Project Management and Plan for Preparation of Coffee - Assignment Example

5 Life Skills Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Task One: Project Management Exercise 3 Task Two: Evaluation 7 Task Three: Essay 10 References 12 Task One: Project Management Exercise Introduction A project planning is referred to as an organised sequencing and forecasting of the tasks comprising a particular project. It is one of the vital steps of the project management exercise. Project planning is a process to complete a specific project in a particular time frame in certain defined stages and explicit resources. This is an assignment of project management exercise which includes a plan for preparation of coffee. Aims and Objectives The aim of the project is to attain the desired outcome that is to prepare and serve a superb coffee to everyone, which can refresh the mood. The objective of the project refers to the activities undertaken to achieve the desired aim. In order to fulfil the aim, all the required ingredients of coffee should be obtained and mixed at an exact amount. Moreover, an appropriate coffee preparing machine and coffee powder are also essential for achieving the desired results. Scope There are varied advantages of coffee, which are stated as below: Lessens the risk related to gallstone disease Liver protection Cognitive act Lowers the risk related to Alzheimer’s disease as well as dementia Analgesic enhancement Cardio protective Prevention of dental caries Gout Source: (Williams, 2006) Task Plan to Prepare Coffee The preparation of coffee includes certain steps which are stated below: To properly rinse all the equipments To boil water in the bowl To add coffee powder to the cups To add sugar To add the boiled water in the cups To add milk or cream To stir for a while GANTT CHART Activities Time(Minutes) 1 2 3 4 5 To properly rinse required equipments 1 min Boiling of water 2min To add coffee powder to the cups 5 sec To add sugar 3 sec To add boiled water to the cups 10 sec To add milk or cream 5 sec To stir 3sec Grantt chart helps to analyse the exact requirement of time for every process in order to get a clear and transparent idea regarding the actual time period. Thus, every process can be done in a timely manner without any rush or time loss. Hence, it can be very useful in maintaining the everyday life schedules. Critical Path Analysis Critical path analysis is a step by step process to perform a plan in order to provide adequate time to each and every process. Coffee Preparation In this critical path analysis process of preparing coffee, at the initial stage, all the equipments are rinsed properly and carefully and then water is added in a bowl for boiling purpose at a minimum heat. After that the cups are placed with the saucers. Then, coffee powder is added in the cups with sugar in it according to the tastes. Then, boiled water is added to the cups along with milk or cream in it. After that, it is stirred for 1 to 2 seconds and is served hot to the users. It makes a refreshing and revitalising environment for the user. Thus, the total process of coffee preparation is described in the above diagrammatic manner. Budget Analysis Activity Budget (In Pounds) Cap Rev Prepare Ingredients 5 Prepare Equipments 7 Utensils 6 Plates 5 Coffee Powder 4 6 Sugar 3 6 Milk/Cream 4 8 Cups 5 Serve 3 Total Cost 11 51 Here the ingredients required for the preparation of the coffee is mapped according to the budget incurred. The critical analysis diagram including the various elements and various ingredients required are described in a brief manner along with budgets. This process helps to provide clear information regarding the approximate estimation of budget required for preparation of coffee. Thus, it can be stated that the critical analysis process helps in proper time as well as cost management in everyday life. Task Two: Evaluation Time Management Time management is the procedure of developing and implementing conscious control over the extent of time required on a definite activity in order to enhance efficiency and productivity. It can be supported by a series of tools, abilities and practices utilised to handle time in order to accomplish a definite task or objective within a particular time frame. Time management is one of the vital aspects in today’s life for any individual as it is essential to structure the activities according to the allotted time to maintain lifestyle in an efficient way. Time management helps to reduce stress as it provides proper arrangement of all the activities in a specific time frame in order to reduce overload of work which leads to stress for an individual. Hence, time management is highly beneficial for efficient operation of everyday’s life cycle (UNSW. CRICOS, 2010). Managing time is not a simple task rather it is quite difficult to frame all the activities within that particular schedule. It is important for every person as it facilitates to arrange the tasks in a proper manner so that it does not take the shape of stress. Time management includes three steps such as organizing, prioritizing and scheduling (Mancini, 2003). Organizing is the initial step of time management as well as essential for everyday life. If the work of the day is organized in an efficient manner, then it can be performed in an effective approach and also in an explicit time span. This provides better mental satisfaction and happiness. It should be practiced every day by every individual to manage time in a more proficient manner. Hence, it can be said that proper organization of work can lead to effective performance as well as proficient outcomes. Prioritizing is the next step which is determined while organizing the daily works of an individual. The tasks should be ranked according to the importance and weightage. Moreover, the tasks should also be positioned according to the requirement of time. The assigned tasks or daily work should be completed much before the allotted time or requisite time so that adequate time remains for rechecking if required. This helps in completion of the work according to precedence which also helps in fulfilment of the tasks with appropriate scheduling and arrangements (University of Kentucky, 2011). Scheduling is the final step which should be followed while organising the daily tasks. The arrangement of tasks should be done in such a way that, there also remains certain extra time for takings breaks. Proper scheduling can help to attain the tasks in a proficient way which can be beneficial for everyday life. Thus, every individual should follow the above mentioned aspects of time management though there should be enough time allotted for relaxing and refreshment. The planning of tasks should be done in such a way so that sufficient time remains for reducing work stress as well. Moreover, after preparing the plan, an individual should concentrate fully on the plan in order to accomplish the tasks with desired outcomes. Thus, it can be stated that scheduling helps to complete the assigned tasks in appropriate time with desired results (Mancini, 2003). Thus, it can be ascertained that time management is similar to self management. It varies from person to person and is also influenced by the behaviour and attitude of the individual. The division of time and work is extremely influenced by the tastes, preferences, life style, and culture of the individuals as well. Time management is a highly customized skill, which works according to the methods of personal choice. Task Three: Essay Stress Management Stress can be defined as physical, mental, or emotional reactions to actions that cause body or mental tension. It is an outside force or event that provides an effect on the body or mind. Stress can also arise due to situation or thought that makes an individual feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious. Stress can be due to various factors such as stress at home, stress at work, fear, lack of sleep and physical threat among others (NPTEL, 2006). Proper management of stress is known as stress management. Stress management is a practice of distress reduction and ability construction as well as an effort to observe, to arrange and to contour the workplace environment in order to the maximise the quality of life (Linden, 2005). Stress due to work is accepted as a common phenomenon recognised all over the world which acts as a major challenge to the health of the workers and the wellbeing of the organization. Workplace stress is a detrimental physical and emotional retort that occurs mainly due to poor match among job demands and capabilities, availability of resources, and needs of the workers. A variety of aspects are responsible for the workplace stress such as depressing workload, isolation, extensive hours worked, contaminated work environments, lack of autonomy, difficult relationships amid co-workers and management, management harassment, irritation and lack of opportunities among others (Park, 2007). Workplace stress comprises a broad collection of circumstances which results in psychological disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional strains and maladaptive behaviours along with cognitive impairment. These circumstances may also lead to poor work performance, higher absenteeism, and an increase of complaints, low work productivity, turnovers or even grievances. Workplace stress predominantly acts negatively on the employees leading to demotivation and low commitment towards work. As a result, both the employees as well as the organisations suffer a discouraging impact. Since the motivational level of the employees decline due to stress, the rate of efficiency reduces leading to lower productivity of the employees and reduced profitability of the organisation (Vasconcelos & et. al., 2008). Thus, it can be stated that workplace stress possesses a depressing impact which reduces employee morale and performance. Workplace stress is one of the vital factors resulting in reduction of employee morale and satisfaction. The stress of the workplace can be managed in varied ways. The employees can manage the stress by performing meditation activities which provides relaxation to the body as well as mind. In addition, the employees can also take a break for a certain period of time within a scheduled days work or can take certain seasonal breaks in order to regain the dedication towards the work. Along with this, the employees can even organise the time frames according to the allotted work, this might also provide relief from the stress of the work. Certain other ways to reduce the work stress include sharing the problems of the work with the co-workers among others which can help to conjure up feasible solutions to problems, thus resulting in lower work stress (Cartwright & Cooper, 1997). References Cartwright, S. & Cooper, L. C., 1997. Managing Workplace Stress. Sage. Linden, W., 2005. Stress Management: From Basic Science To Better Practice. Sage. Mancini, M., 2003. Time Management. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. NPTEL, 2006. The Definition of Stress. Stress And Strain Concepts In 3-D. Park, J., 2007. Work Stress And Job Performance. Work Stress. [Online] Available at: Http://Www.Statcan.Gc.Ca/Pub/75-001-X/2007112/Article/10466-Eng.Pdf [Accessed January 06, 2012]. UNSW. CRICOS, 2010. Time Management. Plan Ahead And Prioritise. [Online] Available at: http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/time.html [Accessed January 06, 2012]. University of Kentucky, 2011. Effective Time Management. How Do I Time Manage? [Online] Available at: http://getinvolved.uky.edu/Leadership/pdf/Time%20Management.pdf [Accessed January 06, 2012]. Vasconcelos, D. C. F. & et. al., 2008. Stress In Organizations: Between Efficiency And The Institutionalization Of Fear. Stress In Organizations: Fear Management And Fear As A Management Resource. [Online] Available at: Http://Www.Anpad.Org.Br/Periodicos/Arq_Pdf/A_729.Pdf [Accessed January 06, 2012]. Williams, C., 2006. Coffee Defends Liver Against Booze. The Register. [Online] Available at: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/06/13/coffee_and_liver/ [Accessed January 06, 2012]. Read More