Project Management Schedule Planning for a Short-distance Factory Relocation : A case study

Abstract

The market demand for power management solutions has experienced considerable growth, leading to an increase in the production of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The aim of this master's thesis is to explore the characteristics of a factory relocation and provide implementation procedures for an uninterruptible power supply manufacturing company that intends to relocate its operations to a new factory due to limited expansion opportunities and facility constraints.

The research focuses on a project planning phase, with emphasis on designing a factory relocation schedule plan for a three-month bridge period to ensure a smooth transition and minimize production downtime. The study aims to answer two main research questions. (RQ1): What key factors contribute to the success of a factory relocation plan? and (RQ2): How can the case company prepare for an efficient relocation in advance?

The research methodology employed is a mixed-methods approach, involving data collection through semi-structured interviews, workshops, and document analysis. A descriptive case study analysis provided a comprehensive research approach to examine the relocation planning process and identify the primary success factors. The study also employed a narrative analysis to investigate semi-structured interview data to comprehend best practices and lessons learned from previous relocation projects.

Findings revealed several factors that contribute to the success of a factory relocation plan, such as the enforcement of a relocation project management methodology to provide a structured process throughout the project lifecycle, the selection of an experienced and appropriate transportation service provider, the implementation of best practices and lessons learned from previous projects. In addition, the results showed that the information of a hierarchical schedule for a detailed relocation project imposes careful planning and preparation with regular monitoring and adjustments to the plan.

The research contributes to enhancing the comprehension of key factors influencing factory relocations and offers valuable insights into the implementation procedures necessary for achieving factory relocations. This approach provided perceptions for the company’s relocation preparations and can provide practical recommendations for companies undertaking similar projects.