inotherchapterswediscussedtheschedulingofrepetitive（inotherchapterswediscussedtheschedulingofrepetitive）（25页）.docVIP

In other chapters we discussed the scheduling of repetitive operations and activities, such as work scheduling and job scheduling, as an important aspect of managing an operation. Operational schedules are established to keep the flow of products or services through the supply chain on time. However, not all operational activities are repetitive; some are unique, occurring only once within a specified time frame. Such unique, one-time activities are referred to as projects. Project management is the management of the work to develop and implement an innovation or change in an existing operation. It encompasses planning the project and controlling the project activities, subject to resource and budget constraints, to keep the project on schedule. Examples of projects include constructing facilities and buildings, such as houses, factories, a shopping mall, an athletic stadium, or an arena; developing a military weapons system, new aircraft, or new ship; launching a satellite system; constructing an oil pipeline; developing and implementing a new computer system; planning a rock concert, football bowl game, or basketball tournament; and introducing new products into the market. Projects have become increasingly pervasive in companies in recent years. This is a result of the diversity of new products and product markets and the shorter life span of products, combined with rapid technological changes. The nature of the international business environment is such that new machinery and equipment, as well as new production processes and computer support systems, are constantly evolving. This provides the capability of developing new products and services, which generates consumer demand for even greater product diversity. As a result a larger proportion of total organizational effort now goes toward project-oriented activities than in the past. Thus, the planning and management of projects has taken on a more crucial role in operations management. In this chapter