Car Wash Project - Assignment Example

Car wash project By Name Institution Course Date Reflections on how/why the business idea was defined and how the business process (especially the supply chain) was managed. (20%) The technology-oriented businesses have become the trend in the contemporary world. In this century, approximately a half of the total population in the world owns automobiles, be it a motorcycle, cars, buses or any other kind of a vehicle. Many people nowadays prefer using their personal cars to travels, shopping, as well as to go to work. These vehicles must be regularly washed to keep them clean and hygienic. Additionally, the rainy season keeps the vehicles dirty. There are few car wash businesses around the city, and hence, the idea seemed ideal for our purpose. In that regard, we thought it was wise to have a business idea inclined to that direction (International Carwash Association, 2015). We found car wash business being a niche that is still vacant and not heavily crowded. Our ultimate goal was to raise enough finances or rather capital to establish and run a Cancer Research in the UK. By establishing a car wash business, we were sure to attract all he automobile owners who required the services. We opted for car wash investment because of the benefits accrued to owning it. Car wash venture has many services options to engage in, be it self-service, full service, exterior-conveyor and in-bay automatic services, making it an autonomous venture (Oasis Carwash System, 2014). These varieties presented a platform for us. Moreover, currently, there is a high demand for these services since many people are unable to do the self-cleaning at home. Many people who own the vehicles mostly have a tight schedule in their lives hence they will always require the car wash services. The car wash gives them a perfect opportunity where they conveniently get their vehicles cleaned fast and to their satisfaction. Therefore, the venture is always profitable at all times. Additionally, it is easily manageable due to its low maintenance, and no much book keeping is required among other requirements by other business ventures (Auto wash, 2012). With low overhead cost, a car wash service business was the ideal venture for our short-term goals. Ultimately, we understood that the returns of a car wash were quite handsome. Since it was a profit- oriented venture, car wash gave us satisfaction, bearing in mind it was not a seasonal venture. Due to the low returns, easy management among other benefits, the high returns crowned the venture. In that regard, there was no better idea than the car wash venture, which would provide us with the returns we so required to establish our research organization (Oasis Carwash System, 2014). We had to do a series of activities to ensure that the business venture was successful and was running efficiently and effectively. First, we did a thorough research to get up to date with the technological advances and trends on the car wash business. We used business periodic, publications, websites, as well as books to expand our minds and knowledge about the business venture we about to establish. Secondly, we investigated on the competition we were to face after establishing our business. By understanding the forces, we then drew a business plan and laid down strategies, which were to guide us through our project (Auto wash, 2012). By outlining all the necessities, such as the employees, costs, equipment, land, as well as the marketing and insurance, we were able to organize our idea in a realistic way. Moreover, we had to source for some cash to capitalize and finance our business idea. By presenting the viability of our business idea, we were able to gather some capital investment from the bank, as well as our own savings (International carwash Association, 2015). Choosing a strategic positioned location of our business venture was our next step. An ideal location would greatly determine the yields of the ventures. The location that we felt was ideal was located near the city along the major highways. We acquired a large space, which was spacious enough to set up a carwash that would occupy approximately a hundred vehicles or more at once. Having accomplished nearly half of the business idea, we sought to get effective, efficient and competent employees who would work at the car wash, committedly without any perusal or failure. The employees were highly skilled and polite hence they facilitated the attraction of the customers after and before the services were offered. Thereafter, we advertised our car wash using huge posters, publications, as well as road signage. With everything on track, we finally opened it, and it was set to start functioning (International carwash Association, 2015). Reflections on how the Scope Statement, WBS, and Network Diagram were developed. This will include the discussion of what theories/concepts/models/tools/techniques were used and how they were applied; whether you found them to be useful or not and why). (20%) When a project is being developed, one has to have a well-developed scope statement, work breakdown structure, as well as the network diagram. During the initiation of the project, it is vital that one understands the goals, objectives, and the mission statement to be followed, as well as the targets to be reached. The scope statement was developed to help us stay on track while starting and running the project in order to decrease the chances of disagreements. We developed the scope statement by first writing the business needs and problem of the project. Here, our need was to start a car washing services to the clients or rather the car owners. The business problem was majorly inadequacy of qualified car washers in the market. Secondly, we included the objective of making profits by offering quality services. In third place, we included the benefits of our venture. The benefits were to make profits, as well as economically benefit the country’s economy and a niche to create employment opportunities. Additionally, we included the scope of the project, which was to attract many clients, and thrive in the competitive market (Fleet& Peterson, 1994). Finally was to dictate the launch of the project. This part of the milestone included projects size and nature. In our statement, we indicated that it was a small business venture, which was in the service provider sector. The work breakdown structures (WBS) were developed at the event when the strategy plan was laid down. The use of WBS is a great step towards overall organizational success (Haugan, 2002). In the development of the WBS, we identified the components in our projects and what was to be accomplished, when and by who. In that regard, we knew the load we had and hence assigned each one of us with a part of it in department wise. In each department, we identified the tasks to be accomplished. This breakdown was to assign the appropriate persons with the right tasks. Under level 2 of the work group, we further broke it down to smaller components (Rev E, 2003). In this section, we assigned the subordinates to carry out the manual work, which mainly included the actual washing of the cars. The WBS simplified the work for everyone, and made the flow of command rather obvious hence clarity when need be by the appropriate persons. The WBS creation was a jointly done task by the six of the team players in a way to accommodate everyone’s ideas and hence avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts among us (Brotherton, 2008 : Taylor, 2009). Network diagram is a graphical representation that is drawn to show the flow of tasks in order to reach the targeted goals and objectives. We used the critical path method of network diagram. Here we drew the representation that clearly showed the ideal path to be followed while performing major tasks. The diagram was developed so that the employees know who was to work when. Since the carwash was to run until late at night, there were flextime and working in shifts. In that regard, we drew a chart to show the way the cars were to be cleaned rotationally, especially during recession. By use of arrow the direction and flow of command was clearly shown in the work chat (Valle, 2011). Being an entrepreneurial project, we found the management theories, by Fredrick Tylor and Fayol, very useful to implement especially during the establishment of the project. Having to run the business venture as the management, we found it ideal to incorporate the management function concepts of controlling, coordinating, directing, planning, and organizing. Additionally, we applied the techniques of recruitment and selection during our hiring or the employment. Moreover, though the performance appraisals were engaged in the training and development of the employees, these management tools and functions were rather useful in the whole process from establishment of the business to the running of the business (Koontz & Weihrich, 1990). The whole management process enabled us to achieve our goals and objectives. Reflections on how the MS software was used in managing your project. Whether or not it was useful in your project experience and why. (20%) Microsoft software is the most appropriate and efficient project management software known up to date. The application has been used previously by project managers to monitor the progress, design a plan, assigning resources, analyzing workload, as well as managing budget. When launching a project it is ideally reasonable to use Microsoft software since it function as a head start to a person’s idea. Microsoft Software is able to define the resources to be utilized in the project, and through proper budgeting and monitoring, the business venture becomes easily manageable and hence successful. In that regard, we found the MS software to be ideal to start off our idea (Fleet& Peterson, 1994). In establishing a car wash business, we were supposed to design a plan. While drawing the strategies and plan on how to run the business, Microsoft software was very essential. By use of templets, we were able to draw a plan effectively, in line with our business goals and mission. It would have been harder than we thought to draw a plan from a mere idea. With the help of MS software project, we were able to draw a realistic plan that would meet the market need at this century. We were able to understand the trends in the market regarding a car wash business venture. Microsoft project management was ideal and vital to the success of our business venture. Implementing an idea we had was a great and difficult task since there were many procedures to undertake for a successful venture to be born. With the help of Microsoft project management technology, we were able to run operational and management functions efficiently and effectively. The benefits that we enjoyed from the use of Microsoft Software are a number. First, we were able to share resources and easily collaborate despite carrying out different duties. We were able to share documents and timelines efficiently. Hence, we were able to function as one unit despite being departmentally separated. Through the Microsoft software, we would also share the status updates in the technology world, as well as in our own project. Additionally, we were able to learn more from each other, as well as from other people in the world by the utilization of the internet and the information on the internet. Secondly, Microsoft software helped us in the delegation process. We all have different skills in one way or another. In order to match our skills and knowledge with the duties that suits us the best, we used Microsoft software. The software efficiently delegated the duties to us appropriately. The system hence ensured that every one of us had adequate access to the information required in accomplishing one’s tasks. Thirdly, the system enabled us to stay on the schedule where all the tasks were in the system. Hence, alerting us in cases of deadlines. I recall a time when the vehicle was cleaned and was supposed to be delivered. We had forgotten about it and was almost about to be late. The system alerted us and we were able to do it on time. Moreover, the system ensured that we stayed focused to our ultimate goal. The software kept track of the progress and flow of the tasks in our small business. It could show us what was completed. Also, it could indicate what needs to be done by who and by when. Additionally, the Microsoft software was very essential in that it was ideal for communication with our customers and clients, the employees, as well as the vendors. The system enhanced the communication and interaction among us and hence, the work at the car was rather efficient. Frankly speaking, the use of Microsoft software was the best decision we made in that it made our work easier. Our efforts were made much more efficient and effective. The car wash was successful because of the implementation of that software. Reflections on how the risks were identified, analyzed and responded during your project; and if applicable, how the project changes were made and implemented. (20%) Risks are there in every project. They probability of something happening unexpectedly will always be a worry if not well planned. Risks are a part of our day-to-day activities and hence cannot be prevented or avoided. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 has provided that, every business venture or the organization should regularly take the risk assessment procedure. Moreover, the organization should provide healthy and safe working conditions, and the employee welfare should be in consideration. The organization should provide all the preventive and curative measures in that the employees work comfortably. In that case, we have to learn how we can probably work comfortably by managing the unexpected. The process of managing the risks has to be initiated through risk assessment (TUC, 2008). The assessment is done for one to be proactive at the event when the risk presents itself. We carried risk assessment and hence we were able to identify possible risks to the carwash business venture, analyzed them and, therefore, managed them accordingly. The observation was the most utilized tool during the risk assessment process. By walking around the car wash, we were able to identify some risks. At some instance, we discovered some sharp metallic rod that was hanging from the rooftop. This was a big risk since it would possibly fall on a person or a vehicle causing injuries or detrimental damages. Since the risks are easily overlooked, we decided to follow some important steps in order to identify the risks in the car wash hence able to protect our employees, clients, as well as ourselves. We occasionally checked the manufacturer’s instructions and the dates of chemical expiry to avoid the use of expired and dangerous chemicals. Moreover, by checking the instructions, one can be sure of the precautions, as well as the treatment at the event that the accident occurs or by checking the experiences at other car wash business. Through survey and a critical research, we identified obvious accidents, such as slippery floors. Therefore, we ensured that the drainage system at our car wash was efficient and well-constructed (Olum, Y. 2004). After every wash, the employees had to ensure that the floor they were working on was dried and safe to walk in for the good of every person, from us the owners, the employees, as well as the clients. Additionally, we were proactive at the long-term effects of the use of some chemicals. We used the websites and gathered all the required information concerning the running of a car wash and the possible risk in such a venture. Hence, we ensured that the employees had the protective clothing, as well as the facemasks. With that in line, we ensured that all the possible health hazards and accidents were well taken care of (Olum, 2004). We assessed how the employees, clients or the owners would be affected by the risks in the car wash venture. We left no room to risks, bearing in mind it was a great threat to the success of our business venture. Having assessed the risks and identified the possible risks and who was to be affected, we therefore, ended the process through risk evaluation and responded to each risk accordingly. We made sure that we provided less risky chemicals; proper protective garments were in supply and hence monitored their use. Additionally, we provided a first aid kit to the business so that it could be of use, where needed (TUC, 2008). Additionally, we implemented all the necessary procedures for the assessment. We also ensured that there were limits for the vehicles to be served at a time. The implementation was done to make sure that there were fewer accidents in the business. We also gave proper guidelines to be followed at the event that the accidents, injuries or any health hazard happened. These guidelines were pinned on the notice boards. Moreover, we employed a health worker to serve in our business venture. We ensured that the risk assessment was reviewed and updated regularly to ensure the reliability of the procedures (Thenmozhi, 2003). Review of your business outcomes based on the Finance Appraisal and reflections on both group and individual performance. (20%) The major goals and objectives, which we had, while establishing the car wash business venture, was to get financial gains. The business venture was majorly profit oriented, as we intended to finance a Cancer Research Organization project with the profits made from the business. Project management is next to the project success. Financial appraisal ensures that the business venture is viable and meeting its financial obligation, as well as the project’s success. Our car wash business project was viable since it gave us good return compared to the amount of capital we invested. By managing costs and the resources, we were able to maximize the overall business outputs. It is not always a guarantee that the newly established organization can grow and survive in the market. The new business faced uncertainties, such as stiff competition from the already established businesses, lack of support, as well as financial constraints. Through project management, risk assessment as well as financial appraisal, we were able to manage the uncertainty that the business was prone to get since it was a new venture in the market (Şipoş, 2004). After taking a financial appraisal, it was concluded that the organization has reported a positive business outcome. At the end of the first six months, our car wash venture had yielded great profits paying back all the capital investment, capital borrowed, as well as personal saving. The results indicated that there had been an increment in the level of revenues. After each month, the company recorded higher yield that showed daily improvement regarding customer attendance due to proper service provision. We always registered a 15% customer increment monthly, which shows that our services, as well as promotion and advertisement processes, were effective and more efficient as days went by (Harter, 2002). Additionally, we noted that there was an improvement in the level of employees commitment, loyalty, and hence performance. Rewarding and remunerating the employees accordingly, was our major way of gaining a positive business outcome. Previous researchers have been in one accord with the notion that the employees are the most valuable assets of the organization. In that regard, we ensured that we acquired the right persons for the right jobs. According to the management theory by Taylor, training and development, as well as motivation of the employees is key to the success of the overall organization (Fleet& Peterson, 1994). Therefore, training and development of our human resources were a daily practice in our small business venture. We nurtured good employee relations since they dealt directly with the customers. The good relationship, therefore, attracted more customers by day, which resulted in higher returns. Additionally, we ensured that there was quality service provision (Koontz & Weihrich, 1990). Financial Appraisal majorly ensures that the organization viably analyses the profitability of the organization. According to the administrative theory by Henry Fayol, the management has to be the initiator of the overall organizational success. In that regard, as a team we managed the organization accordingly, we ensured that we considered quality improvement and employee performance in thrive to succeed in the market venture. Fayol, a renowned management philosopher, outlined management roles to succeed as a management, as well as an organization as a whole. Following the rules, we had to strategize by outlining a plan, organize and implement our resources. We then amicably coordinated the group efforts and controlled all the activities run by the various persons in the organization (Harter, 2002). The project was a success since it was joint efforts by all the involved parties in the organization. While forming the project as a group, each person had to disregard their personal interests and concentrate entirely on the organizational goals and objectives. In reinforcing teamwork, each of the six-team members played their roles accordingly. Every individual had a role to play and the six of us contributed to the success of the organization (Harter, 2002). We formed the management committee, through specialization and division of labor amongst the six of us. The team dynamics and efforts, as well as the individual efforts, resulted in the success of the entire organization (Olum, 2004). Reference list Auto wash 2012, We have a solution for every vehicle wash requirement. Retrieved from http://www.autowash.com.au/car-wash-building-construction/ Brotherton, S. A 2008, Applying the Work Breakdown Structure to the Project Management Lifecycle. Retrieved from http://www.mandin.be/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Work- Breakdown-Structure.pdf. Dr. Thenmozhi, M 2003, Evolution of Management Theory. Retrieved from http://nptel.ac.in/courses/IIT-MADRAS/Management_Science_I/Pdfs/1_2.pdf Dr. Olum, Y 2004, Modern Management Theories and Practices. Retrieved from http://loc.llas.ac.uk/lob/1510/standalone/theories.pdf Fleet, D. V. & Peterson, T. O 1994, Contemporary Management (Houghton Mifflin Company), Third Edition. Haugan, Gregory T 2002, Effective Work Breakdown Structures, Management Concepts, Vienna, Virginia. Harter, K. J. et.al. 2002, Business-Unit-Level Relationship between Employee Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, and Business Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol 87(2), pp268–279. Retrieved from http://www.factorhappiness.at/downloads/quellen/S17_Harter.pdf Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974. International carwash Association 2015, Invest in a Car Wash. Retrieved from http://www.carwash.org/for-operators/invest Koontz, H. and Weihrich, H 1990, Essentials of Management, Fifth Edition, McGraw-Hill. Oasis Carwash System 2014, Investment opportunities. Retrieved from http://oasiscarwashsystems.com/investment-opportunity/ Rev E 2003, Work Breakdown Structure. Project Management Practices. Retrieved from http://www4.rcf.bnl.gov/~videbaks/hft/cd1/DOE_guidance_wBS.pdf Şipoş, G 2004, Inovarea în întreprindere, Editura Mirton, Timişoara. Taylor, M. D 2009, How to Develop Work Breakdown Structures. Retrieved from http://caldenergine.com/How%20to%20Develop%20Work%20Breakdown%20Structures .pdf TUC 2008, A Guide for Safety Representatives. Risk Assessment. Retrieved from https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/extras/riskassessment.pdf Valle, D. E 2011, Scheduling: Fundamentals, Techniques, Optimization. Planning and Managing Software Projects 2010-11. Retrieved from http://emanueledellavalle.org/slides/P&MSP2011_05_Scheduling.pdf Read More