MGT8073 PROJECT PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS

ASSIGNMENT 2 MARK SHEET

Student name Jaliya Wijewardene

Student number (starts with 00) 0061116895

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 MGT8073 ASSIGNMENT 2 MARK SHEET – PROJECT PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS
(Note to markers – indicate level of achievement for each row by highlighting relevant text or cell - do not provide a numerical score for each row)

Non-compliant Poor/inadequate Basic Adequate Good Excellent Mark

ASSIGNMENT 0 0 to 49 50 - 64 65 - 74 75 - 84 85 - 100 /100
REQUIREMENTS
(out of 100)
(see assignment 2
requirements for details
of what is required for
each section)
Executive summary: No ES provided. Poor quality ES that Basic ES that provides limited Adequate ES that provides Good ES providing the required Comprehensive ES providing
does not provide the information, or does not provide sufficient information information in a clear and concise the required information in a
required information information in a clear and concise manner clear and concise manner, and
manner able to function as a stand-
alone document and/or
presentation to a CEO
1. Introduction No introduction Poor introduction Basic introduction provided Adequate introduction provided Good clear introduction provided Clear, concise and
provided provided, or comprehensive introduction
irrelevant information providing essential details
2. Background and No background Inadequate The description of the organisational The description of the The description of the organisational The description of the
environment of provided information provided and project background and organisational and project and project background and organisational and project
project environment is basic. background and environment is environment is good and permits an background and environment
adequate and permits some understanding of the context. is excellent and permits a full
understanding of the context. understanding of the context.
3. Scope management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed Some of the literature discussed is The majority of the literature The literature discussed is
actual approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The highly relevant and reliable. discussed is highly relevant and highly relevant and reliable.
provided. comparison between the literature The comparison between the reliable. The comparison between the
and the project is basic. The section literature and the project is The comparison between the literature and the project is
has a basic structure, minimal sign- adequate. The section has an literature and the project is good. critical and insightful. The
posting and weak line of argument. adequate structure, some sign- The section has a good structure, section has an excellent
Some of the conclusions and posting and an adequate line of sign-posting and line of argument. structure, sign-posting and line
recommendations are somewhat argument. Some of the Tables and/or figures may have of argument. Tables and/or
logically derived. There is evidence of conclusions and recommendations been used to add value to the report. figures have been used to add
a basic understanding of the topic. are logically derived and justified. The conclusions and significant value to the report.
There is evidence of an adequate recommendations are logically The conclusions and
understanding of the topic. derived and are justified. There is recommendations are logically
evidence of a good understanding of derived, are well justified and
the topic. are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
4. Scope management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed Some of the literature discussed is The majority of the literature The literature discussed is
alternative approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The highly relevant and reliable. discussed is highly relevant and highly relevant and reliable.
provided. comparison between the literature The comparison between the reliable. The comparison between the
and the project is basic. The section literature and the project is The comparison between the literature and the project is
has a basic structure, minimal sign- adequate. The section has an literature and the project is good. critical and insightful. The
posting and weak line of argument. adequate structure, some sign- The section has a good structure, section has an excellent
 Some of the conclusions and
recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
5. Time management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed
actual approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The
provided. comparison between the literature
and the project is basic. The section
has a basic structure, minimal sign-
posting and weak line of argument.
Some of the conclusions and
recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
6. Time management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed
alternative approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The
provided. comparison between the literature
and the project is basic. The section
has a basic structure, minimal sign-
posting and weak line of argument.
Some of the conclusions and
recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
7. Cost management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed
actual approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The
provided. comparison between the literature
and the project is basic. The section
has a basic structure, minimal sign-
posting and weak line of argument.
Some of the conclusions and
posting and an adequate line of
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Some of the literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
adequate. The section has an
adequate structure, some sign-
posting and an adequate line of
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Some of the literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
adequate. The section has an
adequate structure, some sign-
posting and an adequate line of
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Some of the literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
adequate. The section has an
adequate structure, some sign-
posting and an adequate line of
sign-posting and line of argument.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
The majority of the literature
discussed is highly relevant and
reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is good.
The section has a good structure,
sign-posting and line of argument.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
The majority of the literature
discussed is highly relevant and
reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is good.
The section has a good structure,
sign-posting and line of argument.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
The majority of the literature
discussed is highly relevant and
reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is good.
The section has a good structure,
sign-posting and line of argument.
structure, sign-posting and line
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
The literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
critical and insightful. The
section has an excellent
structure, sign-posting and line
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
The literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
critical and insightful. The
section has an excellent
structure, sign-posting and line
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
The literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
critical and insightful. The
section has an excellent
structure, sign-posting and line
 recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
8. Cost management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed
alternative approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The
provided. comparison between the literature
and the project is basic. The section
has a basic structure, minimal sign-
posting and weak line of argument.
Some of the conclusions and
recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
9. Quality management No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed
actual approach the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The
provided. comparison between the literature
and the project is basic. The section
has a basic structure, minimal sign-
posting and weak line of argument.
Some of the conclusions and
recommendations are somewhat
logically derived. There is evidence of
a basic understanding of the topic.
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Some of the literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
adequate. The section has an
adequate structure, some sign-
posting and an adequate line of
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Some of the literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
adequate. The section has an
adequate structure, some sign-
posting and an adequate line of
argument. Some of the
conclusions and recommendations
are logically derived and justified.
There is evidence of an adequate
understanding of the topic.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
The majority of the literature
discussed is highly relevant and
reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is good.
The section has a good structure,
sign-posting and line of argument.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
The majority of the literature
discussed is highly relevant and
reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is good.
The section has a good structure,
sign-posting and line of argument.
Tables and/or figures may have
been used to add value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived and are justified. There is
evidence of a good understanding of
the topic.
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
The literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
critical and insightful. The
section has an excellent
structure, sign-posting and line
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
The literature discussed is
highly relevant and reliable.
The comparison between the
literature and the project is
critical and insightful. The
section has an excellent
structure, sign-posting and line
of argument. Tables and/or
figures have been used to add
significant value to the report.
The conclusions and
recommendations are logically
derived, are well justified and
are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
10. Quality No discussion of The discussion of A minimal amount of the discussed Some of the literature discussed is The majority of the literature The literature discussed is
management the topic is the topic is poor. literature is relevant and reliable. The highly relevant and reliable. discussed is highly relevant and highly relevant and reliable.
alternative provided. comparison between the literature The comparison between the reliable. The comparison between the
approach and the project is basic. The section literature and the project is The comparison between the literature and the project is
has a basic structure, minimal sign- adequate. The section has an literature and the project is good. critical and insightful. The
posting and weak line of argument. adequate structure, some sign- The section has a good structure, section has an excellent
Some of the conclusions and posting and an adequate line of sign-posting and line of argument. structure, sign-posting and line
recommendations are somewhat argument. Some of the Tables and/or figures may have of argument. Tables and/or
logically derived. There is evidence of conclusions and recommendations been used to add value to the report. figures have been used to add
a basic understanding of the topic. are logically derived and justified. The conclusions and significant value to the report.
There is evidence of an adequate recommendations are logically The conclusions and
understanding of the topic. derived and are justified. There is recommendations are logically
evidence of a good understanding of derived, are well justified and
the topic. are aligned. There is evidence
of an excellent understanding
of the topic.
11a. Findings No findings are Poor or inadequate Basic findings provided. Adequate findings derived from the Good findings derived from the Clear, concise and
provided. findings. preceding analysis. preceding analysis. comprehensive findings
derived from, and justifiably
supported by the preceding
analysis.
11b. Recommendations No Poor or inadequate Basic recommendations provided. Adequate recommendations Good recommendations derived Clear, concise and
recommendations recommendations. derived from the preceding from the preceding analysis. comprehensive
are provided. analysis. recommendations derived
from, and justifiably supported
by the preceding analysis.
* Total Assessment 76
Mark (out of 100)
/100

Penalties applied to... Marks to be deducted for... Range of penalty Actual deduction
Mark sheet – to be attached to front of assignment No mark sheet 10
Turnitin Similarity Report – to be submitted with assignment No Turnitin similarity report 10
(mark of 1/100 allocated until report submitted)
Academic misconduct Substantiated allegations of academic misconduct (as directed by
HOS)
Poor presentation No title page/ grammatical errors/ non-compliance with Communication 0-5
Skills Handbook formatting/ poor section numbering.
Poor referencing Failure to use USQ-Harvard / multiple errors in referencing (in text and/or 0-5
reference list) / failure to cite.
Word count Assignment is unnecessarily lengthy or does not meet word count 0–5
requirements.
 Late submission 5% penalty per day if no extension has been granted.

** Total Deducted Mark (TDM)

Overall Results
* Total Assessment Mark (TAM)
** Total Deducted Mark (TDM)

Final Assignment Mark = TAM – TDM (capped at 1/100 until Turnitin similarity report received)

Comments and feedback from Marker:

Comments on penalties applied (if any):
Introduction and Executive summary are almost similar
Relevant diagrams/charts/graphs for the actual project management approaches are missing for the scope/time/cost/quality management
Good comparison of literature and project management approaches are done but need to be focused on specific example of project being
discussed
How cost management approach is applied on deliverables using EVM is missing

Ways this assignment can be improved:

ES and introduction need to be improved as per guidelines given in the requirements

Actual scope/time/cost/quality management approaches need to include diagram/charts/table that can depict example from project being discussed
 The balance of this page should be left blank.

Please start or attach your assignment on the following page

(which has been separated by a Section Break)
 University of Southern Queensland

Assignment 2

Jaliya Wijewardene (0061116895)

Project Processes and Systems (MGT8073)
Semester 1 – 2022
Executive summary

The objective of this report is to provide an assessment of the project management

methodology adopted by SriLankan Airlines during its aircraft maintenance projects. It
provides a brief introduction to the context of the analysis including the background and
operating environment of the projects and then compares the currently practices in use by the
organization with the best practices recommended in the project research literature. The
analysis of the project management methodology is focused on four key areas namely, scope
management, time management, cost management and quality management. For each of the
four focus areas, the report provides both an assessment of the current practices in relation to
the recommendations in the project literature as well as an alternative approach from the
project literature. It then provides a summary of the findings and presents the following
recommendations for the consideration of the organization:

1. For scope management, the adoption of a formal scope management framework proposed
as the alternative approach.

2. For time management, the adoption of the earned duration management framework
proposed as the alternative approach.

3. For cost management, the refinement of the existing cost management approach in line
with the recommendations in the project literature instead of adopting the alternative
approach which carries a high implementation cost.

4. For quality management, the adoption of a total quality management system proposed as
the alternative approach.

ii
 Table of contents
Executive summary.............................................................................................................................. ii

1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1

2. Background and environment of the project........................................................................2

3. Scope management actual approach.....................................................................................3

4. Scope management alternative approach.............................................................................5

5. Time management actual approach......................................................................................7

6. Time management alternative approach...............................................................................8

7. Cost management actual approach......................................................................................10

8. Cost management alternative approach..............................................................................11

9. Quality management actual approach.................................................................................13

10. Quality management alternative approach.........................................................................14

11. Findings and recommendations...........................................................................................15

List of references................................................................................................................................ 16

iii
1. Introduction

The objective of this report is to provide an assessment of the project management

methodology adopted by SriLankan Airlines during its aircraft maintenance projects. It
provides a brief introduction to the context of the analysis including the background and
operating environment of the projects. This document provides an assessment of the
organization’s existing project management approach to ascertain suitability and avenues for
improvement. This analysis is focused on four key areas namely, scope management, time
management, cost management and quality management. The available research literature is
then analysed to identify the recommended best practices in each area. The report then
provides a comparison between the existing organizational practices and the recommended
best practices to evaluate the degree of alignment. Alternate methods and approaches for each
of the focus areas are then proposed to facilitate further improvement. Finally, the document
summarizes the findings arising from this analysis and presents recommendations for the
consideration of the organization.

1
2. Background and environment of the project

SriLankan Airlines is a full-service international airline and the flag carrier of Sri Lanka,
currently operating to 126 destinations in sixty-one countries. Its fleet consists of twenty-four
wide and narrow body Airbus aircraft which are maintained by the company’s engineering
division The engineering division employs over one thousand personnel and performs
approximately fourteen heavy maintenance checks on its aircraft annually. The heavy
maintenance checks are designed as individual projects assigned to dedicated project teams
comprising of staff representing all stakeholder sections and led by a production planning
engineer. This project team is responsible for the timely completion of the check and release
of the aircraft into service in compliance with the applicable regulations and standards.
Aircraft maintenance projects are highly sensitive to changes in the external environment such
as regulatory restrictions, supply chain issues, labour and material costs, lessor demands etc.
Maintenance operations are also dependent upon the capacity and capability of the project
team and the support extended by all applicable stakeholder sections.

2
3. Scope management actual approach

Project scope management comprises of the processes required to ensure accomplishment of

all required work and only required work for successful project completion (Kulkarni, Yadav
& Nikraz 2017). The approach currently adopted by the organization to manage the work
scope for aircraft maintenance projects the organization demonstrates two key weaknesses
namely, initial definition of the work scope and managing changes to the work scope. Firstly,
the organization has struggled to define the basic work packages for each type of check
applicable to each aircraft family in the SriLankan Airlines fleet. This leads to a wastage of
time and resources in developing the works scope for each check and planning the material,
manpower and other requirements for successful execution of the check. Secondly, the nature
of the aircraft checks is such that there are always findings during the course of inspections
which can impact the scope of the check and consequently the associated costs and
turnaround time. At present the organization does not have a robust mechanism to gather and
review data related such findings in order to better plan for such eventualities.

The organization currently uses an “aircraft work package” to define the scope of the
maintenance check. This document simply contains the complete list of tasks to be
accomplished during a given maintenance input. However, this document is also subject to
continuous revisions necessitated by the inclusion and deletion of tasks due to new findings,
material shortages etc.

At present there is no evidence of the application of project management decision support

tools to help manage the project work scope. The planning section utilizes a rudimentary
Gantt chart which provides an overview of the work schedule. However, this exercise is
primarily to ensure compliance with published company procedures and to avoid audit
findings. The Gantt chart typically used by the organization only covers the period during
which the aircraft check takes places and neglects the pre-check and post-check functions of
the project. The Gantt chart is also utilized primarily as a visual display aid and does not play
a role in the tracking and monitoring of project progress. The organization also utilizes a basic
spreadsheet application to design the Gantt chart instead of a suitable project management
software with inbuilt Gantt chart functionality.

3
The work breakdown structure is a simple method for identification and classification of
project work content in a manner that discrete work quantities can be identified, evaluated,
assigned, monitored, and controlled (Webb 2003). In the current organizational approach,
there is no evidence of the use of a work breakdown structure to decompose the project tasks
into individual elements to be included in the Gantt chart. At present the “aircraft work
package” functions as the sole means of defining the project work scope.

4
4. Scope management alternative approach

Management of project scope involves a series of processes which ensure that the definition
of a project scope includes all work the necessary to achieve successful completion of the
project and excludes work that is not required (PMBOK 2017). These processes are creating a
scope management plan, collection of requirements, definition of scope, creation of a work
breakdown structure, validation of scope and control of scope (PMBOK 2017). Since the
current approach relies solely on the list of tasks contained in aircraft work package to define
the project scope, the organization could benefit from the adoption of a complete project
scope management approach.

The creation of a scope management plan involves documenting the manner in which the
definition, validation and control of the project scope will be accomplished (PMBOK 2017).
Within the current organizational context, the responsibility will be shared between the
Aircraft Engineering Planning section and the Technical Services section for definition, the
Production Planning Manager for validation and the Production Planning Engineer leading
the project team for the control of the validated work scope.

Collection of requirements involves identifying, documenting, and managing the needs and
requirements of the project stakeholders in order to achieve the project objectives (PMBOK
2017). For the organization this would involve identifying requirements from the various
stakeholder sections such as Technical Services, Asset Management, Planning, Engineering
Procurement etc. for successful completion of the project.

Scope definition is the process which develops an in-depth description of the project based on
the aforementioned information (PMBOK 2017). For the organization a defined work scope
for an aircraft maintenance check project would include the type and duration of the check,
routine maintenance tasks to be carried out, modifications or service bulletins to be embodied,
version of maintenance data to be utilized etc.

Creation of a work breakdown structure involves the decomposition of project deliverables in

to smaller and more manageable elements (PMBOK 2017).. In the organizational context this
would include the mapping of project deliverables i.e., finalization of work package,

5
confirmation of tooling and spares requirements, pre-loading of materials, completion of
initial tasks, completion of inspections etc.

Validation of scope is the formal acceptance of the completed project deliverables (PMBOK
2017). Acceptance of each deliverable will enable the organization to ensure that the final
outcome of the project is at an acceptable standard. The scope validation could be performed
by the Production Planning Manager who is responsible for the timely delivery of the aircraft
following the maintenance check.

Control of scope involves the monitoring of the project stats and managing any changes to the
project baseline (PMBOK 2017).. For the organization this function would be handled by the
Production Planning section with primary responsibility being assigned to the Production
Planning Engineer leading the project team.

6
5. Time management actual approach

Time management is a crucial factor in the successful management of a project and is closely
tied to scope and cost (Oburo 2020). Project scheduling involves the design and planning of
project activities to ensure that a project can accomplish the envisaged objectives within the
stipulated cost and time (Oburu 2020). Project scheduling involves definition of the project
activities and time and resource estimation for these activities (Oburu 2020). The advantages
of the project scheduling approach include definition of the project scope, determination of
the project duration, improved organizational effectiveness, effective resource allocation,
improved project estimation and tracking, project trend analysis capability and availability of
real project data for analysis (Oburu 2020)

The management approach currently adopted by SriLankan Airlines can be defined as a

rudimentary form of project scheduling. The project is triggered by the engineering planning
section with the release of the work package to the production planning section. The
production planning section then reviews the package, carries out task segregation, trade
segregation, manpower calculation, tool, and material preload etc. The production planning
section has internal timeliness for each of these processes. The scheduling of the actual
maintenance check is carried out with use of a basic Gantt chart. However, the Gantt chart is
not currently used for monitoring and control of the check but instead as a visual
representation of the task schedule. The key weaknesses of the time management approach
adopted by SriLankan Airlines is the lack of stakeholder consensus for the task timelines and
the lack of a comprehensive time management strategy for the entire project. The time
management component is currently limited to the actual check period and excludes the
preparation and closure.

Furthermore Kulkarni, Yadav & Nikraz (2017) argue that the deviations in task duration
during an aircraft heavy maintenance check cannot be totally addressed by traditional tools
such as Gantt charts and the critical path method. The critical chain project management
approach is proposed as an alternative since it focuses on the longest chain of dependent
events and considers both the task dependencies and resource dependencies to calculate the
duration (Kulkarni, Yadav & Nikraz 2017). However, the suitability of this approach for
multi-project environment is yet to be determined (Kulkarni, Yadav & Nikraz 2017).

7
6. Time management alternative approach

Successful project management is heavily dependent upon the ability to make precise
forecasts of the project duration which has resulted in numerous approaches being developed
to address the issue (Mamghaderi, Khamooshi & Kwak 2020). The earned duration
management method is one such approach for monitoring schedule performance and
forecasting duration (Mamghaderi, Khamooshi & Kwak 2020). The development of cost-free
schedule performance indicators has enabled more accurate project duration forecasting when
compared to earned value management (EVM) based models (Mamghaderi, Khamooshi &
Kwak 2020).

The earned duration management method acknowledges the correlation between cost and time
and decouples the schedule and cost dimensions in earned value management to improve the
accuracy of duration focused measurement. (Khamooshi & Golafshani 2014). The earned
duration management model maintains the interactions between the three key project
management aspects of scope, cost and time whilst maintaining a focus on duration from
estimation to delivery which enables efficient schedule management and cost savings
(Khamooshi & Golafshani 2014). The use of duration for assessment of project schedule
performance provides several advantages wherein the estimation indices can be utilized for
documenting lessons learned, benchmarking re-evaluating the processes and model utilized
for individual sections, departments, or the entire project (Khamooshi & Golafshani 2014).

In term of the current organizational context, this approach should be given due consideration
by the organization since it offers several potential benefits. Aircraft maintenance checks at
SriLankan Airlines are primarily governed by the organizational lay over plan developed
jointly by the engineering and commercial divisions to schedule heavy maintenance with
minimal disruptions to route network operations. The project turnaround time is therefore
critical to the success of the aircraft maintenance project. However as highlighted the
organization does not have an effective scheduling process which encompasses the entire
project from conception to delivery. The adoption of a time management framework such as
the earned duration model would enable the organization to factor in all variables such as non-
routine findings, procurement delays, process delays etc and develop a comprehensive project
schedule which can then be controlled and monitored based on duration for the entirety of the
project.

8
9
7. Cost management actual approach

Cost management can be divided into three main segments namely cost estimating wherein
the cost of the requisite project resources is forecasted, cost budgeting wherein estimated
costs of the work packages are optimized in relation to available funds and cost control
wherein project expenditure is monitored and analysed in real time (Tonchia 2018). Cost
accounting comprises of collection, classification and recording of costs, allocation of costs to
cost centres, and summarizing and analysis of costs (Tonchia 2018). Project cost management
should encompass all direct costs, indirect costs, variable costs, and fixed costs attributed to
the project with a final classification on time basis which would distinguish between final,
current, and prospective costs (Tonchia 2018).

Analysis of the approach adopted by SriLankan Airlines for its aircraft maintenance projects
demonstrates that the cost component of the project is often not visible to the project team
members outside the engineering procurement and component management centres. The
engineering finance section administers a rudimentary cost centre-based budgeting system in
line with the rest of the company. Project costs are primarily decentralized to the cost centres
of the engineering procurement and component management sections. There is no evidence of
a structured approach to project cost management in terms of forecasting, monitoring, and
optimising the expenditure for individual aircraft check projects. There is also no evidence of
the organization analysing project expenditure in terms of direct, indirect, fixed, and variable
costs associated with the individual projects with the view of optimizing resource allocation
and reducing costs.

As a result of the lack of visibility into the project finances, there is often no improvement in
financial performance from project to project. The project team is also not focused on project
optimization and cost reduction since the organizational structure prevents the costs and
financial performance information being shared amongst the project team. The organization
has established a basic mechanism for filing maintenance reserve claims which involves the
planning engineers accessing reports from the enterprise resource planning system. However,
beyond this there is a notable lack of tracking and control of project related finances.
Awareness of the financial impact of the project and the potential risks in terms of extra
charges for priority orders etc. would ensure that the project team strives to avoid additional
costs and optimize the usage of available resources.

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8. Cost management alternative approach

Earned value methods may be applied to any project which has a structured work plan, a
suitable data gathering system and a cost structure, but this approach is not equally suited to
all types of projects (Webb 2003). The application of an earned value method is best suited to
projects which have clearly defined objectives, a clear roadmap to the desired goal, high
labour content, a formalized management structure and cost and time limitations (Webb
2003). Engineering development is cited as an ideal application for earned value management
since the method was developed based on the same base (Webb 2003).

Analysis of the prerequisites for the successful application of earned value methods suggests
that the aircraft maintenance projects are suitable for the use of such methods. The aircraft
maintenance projects have clearly defined objectives in terms of turnaround time and work
scope. The route map to the desired goal is available in the form of the work package for the
check. The projects involve a high level of labour and are administered through a formal
management structure. The airline also faces limitations in terms of cost and time with regard
to the maintenance of its fleet.

The advantages of the earned value method include integration of time and cost management,
ability to forecast problems, prediction of delay trends, providing insight for management of
procurement and scope, assistance in decision making and encouraging implementation of
project control (Valle & Soares 2006, Chen & Zhang 2012). The limitations and
disadvantages preventing the adoption of earned value management include high
implementation cost, lack of comprehension of the concept among project stakeholders,
conflicts among project stakeholders and prevention of actual project conditions being
reported to the management, type of contract, and the requirement for integrated project time
and cost data (Mahmoudi, Bagherpour & Javed 2021).

In terms of disadvantages and limitations factors such as lack of knowledge, the presence of
conflicts among stakeholders and the barriers for reporting project conditions can all be
addressed through effective intervention from the management. The requirement for
integrated cost and time data can also be provided through the company’s enterprise resource
planning software. However, the associated costs for implementation of an earned value

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method needs to be considered by the organization and compared against the potential
benefits.

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9. Quality management actual approach

Project quality management is applicable to all types of projects regardless of the nature of the
applicable deliverables and involves both the management and the deliverables of the project
(PMBOK 2017). The specific measures and techniques utilized for quality management is
dependent upon the type of deliverables and failure to satisfy quality requirements may result
in serious consequences for project stakeholders (PMBOK 2017). Project quality management
comprises of the processes related to the organizational quality policy for the planning,
management, and control of the quality of both projects and products to meet the
stakeholders’ requirements (PMBOK 2017). The planning process of project quality
management identifies the applicable quality standards and requirements, and documents
means of compliance for the project (PMBOK 2017). The management process of project
quality management transforms the quality management plan into quality activities which
integrate the company quality policy into the project. (PMBOK 2017). The control process of
project quality management monitors and records results of the quality management activities
to assess performance (PMBOK 2017).

Analysis of the quality management approach adopted by SriLankan Airlines during its
aircraft maintenance projects demonstrates that the quality management aspects are limited to
the engineering quality assurance functions related to the handling of the aircraft and its
components. The quality system in use at SriLankan Airlines is subject to both national and
international civil aviation regulators. The engineering quality system covers the regulatory
aspects of all functions related to aircraft maintenance. However, this quality management
system does not extend to the handling of the aircraft maintenance projects as a whole. The
engineering quality assurance system implements regular audits to ensure strict compliance
with applicable national and international standards and regulations. However, project
communication, project reporting, project delivery, project planning, project financing and
project procurement can be cited as examples of areas not covered by the SriLankan Airlines
engineering quality system. While certain elements of certain processes are covered by the
engineering quality system to satisfy regulatory requirements, but this does not meet the
standard nor scope of project quality management recommended in the project research
literature. Thus, from a project management perspective there is no evidence of a formal
project quality management framework in use within the organization.

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10. Quality management alternative approach

Total quality management is an organizational management approach focused on quality,

based on total organizational participation and targets long term success with benefits
accruing to the organization and is built upon the concept of continuous improvement in the
quality of all services, products, process, and people of the organization (Ogbari & Borishade
2015). The key features of total quality management are customer focus, empowerment of
employees, management commitment and continuous improvement (Ogbari & Borishade
2015). Total quality management also includes a number of different initiatives such as the
six sigma and lean sigma methodologies (Ogbari & Borishade 2015).

Total quality management is an important component of organizational management in the

face of ever-increasing competition and the quality issues associated with organizational
operations wherein the survival of the business is primarily dependent upon the quality of the
products and services (Ibrahim & Daniel 2019). It can be viewed as a means of managing
towards the improvement of competitiveness, flexibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of the
entire organization and involves the establishment of systems and processes to ensure that
every aspect of organizational activity is aligned with customer requirements and
organizational objectives (Ibrahim & Daniel 2019). In adopting this approach organizations
need to recognize that in order to be effective each constituent part of the organizations must
work properly as every individual and every activity affects and is in turn affected by the
others (Ibrahim & Daniel 2019).

In the context of SriLankan Airlines and its current aircraft maintenance project operations, a
total quality management approach would effectively complement the existing engineering
quality assurance system. While the engineering quality assurance system would ensure
compliance with the applicable national and international civil aviation regulations governing
the maintenance of passenger aircraft, the total quality management approach would adopt a
larger view of the entire organization to ensure that all constituent sections and individuals are
maintaining the required standards and working towards the overall organizational objectives.
From a project management perspective this would further ensure that the aircraft
maintenance projects are subject to project quality management as recommended in the
project literature.

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11. Findings and recommendations

The scope management approach currently adopted by the organization demonstrates

weaknesses both in terms of initial definition of the work scope and managing changes to the
work scope. There is also no evidence of the use of a work breakdown structure to decompose
the project tasks into individual elements for the development of the Gantt chart. With due
consideration to the best practices recommended in the project literature, the scope
management framework proposed as the alternative approach can be recommended as a
suitable course of action for the organization.

The time management approach currently adopted by SriLankan Airlines demonstrates

weaknesses such as the lack of stakeholder consensus for the task timelines and the lack of a
comprehensive time management strategy for the entire project. The time management
component in use is a rudimentary form of project scheduling which is limited to the actual
check period and excludes the preparation and closure. Under these circumstances, with due
consideration to the best practices recommended in the project literature, the use of the earned
duration management framework proposed as the alternative approach can be recommended
as a suitable course of action for the organization.

The cost management approach currently adopted by SriLankan Airlines utilizes a

rudimentary cost centre-based budgeting system administered by the engineering finance
section in line with the rest of the company. They key weaknesses in this approach are the
lack of a structured framework for project cost management and the lack of analysis of project
expenditure in terms of direct, indirect, fixed, and variable costs. However, with due
consideration to the company’s current financial constraints, it is recommended that the
existing approach be refined in line with the recommendations in the project literature instead
of adopting the alternative approach which carries a high implementation cost.

The quality management approach currently adopted by SriLankan Airlines restricts the
quality management functions to its engineering quality assurance system is which ensures
regulatory compliance for aircraft maintenance activities. The adoption of a total quality
management system proposed as the alternative action can therefore be recommended as a
suitable course of action for the organization.

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