Management and Operation

This report discusses the roles and characteristics of managers and leaders, the importance of operation management, and key approaches to operation management in Marks and Spencer. It also examines the different theories and models of leadership and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses. The report concludes by explaining the key approaches to operation management and the roles played by managers and leaders.

Management and
Operation

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
Management refers to administration of industry which includes the procedure of
planning, making decision, organizing plans, leading the plans and workforce, encouraging and
motivating to employees and controlling work force and their performance. Management also
includes the physical, financial and data or information resources of industry to meet business
objectives and goals in effective manner (Barnes, 2018). It is also procedure of guiding the
maintenance, resources allocations and development to achieve targeted goals. Operations refers
to the specific administration of practices in business to build the maximum level of efficiency
within workplace. In this the raw material transforming into goods and services to increase the
profit of company. Their teams attempts to cost balance with revenue of business to get
maximum net operating profits. This report is based on Marks and Spencer group plc, it is British
multinational retailing company based in London and founded in 1884. they serve their services
and products in different country. It deals in variety of category such as men's and women's
clothing section, fashionable accessories and many more. They have own website and
application so those who don't have stores in their cities. Marks and Spencer provide their
products on different platforms also such as Myntra and etc. company generate 10,181.9 million
euros in previous year and they have more than 80,000 employees in their organisation. They
have good quality but also have lots of competition such as H&M, ZARA and etc. This below
report includes the roles and characteristic of leaders and managers, role of leaders and functions
of managers in Marks and Spencer, key approaches to operation management and role that
managers and leaders are play (Bernon, 2018). Describe importance and values of operation
management in achieving objective and factors within the business that affect upon operational
management and decision making.
MAIN BODY
TASK1
P1 Define and compare distinct characteristics and roles of manager and leader.
Leader: These are individuals which have ability for influencing other person in terms of
achievement of common objectives and goals. With help of leadership it helps organisation for
encourage and motivate employees which helps in improving growth and productivity of
company. In terms of Marks & Spencer, leaders of company helps their team members for
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having effective working and also gaining better growth of organisation. These individual works
for sustainability of firm by encouraging staff and employees of company (Bernon, 2018).
Manager: These are defined as individual of company which are playing different
functions that are helpful for better growth and management of firm. Manager have all control on
all task and activities of organisation which helps in attainment of aims of respective company.
In terms of Marks & Spencer, manager have to make sure that all activities and task of firm
which is being done in very effective manner. This leads to growth and attainment of objectives
and goals by effectively and efficiently.
Difference between Managers and Leaders
Basis Leaders Managers
Characteristics Influencing Power: Leaders are
individual who always have
appropriate capabilities and skills
which helps to influencing their
followers. In terms of Marks &
Spencer, (Cäker and Siverbo,
2018) leaders of company have
influencing power which ensures
as making more productive and
brand image of organisation. By
making effective influence on
team members this leads for
attainment of objectives and
goals of company in effective
manner.
Effective communication:
Managers of company have
characteristic of effective
communication skill which helps
them for make their activities in
more effective which leads to
attainment of targets and goals
of organisation. In terms of
respective company, manager
have effective communication
skill which helps them for
communicate all objectives and
goals of company which leads to
better growth of company.
Roles The role of leader is to take
together in company. Each and
every staff member have to work
together as team which leads to
achievement of goals and also
The role of manager as they
have to manage each activity and
task in company. Manager have
to coordinate and cooperate with
each person and also take care of
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brings success of organisation. In
terms of Marks & Spencer, leader
have responsibility to take care of
all works which is being
conducted in right path or
direction which leads to benefit
to company.
The role of leader is to examine
behaviour of employees at each
and every level.
These are individual who plays
role of guiding employees to
work in proper way and also
improvement at many stages.
work which is assigned to team
members.
In terms of respective company,
manager have responsibility for
take care of all daily tasks and
activity by available resources.
They have to offer proper
direction to their staff member
which leads to completion of
task on time (Chandler and
Kirsch, 2018).
M1 Examine and differentiate between role of leader and function of manager by effectively
apply range of concepts and theories.
There are different functions and roles which is fulfilled by managers and leaders. These
functions and roles are used by theories and concepts which is helps in better understanding their
importance in Marks & Spencer:
Difference between role of leader and function of manager:
 Manager: Basically the role of manager is to manage each and every staff member in
company and also efficiently utilisation of resources. Function of manager which is
according to human relation is used by manager which helps in understanding the relation
with team members by examining their needs and wants (Choi, Wallace and Wang,
2018). There are various theories which is apply by managers such as administrative
theory, theory of X and Y, system theory and so on.
 Leader: These are individual who plays role of leader as leading the team and take care
of performance of employees and encourage & motivate them which helps in increase
productivity and performance of company. There are various theory which is used by
leaders such as transformational, behavioural, trait, transactional and so on. In terms of
Marks & Spencer, leaders uses transactional leadership style which helps in attainment of
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goals by make sure high performance which is manage and maintain constantly by their
team members at each level of hierarchy.
TASK2
P2 Describe examples as how role of leader and function of manager apply in distinct situational
contexts.
It is considered as role of leader is different from role of manager. Basically leaders have
responsibility for taking effective decisions and encourage & motivate their team members. The
decision is generally taken after examining market trends and condition. The company have to
go by various situations like stable, slow and fast. There are various different leadership styles
which is used by Marks & Spencer (DiBenigno, 2020). In distinct situations, function and role of
leaders & manager are distinct and apply in company. There are various situation which are
discussed below: Slow: The growth and development of Marks & Spencer is slow. With this organisation
leads to delay in their tasks and also results in reduction of amount of profit. Changes
which is considered in internal organisation structure which results in changes which is
made in external changes. Stable: In this stage, development of Marks & Spencer is stable and moderate. As stable
market does not change a lot. As due to market changes there is also effect in growth of
company as there is changes in preferences and needs of consumers. As company deals in
fashion or clothing sector so there is changes in fashion at every stage.
 Fast: As due to fast changes and growth in market this leads to great impact on Marks &
Spencer (Gatt, 2018) . As due rapid changes in company which bring new innovation
and trends. This leads to effective which is changing predicting the business environment
in easy term.
There are various changes which is arise in inner and outer business environment. In
terms of inner changes such as organisation structure, policies, planning, process and so on.
These changes are being applied as according to changes which is arise in external environment.
This also helps company for diversifying number of products and services and also expand
market segment.
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In Marks & Spencer there is transactional leadership style is used by leaders which helps
in achievement of goal of organisation by make sure as there is high performance is maintain by
all team members at every step of hierarchy.
P3 Apply distinct models of approach and theories such as situational, system and contingency
theory.
In every business it is very important for the leaders to adopt most appropriate leadership style
that helps in better achievement of goals and objectives, also provide better working environment
to the employees of the company. Different theories and approaches of leadership helps the
leaders of the Marks & Spencer,(Jumino, 2018) to adopt effective leadership style in order to
make their organisation more successful and influence the employees of the company. Below are
various model and theories of leadership that leaders of Marks & Spencer can adopt for better
working.
Contingency model of leadership:
This theory explain that the leadership style used by the leaders is contingent to the
various situations in the company or not. Contingency theory explain that leaders should adopt
their leadership style according to the situation in the company so that they can effectively
manges all the situation in the organisation. In the context of Marks & Spencer, leaders of
company can adopt this leadership style so that they can effectively manage all the situations in
the company and can motivate the employees in order to gain effective productivity.
Situational leadership style:
Situational leadership style explain that leaders should know about all the variables in the
organisation so that they can effectively manages and control all the situation in the company.
This style of leadership tell that different situations in the organisation demands different
leadership style. In the context of Marks & Spencer,(Kosfeld, 2020) the leaders of the company
can adopt this leadership style so that they can handle all the activities and various situation
within the firm. Leaders of Marks & Spencer using this theory in order to manage variety of
market situation, there are various attributes of the theory that are explained below:
Telling: This types of leaders knows as an decision makers in the organisation that
communicate the new ideas and innovative information in the company.
Selling: In this style leaders of Marks & Spencer communicate the ideas and new style of
leadership to their employees so that they can feel connected towards the brand.
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Systems leadership style:
This leadership style refers to all the skills and capabilities of the leaders that they use in
order to make effective changes in the organisation and increase the level of performance of
employees. System leadership support in the change management within an organisation so that
the employees of the business can done their work in most effective manner. In the context of
Marks & Spencer, leaders of the company can adopt this leadership style so that they can
effectively utilize all the skills and capabilities in order to make effective change in the
organisation (Kumar, Mookerjee and Shubham, 2018). Leaders of Marks & Spencer can
manages and control all the activities of business so that they can increase the level of
profitability and growth within an organisation.
M2 Evaluate and assess strength and weaknesses of different approach to situation in work
environment.
Situational leadership style: Strength: In this style, strength is to help by solving complexities which is faced by team
members so they have to feel more comfortable as when they are performing their tasks
and activities. In terms of Marks & Spencer, (Leite, 2020) this is important style which
offers best guide for working which helps in results in profitability manner.
 Weaknesses: This style have drawback as this is not suitable for attainment of long term
aims and goals. In this approach, this is very difficult for leaders or managers for
gathering information quickly. This leads to affect in process of decision making.
System leadership style: Strength: By this style, all team members do their task and plans in appropriate manner.
This style have a major strength as there is diverse range of direction which is provided
as according to their task which is helpful for completing the task.
 Weaknesses: Major drawback of this as this style is time consuming so this leads to
selecting decision which is not appropriate. There is also arise of conflict which is
between employees due to completion of task.
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D1 Critically evaluate and analyse different theories and approaches to leadership in given terms.
Leader is consider as an important asset to organisation in terms of Marks & Spencer.
The leader is individual who understands desires and needs of employees and also motivate&
encourage them for work accordingly. This leads to attainment of goals and objectives of
company in effective and efficient manner. There are various different theories which is
evaluated are as Behavioural theory which is represented as behaviour of team member in terms
of respective organisation (Roberts, 2018). There is a examine of attitude and behaviour of
employees which leads to work in better way. Furthermore, transformational theory, this theory
reflects about trust which is being enhance between employees which have to be managed and
maintained good and effective results.
TASK3
P4 Explain key approaches to operation management and role which is play by managers and
leaders.
These approaches are used to understand and analysis the operation management in
better way so as to attain the objectives of the leaders and managers in regarding their particular
roles, through this approaches will assist the managers and leaders to analysis and determine the
situation what are happening in the organisation on the basis of evaluating the operational
management by their particular working and accordingly takes action plan on that approach,
Mark and Spencer (Rose, 2018) are having appropriate key approaches which is required in the
course of analysis the operations management due to their vast operations because this industry
covers the worldwide inducing in the international market through their channel of online as well
as offline by catering the large customer base globally so here are the key approaches to the
operation management are as follows:
Just in time:
This process help the organisation in focusing on the process of production through the set target
limits during the course of production activity which will leads to the effectiveness in completing
the production process in time (Salmon and Tordjman, 2020). The production process should be
completed on time with appropriate set of goals. With the help of suing the resources in most
effective manner without wasting it and utilize them with full potential, this process will directs
to the just in time. In the context of Mark and Spencer are having the quality to attain the
resources at it best by proper set of limits to do that work in relation to the operations.
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Total Quality Management :
Its basically the process which are considered by the retailing industry at it best , this approach
assist the organisation in planning for the long period of time with the aim to assist this activities
in future, Mark and Spencer by total quality management approach will get success result for a
longer period of time and helps in attaining the profits, this process assist the industry like M&S
in maintaining and improving their quality aspects along with the pricing policy of the product
and services of the organisation in relation to cater the customer through serving the quality.
Lean production:
This process or key approach tells the best method or procedure to be used with a motive to
attain the best results in relation to the product quality and services . This output will affect by
most of the factor which is used in order to get the desire results by having the best quality
approach without wasting the resources through using to their potentials and capacity. Here the
manager and leaders in Mark and Spencer industry make sure about the resources safety through
aware the employees about the optimum utilization approach of the resources as well as to attain
the objectives of operational value.
Role of Manager:
 Here the manager in M&S (Saucedo-Martínez, Pérez-Lara, Marmolejo-Saucedo, Salais-
Fierro and Vasant, 2018) industry will work and having the role to recruit the talented
and skilled candidates so as to attain the value to put them into work through giving the
relevant job role according to the candidates skills by selecting the right person for the
right job.
 By managing the resources according to the skills and potential to be used in future as
well by maintaining the sustainable approach as well by M&S industry.
 Make sure about the activities to be done or completed on time by attaining the desired
goals
Role of leaders:
 By analysing the needs and requirement of the employees regarding the particular
activities and to motivate them accordingly.
 The leaders will make sure about the performances of employees in relation to built the
productivity of the employees.
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P5 Explain importance and value of operation management in attaining objective of business.
Marks & Spencer is global business that have huge supply chain that helps company in better
functioning and better growth. Operation management of the company helps company to plan,
manage, organize, and operates the production, manufacturing and services of the company.
Operation management of the company helps in high level of sustainability of profit and stable
growth in the market so that company can manages all the function in most effective manner.
Marks & Spencer is focused on making its business more profitable by reducing the waste in
manufacturing process so that they can reduce the operating cost and increase the level of
profitability. There are some functions of operation management that are explained below:
 Planning: In the context of Marks & Spencer the managers of the company make an
effective plan for better achievement of goals and objectives. They make appropriate
strategies that could increase the level of productivity in the business and can gain
competitive advantages.
 Organising: This function of operation management refers control of manager overs the
all activities and task and organise those task in most appropriate manner so that they can
help the company to achieve all the objectives and goals of organisation. In the context of
Marks & Spencer managers of firm organise and manges all the task of employees so that
they can achieve the level of effectiveness in their performance.
 Directing: In the terms of Marks & Spencer,(Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018 ) managers
of the company provide proper direction to the employees and other members of the
organisation so that they can achieve all the targets and goals of the company.
Objectives of business:
In every business it is very important to analyse all the market opportunities that can help
in better growth and sustainability of the business, the main objective of Marks & Spencer is to
analyse all the opportunities that can provide better future growth and opportunities to the
business. Increasing sell of the company it also the objective that helps business grow and get
successful in the market. Marks & Spencer also focus on increasing sell so that it can help their
business to gain effective profitability.
Operational function used by Marks & Spencer is explained below:
Transportation of materials into goods: In the company operation management plays
important role by converting materials into the goods that company sell to its customers.
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Operation management use various technology and innovation that helps the firm in better
growth and profitability. It also increase the level of customer base by attracting more customers
towards the brand. Company ensure that that provide high quality of goods and services to their
customers to increase loyal customers base.
Capacity management: It refers to the act that ensure the business maximise its
activities and production outputs. Operation management of Marks & Spencer ensure that
company could effectively manages to increase its outputs and activities in order to gain more
profit and growth of the company. Thus, operation management helps the business in better
achievement of gaols and objectives. It also increase the level of productivity of business.
M3 Evaluate how managers and leaders improve efficiencies of operational management for
meeting objective in successful way.
As discussed above leaders and managers play important role in Marks & Spencer. By
this relationship of both of them helps organisation for meet out desired outputs and results
according to potential and capacity. Decision-making (Tariq, Yasir and Majid, 2020) process
helps in evaluation of each and every situation and also examine resources. The desires and
needs of customers and employees are being examine and fulfil according to market situation.
There is proper planning which is done which helps in implementation of tasks and activities by
accurate and effective manner.
TASK4
P6 Assess factors in business environment which have impact on operational management and
decision making by managers and leaders.
There are various factor which will affect the operational management and will impact
the decision making of the M&S, this aspect will affects the organisation in attaining the goals
and objectives, so the changes no matter whether positive or negative decisions are taken by
managers and leaders itself so here some of the factor which will relates with business
environment and impact the operational management and decision making in relation to the
industry like M&S due to their large expand market of dealing their customer they are inducing
by lots of factors that will initiating in the industry are as follows:
 Resources of the organisation:
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In the context of organisation many resources are available and will work together , and the
resources which are relates in this retailing industry is human resources and raw materials,
basically so as to attain the value to maintain the resources in proper and systematic manner so
by this process resources will get effectively utilized by that and right decisions are made by the
managers and leaders.
 Financial status:
The financial status or value because of the branding image of M&S leads to provide the help to
their leaders and managers in deciding and make the strategies in proper way and to work on a
particular direction toward the goals. The decision relates with the cost of the products and
services of this retailing industry and to offered to their customers and investment done in
Mark&Spencer will affect by the cash flow and their profits.
 Market Trends:
By having the aspects of dealing in the retailing industry at large this organisation will have to
maintain their operations on the basis of marketing trends which will be from the customers as
well as external forces point of view(Taylor, 2019).These trend should be analysis in the market
properly with the aim to maintain the requirement of the customers through meeting with their
needs, market trend in M&S will be of new offering on the product.
 Technological change:
This industry relates with the aspect of continuously check on the technological change when the
organisation will implement this quality they will going to generates better services to the
customer through availability of new product in relation to the innovative strategies .
M4 Examine how these factors affect business environment and wide community.
As there is relationship between manager and leader which leads to take care of needs
and desires of each team member. They also play role of responsible person as attainment of
goals and objectives of respective organisation. They both have responsibilities for analyse the
business environment and taking the decision accordingly(Verboncu, 2019). Leaders plays a role
of predicting future trends and on other hand manager have to take care of all resources. They
have to analyse the risk which is present in current market situation. The power and decisions
which is taken by manager and leaders helps in fulfilling goals and objectives of Marks &
Spencer.
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D2 Critically evaluate application of operation management and factors which have impact on
business environment.
There are various applications of operation management and factors which plays positive
and negative impact on environment of business. These factors like quality, cost and so on are
analysed in proper manner so that strategies which are considered can be effective and
attainment of organisation of Marks & Spencer. These factors helps company in creation of
values in market and satisfying their end users. As when there is high cost and low quality of
products which is dissatisfies their end users and also breaks their loyalty.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded the above report, leaders and managers are play important role in
operation management because they have own roles and responsibilities that they are play to
achieve common goals and objective of business. Company can improve their performance with
the using of various approaches, models and theories of leadership. Leaders are play huge role in
leading the teams in right direction and guide them towards the common goals of company and
business. Effective use of models and theories helps in getting competitive benefits in market.
Analysing values and importance of company helps in increasing efficiency level in business.
Both are executing their functions by which high efficiency and benefits can be received by
company and market prominence can be escalate. On the other hand styles of leadership are one
of the main concept in which proper direction are provided by the company and important
objectives can be achieved. There are different tactics which are followed by the operation
management such as TQM, six sigma, JIT by which operational efficiency may be
accomplished.
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REFERENCES
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