airspace is less congested as compared to other mediums of delivery. Delivery using drones is also possible in areas that cannot be reached by other transport options.
Artificial Intelligence: Various time-consuming processes of logics can be done in less time using the technology of Artificial Intelligence. Warehousing operations such as inventory process, data collection are improved using AI-enabled machines (Choi, 2020, p. 54). Demand for particular products in the food industry can also be produced using this technology. Hence, the companies can manufacture food products as per the need of the customers. It will not only save the time of the organizations but a waste of food items can also be avoided.
A critical review of technologies and innovation in portfolio, program and projects (3Ps)
Innovation is required so that short term returns can be easily obtained through optimization of already available products. Long term survival is only possible when innovation is implemented in portfolio management, program management and project management of a business organization. Rapidly shifting of the strategic environment is possible only when new technologies and innovations are adopted by the company (Aday and Aday, 2020, p. 170). Food producer companies are especially adopting many new technologies such as virtual technology and augmented reality environment.
Virtual technologies: Virtual technology can save both the cost and time of project managers of a business organization. Both the program and project of a company can be managed via a virtual team. Teams are distributed here in different time zones so that a valuable service can be provided all over the world (Lezoche et al. 2020, p. 65). Tracking and monitoring of assigned tasks are mandatory here to ensure that the portfolio, program and projects of the company are managed effectively. The food industry of the UK is adapting the technology as faster provisioning of resources and application is allowed here.
Augmented reality environment: Maintaining a safe environment in the warehouse is highly required in the food industry. Wherever food processing is required, augmented reality is beneficial to eliminate errors. Augmented Reality headsets help superimpose some list of processing tasks for workers. A new kind of training experience is provided to the employees with the help of the AR environment. Highly perishable food products such as dairy products are ordered by the customers via the internet. Inefficiency in both packing and picking of the products can be solved using the technology (Kaftannikov et al. 2019, p. 65). Locating the picking solutions is done more efficiently even if a single item is going to be shipped. This technology will surely enhance the quality of dealing with projects in an organization. Last but not the least, the food industry of the UK can have smoother and better logistics if the concept of an AR environment is used by the company.
Output Driven Project Management: Food producer companies should rely on output instead of the outcome when it comes to managing projects. This is mainly based on the goals and criteria of the business firms. Activities of the employees can also be managed by using output-driven project management (de Sousa Jabbour et al. 2020, p. 67). As this project management is entirely based on the goals, it should be ensured that employees of the company are well aware of the objectives and goals of the company. Target values can be measured to ensure whether the project management team is focusing on the output rather than the outcome.
Recommendations for better logistic and project management
The Pandemic situation of Covid-19 and Brexit solutions has affected the logistics and project management of the food industry of the UK. Some suggestions are given below to improve the condition and inject life into the logistic system of the food industry again –
Effective warehousing: Even if the demand is reduced after the pandemic of covid-19, maintaining consistent productivity is highly expected. Optimizing the space of the warehouse will allow the workers to reach the products in less time (Gagliano et al. 2020, p. 375). Changing the environment and climate cannot affect the logistic operations of food manufacturer companies as efficient warehousing is done.
Standard operational activities: When the situation is different, changes in operational activities are also normal. Packing and picking of products, eliminating waste, measuring the efficiency of the workers – everything should be done in a standard way. Errors must be avoided as the companies are already lacking efficient employees due to the pandemic situation of Covid-19.
Adopting new technologies: When the transport system of the UK is quite hampered as a consequence of covid-19, drones can be a good option for the delivery of food items. Virtual technology can also be implemented where a virtual team will be hired to monitor and track the logistic and project management of the companies (Li et al. 2020, p. 56). Besides this, Big data Analytics, Artificial intelligence, Augmented reality Environment can also be helpful to improve logistics in such a difficult situation.
Forecasting demands of the market: Due to economic fluctuation, demand for food items will also fluctuate. Forecasting the demand of the customers is very important so that the inventory department of the companies can work on collecting and delivering the demanding items only (Aday and Aday, 2020, p. 170). Investing in the Sanitation of warehouses, PPE kits for the workers will also help to manage logistics and projects in a better way.
Conclusion
Logistics and projects of many business organizations are hampered as a negative impact of Covid-19 and Brexit solution. Innovation in both logistics and project management is highly required in this situation. The food industry of the UK is facing huge difficulty in managing logistic operations. Integration of logistics and project will be helpful for the company to save both expense and time of the management. Various new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analytics, Augmented reality environment can be used to improve the quality of delivery and projects of the company. Drones can be used for the safe and early delivery of highly perishable food items like dairy products. It can be concluded that the logistic system of the food industry of the UK needs automation so that value service can be provided to the customers.
References
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