Case Study: You are assigned to prepare a report on Operations and Project Manag

Question

Case Study:

You are assigned to prepare a report on Operations and Project Management by conducting a research on Dubai Metro project of RTA in Dubai, UAE. You are also expected to prepare a PLC with appropriate documentation to extend the services of Dubai Metro in Sharjah.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the government organization responsible for providing and managing all surface transportation in the emirate of Dubai, UAE. The RTA completed the construction of one of its major projects, the “Dubai Metro,” on 9 September 2011. The Dubai Metro, with its 75 km and 47 stations, is the largest driverless metro system in the world. The Dubai Metro employed five main contractors, over 160 sub-contractors, and more than 30,000 workers. The project covered many varying disciplines, including civil, architectural, electrical, mechanical, electronics, communications, and software, among others. The first line of the Dubai Metro was completed in a record period of 49 months. You are expected to research on the challenges that the RTA faced in the different phases of this mega project, namely: concept and studies; design; tendering; construction; and finally, operations and maintenance. Based on your research and discussion in the classroom interaction, prepare a project report on “Dubai Metro”.

Q:Review and critique the effectiveness of theories, concepts and models such as Kaizen, Six sigma, TQM and Lean Management when applied in the PLC of the Extension of Metro to Sharjah project? Kindly answer specific to around a more critical review on how the project plan would be improved through applying the quality control practices against the PLC.

Explanation / Answer

When you set yourself out to create a 75 km, 47 stations, world’s largest driverless metro network, there are bound to be challenges.

At the project initiation stage, the biggest challenge was ensuring seamless synchronization in the various contractors and sub-contractors who were working on the project. To make things more complicated, these stakeholders were from different countries and hence language proved to be a hurdle at times too.

The documentation that was rolled out at the tender invitation stage had a number of clauses that seemed ambiguous and even not feasible in many situations. This caused serious problems when it came to writing down the service level agreements with various stakeholders.

At the construction phase, the project had a major challenge in terms of the timeline that was involved. The Red Line phase, for example, had a target of 49 months. Furthermore, the route of the various lines passed through many congested parts of the city. This resulted in traffic nightmares and other tactical challenges.

Project Improvements

A project of such huge proportions always leaves behind a trail of lessons that one needs to pick up.

At the planning stage, the entire project could have been broken down into several sub projects and they in turn could have been broken down into even more levels. At each level, a project lead can manage the activities from the corresponding level. This approach can prove to be an effective tool in making sure that each stakeholder has complete clarity in what their role is. Such a structure can be visually presented in the form of a WBS as well.

At the implementation stage, a robust system of KPI maintenance and tracking could have been instituted to ensure that every stage is being monitored closely. The intent of such a process is not to reprimand the entity involved but to trigger an alarm every time there is a weak link in the chain of activities.

At the operational level, the concept of Kaizen can be implemented, wherein key KPIs can be tracked through Genchi Genbutsu, and then new standards can be set. The methodology of Kaizen entails identifying the current situation and comparing the same with the ideal situation. By this, the gap is identified and more effective systems are placed to close this gap.

Additionally, the concept of Soi Kufu can be implemented (yet another part of the Toyota Production System) wherein simple ideas can be introduced by the employees of the Metro that aim to tackle problems at a more local, ground level.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.