Part 1: You will provide an essay answer to the following questions: What is a project? What are ongoing operations? How are they alike? How are they different? This essay should be a minimum of 2 pages double-spaced, 12 point font, Times News Roman with 1 in. margins. The essay must be properly cited per APA format. The Kloppenborg textbook must be your primary source but other sources may be used to supplement the textbook (not replace it). If the source provides the same information that is in the textbook then it is not necessary to be utilized.

QUESTION

Part 1: You will provide an essay answer to the following questions: What is a project? What are ongoing operations? How are they alike? How are they different?

This essay should be a minimum of 2 pages double-spaced, 12 point font, Times News Roman with 1 in. margins. The essay must be properly cited per APA format. The Kloppenborg textbook must be your primary source but other sources may be used to supplement the textbook (not replace it). If the source provides the same information that is in the textbook then it is not necessary to be utilized.

Part 2: You will research news sources to find examples of projects and ongoing operations. You will find two of each (4 total). This section will be single-spaced 12 point font, Times News Roman with 1 in. margins. Each of the four article reports must be 1/2 page in length and fully provide the information required. You will provide the required information on the article discovered. This information includes:

City:

News source (APA reference):

Web address:

Brief Description:

Why is this a Project? or Why is this Ongoing Operations?

ANSWER

Projects and Ongoing Operations: Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Introduction

In the realm of organizational management, projects and ongoing operations are two fundamental concepts that play pivotal roles in achieving business objectives. This essay aims to explore the similarities and differences between projects and ongoing operations, shedding light on their definitions, characteristics, and significance in contemporary business environments.

Definition and Characteristics

A project can be defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. Projects possess well-defined objectives, finite timelines, allocated resources, and defined success criteria. They are marked by their distinctiveness, complexity, and a set of tasks requiring completion to attain the desired outcome. Key activities within a project include planning, execution, monitoring, and control.

On the other hand, ongoing operations refer to the continuous, repetitive activities that sustain an organization’s daily operations and enable the delivery of products or services. These operations are typically long-term and lack a predetermined end date (Pratt et al., 2022). Ongoing operations encompass routine tasks such as manufacturing, sales, customer service, maintenance, and administrative activities. Their primary goal is to ensure organizational functionality and fulfill business objectives consistently.

Similarities

Both projects and ongoing operations exhibit several similarities that contribute to their importance within organizations:

Resource Dependency: Projects and ongoing operations necessitate the allocation of resources such as human capital, financial investments, materials, and equipment. Efficient resource management is crucial for both endeavors to achieve their goals effectively.

Management Processes: Projects and ongoing operations require similar management processes to ensure success. These processes include planning, organizing, executing, and controlling activities. Effective project management methodologies and established operational frameworks contribute to the achievement of desired outcomes.

Organizational Success: Both projects and ongoing operations significantly impact an organization’s overall success. Successful project outcomes enhance innovation, growth, and competitiveness, while efficient ongoing operations sustain the organization’s market position and customer satisfaction (JOSSO 2 by Atricore, n.d.).

Stakeholder Involvement: Projects and ongoing operations involve stakeholders who have a vested interest in the outcomes and performance of these endeavors. Stakeholders can be internal, such as employees and managers, or external, including customers, suppliers, and shareholders.

Differences

Despite their similarities, projects and ongoing operations exhibit notable differences that distinguish them from one another:

Duration and Temporality: Projects have defined start and end dates, while ongoing operations are continuous and lack predetermined completion points. Projects are time-bound, whereas ongoing operations have indefinite timelines.

Uniqueness and Repetition: Projects are unique and one-time endeavors, often characterized by their novelty and inherent risks (Tetik et al., 2019). In contrast, ongoing operations involve repetitive activities aimed at maintaining existing processes, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing performance.

Uncertainty and Predictability: Projects are inherently uncertain due to their unique nature, involving risks and challenges that require proactive management. Conversely, ongoing operations are more predictable, as they focus on executing established processes and optimizing operational efficiency.

Organizational Integration: Projects are typically structured as separate entities with dedicated project teams, whereas ongoing operations are integrated into an organization’s daily activities and involve various functional areas and departments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, projects and ongoing operations are vital components of organizational management. Projects represent temporary endeavors with defined objectives, timelines, and unique characteristics, while ongoing operations encompass continuous activities aimed at maintaining and optimizing daily operations. Understanding the similarities and differences between projects and ongoing operations is crucial for organizations to effectively allocate resources, plan activities, and achieve their strategic

References

JOSSO 2 by Atricore. (n.d.). https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/managingorganizationalchange.aspx 

Pratt, M. K., Roy, M., & McLaughlin, E. (2022). business process. CIO. https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/business-process 

Tetik, M., Peltokorpi, A., Seppänen, O., & Holmström, J. (2019). Direct digital construction: Technology-based operations management practice for continuous improvement of construction industry performance. Automation in Construction, 107, 102910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.102910