Abstract
M.Ing.
This dissertation gives an understanding of principles that can be implemented in a projects department to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. This dissertation consists of a literature review and a case study.
The literature review gives a background on principles that can be implemented to improve on the efficiency and effectiveness of a projects department. The effective design of projects and the importance of establishing specifications have been reviewed.
Tools such as business process reengineering can be used to rethink and redesign processes in a projects department to improve its current way of working. Materials requirement planning is another tool that can be used in a projects department to calculate how many types of a specific product are required at any specific time. Just-in-time planning and control is a philosophy that can be implemented in a projects department to meet demands immediately, thus improving their effectiveness. Quality management tools and techniques can be implemented in a projects department. Total quality management, leadership and teamwork will help to convey good practises, generate interest, ideas and awareness in the department.
The literature also explains the importance of ergonomics. Ergonomics in workplaces has an affect on the performance, fatigue and physical strain of the staff. Assessing the projects department and applying ergonomics to it will help the staff of the department to be more efficient and effective in their work. The literature further explains the stages involved in the risk management process. Developing an initial risk management plan is an effective and efficient way to identify and prevent risks at an early stage.
The case study is about different principles brought together and implemented in a newly formed projects department to improve its way of work. Principles were identified through surveys that were given to various stakeholders. These principles guided the projects department to be more efficient and effective in their way of work.