Key Approaches to Operations Management: A Case Study of Marks and Spencer

This project report explores the various approaches to operations management, focusing on their application within Marks and Spencer (M&S). It examines the roles of leaders and managers in implementing these approaches, highlighting their importance in achieving business objectives. The report further analyzes the impact of external factors on operational management and decision-making within M&S, providing a critical evaluation of the application of operations management in a dynamic business environment.

Management and Operations
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Table of Contents
Article..............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Task..................................................................................................................................................4
What are the different key approaches to operations management? Explain them in detail.
What roles the leaders and managers of Marks and Spencer (M&S) play in these approaches? 4
What are the key importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives of M&S, explain in detail...........................................................................................5
During the period of change in M&S, you need to evaluate how leaders and managers can
improve efficiencies of operational management to successfully meet business objectives of
M&S. Quote some examples to elaborate your viewpoint..........................................................6
There are different factors which need to be considered before taking any decision. You need
to assess those factors within M&S that impact upon the operational management and decision
making by leaders and managers of M&S...................................................................................8
You need to critically evaluate the application of operations management and factors that
impact on the wider business environment in the context of M&S.............................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................10
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Article
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Date – 10th June 2018
Topic - Key approaches to operations management
Introduction
The project report provides the various approaches related to the operations manager. The project
report further elaborates on the roles that are played by the leaders and managers in order to
make aid of the operations management with regards to the operations of the Marks and Spencer.
In addition, the report addresses on the importance of the operations management in the
attainment of the goals and objectives of the organization. The entire project report provides for
the need to implement the operations management so that the changes in the environment can be
managed in an effective and enhanced manner.
Task
What are the different key approaches to operations management? Explain them in detail.
What roles the leaders and managers of Marks and Spencer (M&S) play in these
approaches?
Operations management is a very vital concept that consists of various approaches that can be
used by the authorities of the Mark and Spencer in order to attain the goals and objectives of the
company in the desired manner (Khasawneh & Futa, 2013). The various approaches that can be
used by the Mark and Spencer to enhance its level of operations are listed below:
Six Sigma Approach: The concerned approach focuses on the systematic process that elaborates
on the finding of the defects and takes effective measures to eliminate such defects so that the
operations and working of the concerned company can be carried out in an effective manner.
Apart from this technique focus on the various methods that can as be used to measure the
degree of risk and thereby supports in eliminating the same.
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Figure: Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belt Training
Source: (laniertech, 2018)
Lean Production: The approach addresses the factors of cost and thereby ensures to provide
suitable quality. The main focus of the concerned approach is the reduction of the cost so that the
resources are utilized in the best possible manner (Majukwa & Haddud, 2016).
Just in Time: The concerned approach of the operations management focus on the reduction of
the time factor associated with the process of production so that all the further activities can be
accomplished in the proper time. This ensures that the concerned company is able to attain the
desired objectives in a proper time frame thereby acquiring a sound position in the market.
Total Quality Management: The concerned approach focuses on the improvement of the
quality so that the customers are attracted me a better and enhanced manner (Majukwa &
Haddud, 2016). In addition, the approach focuses on the continuous monitoring of the activities
so that the process of the work of the concerned company can be carried in a systematic manner
thereby leading to enhance quality.
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Figure: Total Quality Management
Source: (sketchbubble, 2018)
Further provided these approaches can play a significant role in the operations of the Mark and
Spencer but requires the crucial role of the Leader as well as the manager to ensure that proper
implementation of the approaches (Oginni & Adesanya, 2013)
Role of Leader
The Leader Plays a crucial part in directing the workforce of the Mark and Spencer in relation to
the activities that are required to be performed so that all the advantages can be gained by the
concerned company. Apart leader will also ensure that the proper planning can be made in
relation to the implementation of the approaches in the desired manner (Ibrahim & Primiana,
2015).
Role of Manager
The manager of Mark and Spencer will ensure that the activities and operations of the company
are carried in an effective manner so as to attain the objectives and the goals of the company.
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Apart manager will ensure that the functions involved in the approaches are processed in a
proper manner so that the operations are proper and effective (Vuko & Ojvan, 2013).
What are the key importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives of M&S, explain in detail.
Operations management is a process that focuses on the administration and implementation of
the business practices so as to attain the efficiency in the work operations. In addition, the
operations manager is highly crucial in the attainment of the desired objectives of Mark and
Spencer (Khasawneh & Futa, 2013). Apart it will help the concerned company in attaining a
bigger and successful position in the market.
Figure: Operations Management Stock Photos and Images
Source: (123rf, 2018)
The importance of the operations management can be elaborated as below:
 Ensures translation of raw material into finished goods: Operations management plays a
major role in the alteration of raw material into finished goods in a proper manner.
Operations management ensures that the process of conversion is attained in optimum cost
leading to enhance the levelof efficiency. This also supports better utilization of the resources
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(Ibrahim & Primiana, 2015).
 Ensures appropriate method of the design plan: Operations management ensures to
provide appropriate design layout of the products and services that can assist the
management of Mark and Spencer in attracting the customers from the wide market leading
to the increased level of productivity and sales margin.
 Ensures proper and suitable supervision on the management of the inventory: It is very
essential that a proper overlook is maintained on the level of inventory in order to assure that
the all the resources are used in a proper manner. This will also ensure reduction of the waste
that in addition will support in attaining the desired effectiveness and efficiency that is
required to attain the objectives of the company.
 Monitor all the scheduling activities: Operations management takes into consideration that
the activities are properly scheduled and carried in a systematic manner so that there exists
no barrier to the future activities and events. This, in addition, will ensure that all the factors
associated with the risk are effectively managed (Foropon & McLahlin, 2013).
During the period of change in M&S, you need to evaluate how leaders and managers can
improve efficiencies of operational management to successfully meet business objectives of
M&S. Quote some examples to elaborate your viewpoint.
With the change in the operations and working of the market environment, there are many
factors that are emerging which may disturb the operations and activities of the company
(Nanjundeswaraswamy & Swamy, 2014). As such it is very crucial that a proper scanning of the
market environment is made so that the factors of the risk can be effectively managed so that
they do not act as a barrier in the working of the Mark and Spencer. For the purpose major role is
involved of the leaders and managers, so that all the activities are coordinated and the changes in
the market environment can be effectively managed.
Role of a Leader in improving efficiency
 Ensures proper Follow-up: The leader plays a very important part in enhancing the level of
efficiency in the organization. In order to ensure that the activities are conducted in a proper
format, it is required that the leaders properly check on the activities of all the employees so
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as to make sure that the work is performed in a proper and effective manner(Foropon &
McLahlin, 2013).
 Should focus on the formulation of the plans of strategic nature: The leader must keenly
focus on the formulation of various plans in relation to the activities of the Mark and Spencer
so that all the operations of the company is managed and carried in an easy manner leading to
the attainment of the desired objectives.
 Focus on the integration of the efforts: The leader must focus on the integration of the
efforts of all the employees towards a single direction that is towards the attainment of the
goals and objectives of the organization. This will provide a great support in enhancing the
level of operations and working of the company (Khasawneh & Futa, 2013).
Role of manager in improving efficiency
 Supports in dealing with the complexities: The changing conditions of the market
environment demand the effective role of the manager so as to deal with the changes that are
taking place in the environment. This will ensure that the activities of the company are not
affected and the goals can be attained in an easy manner (Ahid & Augustine, 2012).
 Proper flow of communication: The manager is required to ensure that there is proper flow
of communication of all the activities among all the members so that the activities are
conducted in a proper manner. This will provide a great support in avoiding confusion and
chaos in the normal functioning of the concerned company.
 Enhance proper training facilities: The manager must ensure that the training activities are
conducted so as to enhance the skills and qualities of the workforce that can further lead to
specialization (Nanjundeswaraswamy & Swamy, 2014).
As such both the managers and leaders must focus on the effective adoption and implementation
of operations management and should perform their part in order to enhance the efficiency of the
Mark and Spencer.
There are different factors which need to be considered before taking any decision. You
need to assess those factors within M&S that impact upon the operational management and
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decision making by leaders and managers of M&S.
There are various factors in the market that are required to be observed and considered in order
to ensure effective growth and sustainability factors. As such the leaders and the managers must
focus on the various factors before making any decision so that all the activities of the Mark and
Spencer are processed in a systematic manner (Foropon & McLahlin, 2013). Apart, it is also
crucial that these factors are continuously monitored and evaluated so that effective decisions
can be made.
The following factors are required to be considered such as:
 Market factors: Before taking any decisions in relation to the operations and the activities of
the Mark and Spencer the leaders and managers are required to understand the factors of the
market such as a change in the structure of the market so that the risk and the opportunities
factor can be identified and the better decision can be made (Ahid& Augustine, 2012).
 Customers’ needs and preferences: Customers are the most important component of the
market and as such the main focus of the managers and leaders must is to elaborate on the
need and wants of the customer so as to satisfy them and attract them towards the product
and services that are being offered by the Mark and Spencer (Khasawneh & Futa, 2013).
 Government regulations: The managers and leaders must ensure that there are proper
knowledge and understanding of the various rules and regulations related to the activities of
the concern organization. This will support the concerned company from the interference of
the government leading to smooth operation.
You need to critically evaluate the application of operations management and factors that
impact on the wider business environment in the context of M&S.
The changing market environment requires that there must be a proper and continuous evaluation
of the environment that is related to the business in order to ensure that the change in the
environment of the business does not affect the operations in any manner. For the purpose, the
role of the operations management is vital as it involves the application of various business
practices in an appropriate manner so that the concerned company can make the proper decisions
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about the proper working and management (Nanjundeswaraswamy & Swamy, 2014).
However, the leader and manager playan effective role in implementing the approaches of the
operations management. This is mainly because of the concepts of the operations management
support in the level of efficiency and increasing the level of productivity of the employees.
Proper application of the operations management requires a systematic process and proper
knowledge and understanding of all the approaches so that the advantages can be gained and a
better and successful position in the market (Foropon & McLahlin, 2013).
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Conclusion
The entire project report concludes on the role and importance of the operations management in
the activities and the work operations of the Mark and Spencer. Apart the project report focuses
on the role of the leader and the manger in increasing and enhancing the level of efficiency. In
addition, the project report concludes on the various factors that may affect the working patterns
of the company and as such describes and discuss various factors that can support in the
authorities of Mark and Spencer in managing with the rapid changes. Apart from that, the project
report concludes on various recommendations that the manager and leader can take in order to
work in accordance with the changing needs.
References
 123rf, 2018. Operations Management Stock Photos and Images. [Online]. 123rf.
Available at: https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/operations_management.html?
sti=llbdiny9qsmkls7smi [Accessed: 11th June 2018]
 Ahid, M., & Augustine, A., 2012. The Roles and Responsibilities of Management
Accountants in the Era of Globalization. Global Journal of Management and Business
Research.
 Foropon, C., &McLahlin, R., 2013. Metaphors in operations management theory
building. Journal of operations and Production Management.
 Ibrahim, R., &Primiana, I., 2015. Influence Business Environment On The
Organization Performance. International Journal Of Scientific & Technology Research.
 Khasawneh, A. L. A., &Futa, S. M., 2013. The Impact of Leadership Styles Used by
the Academic Staff in the Jordanian Public Universities on Modifying Students'
Behavior: A Field Study in the Northern Region of Jordan. International Journal of
Business and Management; Vol. 8, No. 1; 2013.
 laniertech, 2018. Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belt Training. [Online].
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laniertech. Available at: http://www.laniertech.edu/ce/sixsigma.aspx [Accessed: 11th
June 2018]
 Majukwa, D., &Haddud, A., 2016. Operations management impact on achieving
strategic fit: A case from the retail sector in Zimbabwe. Cogent Business & Management.
 Nanjundeswaraswamy, T.S., &Swamy, D. R., 2014. Leadership styles. Advances In
Management.
 Oginni, B. O., &Adesanya, A. S., 2013. Business Environmental Factors:
Implications on the Survival and Growth of Business Organisations in the Manufacturing
Sector of Lagos Metropolis. Business and Management Research.
 sketchbubble, 2018. Total Quality Management. [Online]. sketchbubble. Available at:
https://www.sketchbubble.com/en/powerpoint-total-quality-management.html [Accessed:
11th June 2018]
 Vuko, T., &Ojvan, I., 2013. Controlling and Business Efficiency. Croatian
Operational Research Review.
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