Hotel project management

Hotel befuddle guidanceSUMMARYKerrison Park Hotel in capital of the United Kingdom, is a Part of Kerrison Travel group. GGTA, a French flockiness conglomerate has recently purchased. The hotel is operating at a release distant other Kerrison Park hotels crossways the European mainland. The author volition explain here how a ensure management approach will help the hotel to keep back changes to turn the loss do situation nearly. The rootage has explained to the management of Kerrison Park Hotel the meaning of find out heed, the process involved in it, the bastards and techniques used in it and the benefits of using a Project management approach in developing of the improvement opportunities. The Author has identified any the improvement opportunities of Kerrison Park Hotel, London, and d whiz a expound SWOT analysis which has condition an insight to the problem and improvement domain of a functions along with the companys strengths and weaknesses. According to Projec t care Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), Project is defined as a temporary strive undertaken to create a unique product or a service. The act of managing, assureling, coordinating, directing, etc is called management. Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to discombobulate activities in order to meet stakeholders inescapably and expectations from a project. Projects need to be performed and delivered under certain constraints. Traditionally these constraints have been listed as scope, judgment of conviction and cost (Burke, 2003).PROCESS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT keep fine specification for the project. send off the project time, squad, activities, resources, and financials.Communicate the project plan to your project team.Agree and delegate project actions.Manage, motivate, inform, encourage, enable the project team.Check, measure, review project make headway ordinate project plans, and inform the project team and others. exculpate proj ect review and report on project performance admit praise and convey to the project team.SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a short letter venture. After explaining all this the author has given recommendations as to how to develop those improvement opportunities identified in SWOT.INTRODUCTIONCase Study emphasize This case study refers to Kerrison Park Hotel in London, a Part of Kerrison Travel group. GGTA, a French business conglomerate has recently purchased this hotel as a donation of a financial package that withal involved the takeover of three aircrafts and routes serving Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Oslo. The hotel is situated 25km from Heathrow Airport and is wellspring connected by public bus and Underground. The hotel is operating at a loss un like other Kerrison Park hotels across the European mainland. The author has been given the role o f a project animal trainer to use his project management skills and investigate the hotels SWOT analysis and make a meet project plan to retain business and turn this loss making situation around.Aims and ObjectivesDefine the benefits of the Kerrison Park Hotel, London of adopting a Project Management approach towards the development of the improvement opportunities.Identifying these improvement opportunities within the hotel, recommend a project plan that should be tackled within the next 18 months.Research Methodology The author has used a lot of secondary resources to research and watch data related to case material like books, websites, etc.. Initially all about Project Management is explained along with some techniques and their importance. thence a detailed SWOT analysis is d unitary for the Kerrison Park Hotel, London. On the basis of this SWOT analysis a Project Plan is prepares and recommendations are given. There is no elemental research undertaken for this report.MAIN BODYKerrison Park Hotel in London, is a Part of Kerrison Travel group. GGTA, a French business conglomerate has recently purchased this hotel as a part of a financial package that also involved the takeover of three aircrafts and routes serving Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Paris and Oslo. The hotel is operating at a loss unlike other Kerrison Park hotels across the European mainland. The author will explain here how a project management approach will help the hotel to make changes to turn the loss making situation around. According to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), Project is defined as a temporary travail undertaken to create a unique product or a service. The act of managing, controlling, coordinating, directing, etc is called management. Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet stakeholders call for and expectations from a project (Burke, 2001). Projects are executed and a chieved under scope, time and cost constraints. These constraints when combined together form the Project Management Triangle. As these constraints are connect together therefore, the triangle would be affected if either of the constraints is changed. The advanced enhancement of scope, time and cost produces a quadth constraint called Quality. Scope describes what mustiness be make to produce the end result of the project, Time constraint specifies the available time to meet the project and Cost refers to the total amount available for the project completion. The main purpose of Project Management is to offer the appropriate tools and techniques that initiate the team to work towards the achievement of these constraints. TimeThe time required cornerstone be estimated through Work Breakd deliver Structure where each task is separately broken down into the time required to complete each task change to the completion of each component.CostThe cost constraint is estimated on var iables like resource costs, labour rates, material rates, risk management, Earned value management, plant, equipment, cost escalation, confirmatory costs, and profit. ScopeScope describes the actual project to be accomplished and the end result. Quality of the actual out regulate product is one of the major components of scope. The quality of the project is determined on the actual amount inputted towards the individual tasks. (universal resource locator http//www.businesspme.com/uk/articles/rh/62/The-traditional-triple-constraints.html)PROJECT LIFE CYCLE Project Management Life Cycle comprises four phases Initiation involves starting up the project, by documenting a business case, feasibility study, terms of reference, appointing the team and oscilloscope up a Project Office. Planning involves setting out the roadmap for the project by creating the following plans project plan, resource plan, financial plan, quality plan, acceptance plan and communications plan. Execution invo lves building the deliverables and controlling the project delivery, scope, costs, quality, risks and issues. Closure involves winding-down the project by releasing mental faculty, handing over deliverables to the customer and completing a post implementation review (universal resource locator http//www.mpmm.com/project-management-methodology.php).PROCESS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENTAgree precise specification for the project Often called the project terms of reference, the project specification should be an accurate description of what the project aims to achieve, and the criteria and flexibilities involved, its parameters, scope, range, outputs, sources, participants, budgets and timescalesPlan the project time, team, activities, resources, financials Plan the various stages and activities of the project. A useful tip is to work backwards from the end aim, identifying all the things that need to be put in place and done, in rustle order.Communicate the project plan to your project te am This serves two purposes it informs spate whats happening, and it obtains essential support, agreement and commitment. If your project is complex and involves a team, then you should involve the team in the planning process to maximise buy-in, ownership, and thereby accountability.Agree and delegate project actions Activities need to be very clearly described, including all relevant parameters, timescales, costs, and deliverables in a plan. This plan will then be published to all team members and the tasks will be issued to all on the basis of their capability of their own forward planningManage, motivate, inform, encourage, and enable the project team Manage the team and activities by meeting, communicating, supporting, and helping with decisions. Your role here is to enable and translate. Face to face meetings, when you bay window bring team members together, are generally the best way to avoid issues and relationships becoming personalised and emotional. Communicate progress and successes regularly to everyone. Give the people in your team the plaudits. Conversely you must take the blame for anything that goes wrong never dump on anyone in your teamCheck, measure, review project progress adjust project plans, and inform the project team and others Check the progress of activities against the plan. Review performance regularly and at the stipulated review points, and confirm the validity and relevance of the goal of the plan. Adjust the plan if necessary in light of performance, changing circumstances, and new information, but remain on track and within the original terms of reference.Complete project review and report on project performance give praise and thanks to the project team At the end of your successful project hold a review with the team. Ensure you understand what happened and why. Reflect on any failures and mistakes positively, objectively, and without allocating personal blame. Reflect on successes gratefully and realistically. TOOLS O F PROJECT MANAGEMENT orthogonal The Program Evaluation and Review Technique is a model for project management designed to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given project.A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work sectionalization structure of the project. Some Gantt charts also show the dependency (i.e, precedence network) relationships between activities.A work breakdown structure or WBS is a tree structure, that permits summing of subordinate costs for tasks, materials, etc., into their successively higher level parent tasks, materials, etc. It is a fundamental tool commonly used in project managementThe Critical Path Method, abbreviated CPM, or critical path analysis, is a mathematically based algorithmic program for scheduling a set of project activities. It i s an important tool for effective project management.A Run chart, also known as a run-sequence diagram is a graph that displays observed data in a time sequence. Often, the data displayed represent some aspect of the output or performance of a manufacturing or other business process.IMPORTANCE AND BENEFIT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO KERRISON PARK HOTEL, LONDONDevelops Exponential Effectiveness In most organizations, people work on cross-functional teams to complete projects. When people from different departments know and understand a common Project Management process to get their work done, they can start to work together without having to design how they are going to do it. Empowers Individuals and Team Leaders When there is a common, simple approach for Project Management and the correct tools are available throughout the enterprise, people are empowered to reach their goals, together and individually.Creates Institutional Memory Industry standard Project Management practi ces require a critical project closeout phase that collects lessons learned and gives your organization powerful historical knowledge from across the enterprise.Realizes Return on Innovation An easy-to-use Project Management methodology gives organizations a framework that makes it achievable for people to move from vision to action with a comprehensive project plan that supports their objectives.Turns Information into sixth sense You capture best practices and know what is and isnt working in your organization, giving you a competitive advantage by turning information into insight. SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favourable and unfavourable to achieving that objective. Here we need to do the SWOT analysis of the Kerrison P ark Hotel, London which will help us further to make a Project Plan to make recommendations as to what changes are required by this Hotel to run successfully.Strengths The Hotel has a very candid location as it is just 25 Km from Heathrow and is well connected by Bus and Underground.Hotel owns a large reception area out of which a part can be used for other purposes.A large full functioning kitchen builds up the backbone of the hotelHotel has 150 rooms. either rooms have ensuite facilities, tea and coffee facilities, satellite TV, Air-conditioner and mini-bar which shows it provides all the facilities which a normal 4star hotel should have.The double rooms have adjoining lounges.The hotel provides an elaborate English and Continental Breakfast which is considered to be the main meal of the day.Hotel owns a Big Conference and a banqueting suite with a separate bar and four syndicate rooms.The Hotel gets a regular business from the parent companys aircrew and passengers.The Hotel a lso possesses a successful In-house laundry which also has a contract for companys air passage uniforms which ensures fixed revenue.WeaknessesThe hotel is excruciation from a low occupancy rate of 45% as compared to other hotels in the city with 65% on a typical day.It has an inappropriate and a weak merchandising strategy as the hotel principally relied on tour operators who use the hotel seasonally and local corporate business, gained through minimal advertising.The computer systems on the count of the house have become obsolete and needs to be upgraded to be in sync with the parent companys airline reservation system.Many of the Hotels facilities were not marketed successfully because of poor coordination and irregularity within sales and marketing departments.Lack of security of cleaning stores and linen on floors and their distribution.Lack of regular preventive alimony of rooms and corridors. Internal painting, re-grouting of tiles, etc. needs attention.Restaurant is not big enough with 90 covers to handle major rush hours during peak season. Lunch time business is poor. Garden side of the restaurant which can be used a n additional room in quite weekends was not denote properly. The stave seems to be lacking the sales and service orientation.The department heads are given the responsibility for recruiting and homework of staff members rather than a proper gracious Resource Management system which leads to inconsistencies in approach and quality.Gymnasium is not well equipped and there is no swimming pool facility provided by the hotel. There is no health bar either where a guest could refresh himself after a workout.OpportunitiesSince the Hotel has a good location, it can easily draw up the chartered tourism. Students and Backpackers use London as a base for visiting other parts of the country who can be wooed by pleasant discounts and offers.Large reception area gives the opportunity to use a part of it for some other purposes for eg. Extendi ng Coffee Shop.Laundry Business can be improve by recruiting more skilled staff and sign up more contracts on revised prices with airlines.Hiring more experienced staff and training the existing one will help in upselling in all FB areas.Coffee Shop is more popular than the restaurant and the bar and is also doing well, so the covers can be increase and it can be livened up for young clientele.There is a good opportunity to start a new buffet style poster in the restaurant after convincing the Head Chef of its advantages.Hiring more efficient and professional gross revenue and Marketing Team will help the Hotel to boost up its sales volume.The Human Resource Department have a lot of knowledge and experience of working in different cultures which makes it easy for the hotel to understand its staff better and provide them efficient training through proper communication and practice.ThreatsThe airlines are in doubt as to continue with the laundry contract with the hotel due to the h igh prices offered as compared to other competitor laundries.The FB staffs have a low skill level and therefore it leaves the guest into a bad impression of staff lacking service orientation and hotels poor standards.Inappropriate Security systems might lead to loss by theft. Storage of food is disorganized and sometimes no stock rotation is done which can be very dangerous and also lead to wastage.Competition in terms of prices and facility given by other hotels is leading to lower occupancy rate which is not good at all for the hotel.There is no Job satisfaction due to which motivation is lacking in staff.RECOMMENDATIONSAfter completing this detailed SWOT analysis the author is clear about Hotels situation inside out. Now the author would like to give recommendations for how to overcome the problems and weak areas of the hotel in a Project Management approach. Following are the areas and the changes that need to be done in themReception Since the front of the house systems are ob solete and 12 years old, they require an upgrading to cope up with the expected increase in the business and interface with the parent companys airline reservation system which will create ease of work and efficiency for the reception staff. Changing the system will also require hardcore training to the staff who are habitual of using the old system. This whole process will take about 3 months to come into existence.Accommodation Operations Author would suggest to turn 20 twin rooms into double rooms which will help the reception to give out more options to the customers. Secondly 10 suites should replace either of the rooms for fulfilling special needs of the guests like honeymoon couples. This operation will take around 4-6 months.In House Laundry The Laundry has shown a return on investment recently and is running successfully. It is suggested to add up more storage space and recruit more efficient staff. The hotel also needs to take into consideration the prices of the laundry a s they are too high compared to competitors due to which it might lose its present contracts. Prices needs to be move down. This will take about 2 months.Housekeeping and victuals To Control the security of the cleaning stores and linen, the author suggests to put up security alarms and CCTV Cameras in all important areas where undesignated staff isnt allowed. The storage areas should be moved away from back door entry to avoid loss. The rooms need to undergo minor maintenance like internal painting, re-grouting of tiling, replacing shower curtains, etc. Carpeting on first and second floor corridor will be replaced and reinstated as soon as possible. This will take approximately 6-8 months to complete.Food and Beverage The covers in the restaurant should be increased to at least 120 to cope up with restless hours. The idea of introducing buffet style of menu is very appropriate. The FB manager must convince the head chef about the advantages of buffet style menu for eg, it will retain labour force and the guest would get a choice of wider variety of food. Various schemes like Sunday English Roast Lunch or golden Hours should be introduced which will attract local clientele and families. This operation will take around 1 month to come into existence as there are no major physical changes taking place here.Since the Coffee Shop is very popular and generally remains busy it is suggested to liven and peppiness it up in sync with the young and modern customers with some exciting decor, video games, darts, etc.. which will attract more people. We have the advantage of having coffee depot next to the large reception area. So it can be extended using a part of the reception area and covers will be increased from 50 to 70. Professional English speaking and permanent staff must be hired for the coffee shop as it will lead to good service and better guest satisfaction. The Coffee Shop menu should be renewed. This will take around 3 months to complete.Bar staff nee ds to be trained to be multi-skilled so that they can help in other areas when busy. A fool-proof method of controlling and counting sales should be introduced. A various drink list should be developed. Night porter facility should be provided to fulfil the needs of late night residents. This will again take around 1 month to come into existence.Gymnasium It is suggested to install modern and state of the art machinery in the gym. At least 2 trainers should be employed. A proper changing room with modular fittings should be constructed with sauna, spa and a small swimming pool should be built up. Swimming pool will be a great attraction for the in house guests and local residents. The gym kitchen should be refurbished and spruced up and used as a sports bar offering health food and beverages.the Gymnasium and swimming pool will take a long time say around 12 months so should be started well in advance.Goods Delivery and Storage Food storage in the main cold room must be organised u sing the FIFO (first in first out) system and keeping HACCP (hazard and critical control points) into consideration. Delegation of responsibility to the heads of the departments and supervisors is of utmost importance for all the storage areas as to keep a control on food storage, rotation, inventory keeping, etc.. The responsibility of the keys should also be delegated to either Head chef or FB manager. A proper inventory management system must be installed to analyse the sales level appropriately. This process will take 2 months.Management and staffing a lot of emphasis needs to be put on the training and development of the staff as most of the staff is unskilled and unprofessional. A detailed training and development programme needs to be developed. The recruitment responsibility needs to be taken solely by the HR department in coordination with the Heads of the Departments to select only eligible staff. completely the dirty and unskilled staff must be replaced by the professio nal ones. Work incentives and motivational schemes needs to be introduced to ensure job satisfaction and improved performance. pedagogy and Development is an ongoing process so time cannot be calculated here. Replacing staff will not take more than 1 month.Sales and Marketing First of all a strong, experienced and highly skilled marketing team needs to be hired as the previous one could not prove itself. Then coordination between Sales and Marketing needs to be built up by proper communication and regular meetings. All the facilities of the hotel must be advertised on websites, buses, trains, etc., showing attractive pictures of the hotel rooms, coffee shop, and gymnasium and highlighting the new facilities added. Promotion should be done at quite a little fares. Hotel must tie up with major tour operators. To increase the sales volume the hotel needs to revise its rack rate in accordance to competitors and give more discounts and attractive offers. Students and Backpackers can be wooed by good discounted rates and offers if they make the bookings in advance which will help hotel to increase its occupancy rate. The marketing team should also promote the in house laundry and get more orders from airlines to make additional revenue.Time Management There are a lot of tasks to be done here. If we calculate the total time it will be more than 18 months, whereas we only have 18 months to get things done. So we need to manage our tasks in a timely order where two or more tasks can be done in a extra time side by side. The next important thing which we need to consider is that in what sequence the tasks will be accomplished. The activities should be put in such an order that they do not become a hindrance for one another and the hotels routine operations. The time that will be saved will indirectly save our costs as well. CONCLUSIONThe purpose of the report was to define to the hotel the benefits of adopting a project management approach towards development of impr ovement opportunities. Then these improvement opportunities were to be identified within the hotel and recommendations were to be given that prioritise and justify the projects that should be tackled within 18 months. The author would like to conclude that these purposes were solve by explaining in detail about the Project management, its process, tools and techniques. A detailed SWOT analysis is done to justify all the changes and improvement to be done in the hotel. Then the author has given recommendations for all that is to be done to retain the business and make profits. This will help the Kerrison Park Hotel to become a successful running Hotel in the city.BIBLIOGRAPHYA quick and comprehensive introduction to Project Management and its advantages Building the Buzz on Project Management (Available from URL http//www.pmhut.com/a-quick-and-comprehensive-introduction-to-project-management-and-its-advantages-building-the-buzz-on-project-management) (Accessed on 11th March 2010)Bu rke, R. (2003) Project management planning control techniques (4th edition), England, WileyLock, D. (2000) Project Management (7th edition), England, Gower HouseProject Management Process, Techniques, tools, tips and training (Available from URL http//www.businessballs.com/project.htm) (Accessed on 10th March 2010)Project Management Methodology Project Life Cycle (Available from URL http//www.mpmm.com/project-management-methodology.php) (Accessed on 10th March 2010)The Traditional triple constraints (Available from URL http//www.businesspme.com/uk/articles/rh/62/The-traditional-triple-constraints.html) (Accessed on 11th March 2010)Wiest, J.D. and Levy, F.K. (1994), Management Guide To PERT/CPM (2nd edition), New Delhi, Prentice hall of Indiahttp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management, accessed on nineteenth October 2008.http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis, accessed on 19th October, 2008.