Comparison of Logistics and Warehouse Management

This report provides a comprehensive comparison of the logistics and warehouse management practices of Four Seasons London, Marks & Spencer, and Aston Martin. The report highlights the importance of operational management in furnishing appropriate services to customers, while also addressing specific challenges faced by each company due to Brexit and changes in government policies.

Introduction to
Operation
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................2
Sector specific input-transformation-output issues.................................................................................3
Requirements of customer......................................................................................................................4
Other factors which are acceptable.........................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION
Operation management refers to area of management which is related with designing as
well as process of production in manufacturing of services or goods (Anderson and et. al, 2018).

This involves planning, organization, supervision processes and mandatory changes for attaining
high profitability. This report is based on organizations which deal in different sector. They are
Aston Martin (manufacturing sector), Four Seasons Hotel London (service sector) and Marks &
Spencer (retail sector). These organizations carry out their operations in different sector and are
headquartered in United Kingdom. This assignment is based on comparison among these sectors
on the basis of input transformation output issues, delivery of services, role of logistics, and
measurement of efficiency, needs of customer and any other factor which these sectors need to
take into consideration.
Sector specific input-transformation-output issues
This deals with input output issues which are faced by organization while they are carrying out
their operations. Basically, it deals with process of conversion of raw material into products and while
carrying out this process, certain issues are faced by organizations. They are illustrated below:
Aston Martin: The major issue which was faced manufacturing sector was in supply chain. It
was found that Chinese subcontractors provided the parts were forged with plastic. This is the reason that
they hardly procure much in China. Another issue which is faced by them is that organizations are
expanding themselves in global market (Beckford, 2016). Therefore localization of existent products
needs relevant alterations in supply chain. It is a manufacturing industry which deals in automobile sector
makes use of products like steel, plastic, aluminum and rubber. These products are used to furnish final
products and meet the requirements of their customers
Four Seasons London: The major issue which is faced by this sector is that it becomes difficult
to identify what exactly customer needs as accommodation, food and Wi-Fi is provided by every hotel
present in UK. How to stand different from competitors is the major issue while working on something
and attaining the exact results. Consider an example like Four Seasons London has given discounts to
their premium customers but if they do not come then the output attained will be zero (Drucker, 2012).
The major materials which are being used by them to render their services are furniture where
there customers can relax themselves like commercial laundry, fitness equipments, maintenance
supplies, kitchen supplies, food and beverage. They are some products which are used by them to
render effective services to their customers.
Marks & Spencer: The foremost issue faced by them (M&S) in supply chain is rapidly changing
taste and preferences of people with respect to specific product. This judgment is carried out worldwide is
majorly affected by customer’s process. Lack of innovation leads to providing same product to customers

for longer duration of time (Brown and Bessant, 2013). Cotton is widely used as a natural fibre for
manufacturing of different varieties of clothing products. As per the studies, it has been observed that
around 40% of global textile production is made by cotton. M&S makes its use to design their products.
Requirements of customer
Needs and wants of customers completely depend upon their taste as well as preferences.
Due to advancements in technology their desires are also changing rapidly so that they can move
with current scenario. In these three sectors, i.e. manufacturing, service and retail sector
functionality of organization is completely dependent on preferences of customers (Anderson
and et. al, 2018).
Aston Martin: They need to have a SMART goal which illustrates specific measurable
actionable relevant timely goals. This assists them to address rationale of this sector (Ross,
2016). Apart from this number of sales which have been made will also reflect performance of
Aston Martin. Suppose if a sports car is manufactured by Aston Martin and is provided at very
high rate then or will be only useful for premium customers as a common man cannot afford this.
This creates a negative impact on number of sales, thereby leads to decline in profitability of
organization. This also illustrates that requirements of common man are not taken into consideration.
Four Seasons London: The services which are provided by Four Seasons are according to the
market and advancement in technology. They need to have clear direction for this they need to have
values, vision, mission, and plan which will assist them to carry put their operations. It acts as a key to
analyse organizational performance. They take into account what is needed by organization. They render
features like Wi-Fi which customers mostly expect. Consider an example like if the hotel has added a new
dish in their menu, like a Chinese dish but most of their customers are Indian. They would prefer to
specialties of UK rather than Chinese food. This means that needs of customers are not fulfilled.
Marks & Spencer: An organization is successful only if they are able to meet requirements of
their customers (Beckford, 2016). M&S deals in retail sector; they ensure that they are able to satisfy
their present as well as expected customers. Suppose, designing of clothes is done, but if it is not of latest
trend or fabric which is used by them is not according what customers needs then their customers will
either move towards their competitors. This signifies that requirements of people are not fulfilled. They
need to identify what is required to enhance their performance for this they measure outcomes or results
which are gained by accomplishing their sales. If the required target is not attained then alterations can be
made.

Other factors which are acceptable
There are certain factors which create hindrance for different sectors within UK to carry out their
operations and functionalities. With respect to this political factors are described below as they are one of
the most crucial aspects which create strong impact on performance of different countries. Within an
organization either it’s manufacturing, service or retail industry, logistics plays an important role in
carrying out their operations. It basically deals with customer services, transportation, packaging &
storage, procurement of services & good, warehousing and inventory management.
Aston Martin: They are undergoing enhanced global pressure due to World Trade Organizations
regulations associated with Auto & Truck manufacturer industry. They have benefitted from last two
years in western hemisphere due to low taxation policies (Brown and Bessant, 2013). On August 11,
2015 they have proclaimed the opening of new logistics and warehouse. This was done to render
support to business to carry out future expansion. It is necessary to have adequate number of
inventories so that they can address needs of customers and maintaining their cost (Hillier,
2012). Due to Brexit there will be transition in government and Aston Martin needs to be prepared for
this priorities of government will lead to alterations in Consumer Cyclical sector.
Four Seasons London: Local government plays critical role in formulation of policies and
regulations in service sector. For this, Four Seasons Hotel needs to monitor them carefully and execute
alterations in their working structure. As they are operating in different regulations and there is rapid
growth in technology, their operations have witnessed enhanced regulatory scrutiny. Logistics assists
them to make the movement of goods. It is done in such a way that orders which are made by customers
are fulfilled by Four Seasons London. It is one of the essential roles with respect to ongoing activities
with respect to warehouse.
Marks & Spencer: Due to Brexit there are relevant implications which are faced by retail sector
like alteration in taxation and government policies. Apart from this, due to the free trade policy there is
the reduction in sourcing costs. Higher cost structure has provided M&S drawback within international
markets (Drucker, 2012). Organization is widely known for their plan A CSR Initiative but due to lack
in clarity in energy efficiency of government, it has lead to negative impact on their initiatives.
Warehousing acts as one of the major factor within M&S. By using this role or function of logistics they
manage their products until they are being sold. Effectiveness is entirely dependent on decision associated
with the same. It assists M&S to identify location of warehouse, their number and size (Reid and
Sanders, 2015).

CONCLUSION
From above report, it can be concluded that operation management plays an essential role to
furnish appropriate services to their customers. In this comparison between different sectors is made by
considering different aspects. It has been observed that major motive behind this is to accomplish the
requirements of customers which is their final motive. Each sector has their own requirements, role of
logistics, requirements of customers and issues faced by them while converting input into final products.
Apart from this, they need to measure their performance by which they can render effectual services to
their customers.
REFERENCES
Books &Journals
Anderson and et. al, 2018. An introduction to management science: quantitative approach.
Cengage learning.
Beckford, J., 2016. Quality: a critical introduction. Routledge.
Brown, S. and Bessant, J., 2013. Strategic operations management. Routledge.
Drucker, P., 2012. Management. Routledge.
Hillier, F. S., 2012. Introduction to operations research. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Reid, R. D. and Sanders, N. R., 2015. Operations Management, Binder Ready Version: An
Integrated Approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Ross, D. F., 2016. Introduction to e-supply chain management: engaging technology to build
market-winning business partnerships. CRC Press.