Operational Management and Leadership Theories

This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of operational management and leadership theories. It discusses the importance of internal and external factors on operational management and decision-making power. Additionally, it touches upon various approaches to operational management such as Six Sigma, Lean production, TQM, and others. The assignment also highlights the significance of cultural heritage management in gold-mining operations and optimal multipurpose-reservoir operation models with variable productivity of hydropower plants.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1: Various roles and Characteristic of a Manager and Leader..................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Role and functions of manager..............................................................................................3
P3 Theories and several approaches of leadership......................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P4: Approaches of operations management and role of leaders and managers .........................6
P5. Importance of operations management in achieving business objectives............................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6: Elements that affect decision making process of leaders and managers .............................8
CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
.......................................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Management and operation are the main factors of the strength in an enterprise. It is an
effective area of management related with planning and monitoring the production process. This
concept is more essential for redesigning operation of the company in the production of services
and goods. In this report chosen organisation is Kingfisher Plc. it is a British multinational
retailing firm located in London. This report is divided into certain section that cover function of
a manager and role of a leader in different situation. Relationship between the management and
leadership in contemporary business environment will also be included in this project. Different
types of leadership theory and model will also be determined which is beneficial for the
company to maintain better relation with the employees (Bainton and et. al., 2011).
TASK 1
P1: Various roles and Characteristic of a Manager and Leader
kingfisher Plc deals in different type of home improvement products such as home
furnishing, hardware, home appliances tools etc. In this leader and manager have different
characteristic as well as play vital role in the success and growth of the organisation. Manger is
an individual who is liable for administrating or controlling an enterprise or group of employees.
Leader is a person that keeps a superior or dominant position within its area, and is capable to
exercise a high level of control or effects over other.
Roles and characteristic of manager:
Roles:
Informational role: Manager also work and perform as the supervisor to govern the
productivity and performance along with spokesperson and discriminator. Manager of the
Kingfisher plc has responsibility to distribute the work and guides workers to know their role and
objectives in workplace.
Decisional role: Manager needs to manage the disturbance and issue in organisation
along with effective decision on the allocation of resources. They has main role in order to
decide the enterpriser approaches to attain work via negations and scopes.
Characteristic:
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Motivator: Manager are responsible to give motivation to their workers in order to
achieve better outcomes. They require to communicate the staff member of the organisation and
gather any suggestions from them which assist in formulating unique polices and plans.
Confident: It is essential for manager to have better level of confidence while
formulating pre-determined policies and plans. They should provide their full creative efforts in
attracting large number of customers to buy their services and products (Goor, Kelman and
Tilmant, 2010).
Roles and characteristic of leader:
Role of leaders:
Encouraged team members: A leader is playing an important in every organisation
which are liable to bring motivation among their team members to work hard and bring out
maximum possible outcomes from the task assigned to them.
Team building: Working in a team always brings maximum result thus here leader is
held responsible to identify the skills and capabilities of their employees and accordingly divide
them in a team which help in increasing relations and unity among employees.
Characteristics of leader:
Creative: A leader must be creative in terms of finding an optimum solutions to complete
the task in an effective and efficient manner. In addition with this, the employees are also
required to be encourage to bring out new and creative ideas that will help company in reducing
cost and get maximum possible outcomes within minimum time period.
Positive behaviour: It is must required to be present in a leader due to which their team
members are also being confident while performing allotted roles and responsibilities. Taking
risk brings maximum result in return thus leader should have capability to motivate itself and
also their team members to deal with challenges which help company in gaining competitive
advantage (Johri, Salvi and Filipi, 2011).
Comparison between managers and leaders
Leader Manager
Leader is an individual who influence their
staff members to accomplish wanted goals and
objectives of the company.
Manager is a person who manage operations
and activities of company through performing
different activities such as direction, planing,
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control and coordination.
Leader need to give direction and guidance to
their staff members in order to perform
assigned task in an effective and efficient
manner.
Manager is responsible concentrate on entire
performance and profitability of an enterprise.
Leader creates possible efforts in reducing
risks.
Managers is a person who has capability to
take risk or hazard to accomplish desired
objectives.
TASK 2
P2 Role and functions of manager
A manager have to perform number of roles and responsibilities which are very essential
for smooth running of business operations. Henry Fayol was a theorist who explained five major
function of manager which are universally applicable. These functions are explained below:- Planning:- Under this, Fayol suggested that a manager should predict the future issues or
opportunities and on the basis of these assumption should formulate a plan which
describes the future course of action. This help the manager in keeping update from
upcoming events and to avoid any barriers that may affect the business operations.
Kingfisher Plc plans their future tasks and objectives in order to remain competitive. Organising:- After formulating a action plan, next function of a manger to organise all
the required resources and assign the task to their employees so that each task can be
perform effectively. For instance- Manager of Kingfisher Plc should explain the task to
their subordinates and provide them required training so that they can perform better
(Muller, 2014). Commanding:- Under this function, Fayol suggest that after assigning the task to their
workforce, it is very essential to guide and manage them so that their effort can be
contributed toward the achievement of overall organisational goal. Manager must
communicate the work progress with their subordinates in order to motivate them and
also guide them when they move from their tracks.
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 Coordinating:- This is a very essential function which have a direct impact over the
productivity and profitability of an organisation. A manager must put more emphases
toward bringing coordination among their subordinates for ensuring proper workflow by
leading them and motivating to work in a team. Kingfisher Plc uses free flow
communication in order to promote coordination between their employees as well as
various departments. Controlling:- Under this function Fayol suggested that a manger should regularly check
the scheduled activities for ensuring that all the task are going as per the planned basis.
This function generally includes a comparison between actual and standard performance
of employees in order to identify the gapes so that worker's efficiency can be improved
(Nong and et. al., 2013).
The role of leader and function of manager in different situation:- Stable situation:- This situation refers to a condition when Kingfisher Plc faces no
change in its external environment. Hence in this situation a manager of such
organisation must analyse the past information for determining its future situations and
create plans accordingly. Stable to moderated situation:- In this Kingfisher Plc, it is a retail industry that provide
different varieties in its products. In which they faces very few changes in its business
environment and which are controllable. So manager of such business must analyse the
upcoming changes and should develop strategies to deal with these changes.
 Fast change:- It is a condition of continuous changes in business environment, in this
situation manager of the Kingfisher Plc has to formulate strategies in order to eliminate
the risk of failure and role of leader is to motivate their workforce for maintaining quality
in work. It is important for the company to achieve better results within predetermined
period of time.
P3 Theories and several approaches of leadership
In recent times, the shift of various leadership theories and approaches has changed from
merely focusing on qualities of leaders and followers to identifying and taking into consideration
various other variables such as situational factors and skill levels. Thus, managers and leaders
Kingfisher Plc implement various theories and approaches for effectively leading its staff by
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critically analysing particular business scenario, market situations, firms position and its goals
and objectives. Mentioned below are certain theories and approaches of leadership :
Situational Leadership: This approach states that there is no perfect style of leadership
that could be applied in every situation and it is the capability and expertise of leaders to choose
bast course of action in context to situational variables. Thus by implementing this style
managers and leaders of Kingfisher Plc. self modify and align their strategies and action plan
in accordance with the intellectual and development level of its staff members. Leaders and
managers motivates and coordinate the activities of their employees by continuously monitoring
their performance, knowledge and development levels. Therefore by providing them right
guidance and giving out clear cut instructions firm maintain the competency of its a workforce
that helps in its productivity, performance and growth.
Strengths
 It is easy to understand, practical, intuitively reasonable and could be applied to different
situations and contexts.
 It emphasis on leaders to be flexible and has perspective value as it helps in guiding in
what should be and what should not be done (Rinke and et. al., 2012).
Weaknesses
 This theory fails to explain about how to deal with certain demographic characteristics
and also impacts leader and co workers prescriptions of model It creates a lot of pressure on leaders to be flexible and to be effective in adopting most
suitable leadership style in different situations context
Contingency Theory: According to this leadership approach no leadership is most
appropriate in all given situation. It implies that effective leadership is not just about having
good qualities of a leader but it also about maintaining right equilibrium among needs, behavior
and context. Applying this leadership approach management of Kingfisher Plc ensures that their
leaders are efficient and good enough to identify personal and professional needs of its
employees, take into account a particular situation and thus adjust their behavior accordingly.
Strength This theory is one of the most valid and reliable approach that assist leaders to apply
effective leadership style by emphasizing on their style and demands of different
situations
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Weaknesses This theory fails to explain the reason behind why leaders having certain leadership styles
and qualitative are effective in some situations but fails in some others.
Leadership Theory
Democratic Leadership Style: This leadership style emphasis on facilitating
conversation, encouraging employees to share their ideas, views and concerns and then
synthesizing all gathered information to take best decision. Also, under this style leaders by
maintaining two way communication share back the final decisions that has been taken in order
to bring unity n the plan that has been chosen. This leadership assist Kingfisher Plc to create a
positive working environment and a culture where in junior employees are given fair
opportunities to take up new challenge for motivating and spark zeal in them (Singh, Padhy and
Sharma, 2011).
Strength It helps leaders to get most viable solutions of complex problems by using consensus
opinions of its employees to get things done in right way.
Weakness
 It comes time consuming process as it involves considerable time to talk to a number of
individuals and collect their opinions making it difficult for leaders to work to timescales
required.
Kingfisher Plc implements democratic leadership style in its business operation. That helps
company to develop bond with its workforce. Thus, it helps company to maintain a proficient,
dedicated and motivated team that aims towards attaining firms objective within specific time
lines.
TASK 3
P4: Approaches of operations management and role of leaders and managers
Operational management helps in effective management of all activities and tasks so that
firm can earn huge revenues and can enhance the market share. Hence company can maintain
unique image in minds of all users. Various approaches are used so that company can give
superior results. Different approaches used by Kingfisher Plc are described below:
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Total quality management: This is the effective and efficient technique of operations
management. Company can put all efforts and energy so that they can improve their performance
. This technique helps the Kingfisher Plc. to improve quality of product and it results in
increasing the satisfaction of all people. For this managers of Kingfisher Plc formulate necessary
training and development programs so that it can induce requisite KSA in its staff members that
re requisite for them to be competitive in this dynamic business environment. Leader can
motivate workers while managers can create policies to explain rules to staff members regarding
quality (Vale,Yin and et. al., 2010).
Six sigma: It is a technique in which company can increase the features and attributes of
product and services. Adopting this technique Kingfisher plc create plans and policies to remove
the issues and defects in their products. This helps the enterprise in increasing their efficiency
and effectiveness level. Also managers of Kingfisher Plc together with experts make use of
various statistical tools and techniques so that firm can easily earn huge revenues and can
increase the market share. Manager create policies to add extra features while leaders guide and
motivate workers.
Continuous improvement: This approach explains that company can make improvement
in existing products and services so that they can capture more users. Applying this approach
Kingfisher Plc continuously keep on scanning its business continuously in context to market
dynamics. This helps firm to get notifies about any changes that could prove to be opportunity
for firm to gain competitiveness. Also it give idea about probable threat that company might
encounter in near future for which company can in advance formulate necessary action plans. It
helps the firm in retaining more existing customers for longer period of time. Manager create
strategies to make improvement in existing items while leaders give incentives to workers so that
they can produce good quality of product.
P5. Importance and Value of operations management in achieving business objectives
Operation management can be defined as managing and controlling the operations of an
enterprise which helps in performing functions more efficiently and in appropriate manner. This
involves planning, organising and managing the production process. It is very important for the
productivity and also deliver products and services on time. This helps Kingfisher Plc in
manufacturing goods according to the customers requirement.
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There are various importance of operational management that are as follows:
 Increase the production: Significance of operational management is that it helps in
maximising the productivity of firm performing activities effectively and also utilises
methods of manufacturing that helps in enhancing the productivity of firm. Managers of
Kingfisher Plc uses different kinds of strategies to encourage their staff member that aids
to determining effective ways to perform functions which assist in decreasing the cost
and maximising the quality of commodity (.Operations management, 2017).
 Customer satisfaction: It is the another importance of operational management as it
directly affects the productivity and profitability of an enterprise. Kingfisher Plc offers
several benefits to their customers which is helpful in retaining them for longer period of
time. Company tries to produce premium quality of products according to the needs and
wants of the customer to attain customer satisfaction.
 Long term benefit: Essential function of operational management which assist manager
in producing quality products which results in higher customer satisfaction. This helps in
maximizing the number of consumers through word of mouth as they convey their good
experience to their colleagues, co worker and peers that aids to increasing in overall sales
and profit of KingfA62888 M1isher Plc. Therefore, it is very important for the manager
to inspire their employees in such a manner by which they can create longer relationship
with their consumers.
 Accomplishment of objectives: It is very essential for the firm to produce products and
services as per the demand of customer which leads to higher customer satisfaction in
order provide maximum benefits to the firm. Mangers of Kingfisher Plc have to develop
strategies and policies that helps in providing guideline to their staff member for
performing operations that are assign to them. This assist Kingfisher Plc in
accomplishing their objectives and goals on time and more efficiently.
 Inter-departmental integration: Operational management play very important role in
an organisation as it helps in maintaining effectiveness in business activities by
integrating different departments of the firm. Manager of Kingfisher Plc have to
formulate several strategies and also assures that all the division which are involved in
task must know their roles and responsibilities. To avoid conflict in an organisation, they
have to assign work in different functional unit which helps attaining company's
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objective. Cooperation and coordination among different division of firm is very essential
as it contributes towards the growth and success (Valeand and et. al., 2013).
TASK 4
P6: Elements that affect decision making process of leaders and managers
There are different elements in business environmental which can affect the company.
PESTEL analysis of Kingfisher Plc is described below:
Political factors: There are rules which are related to taxes. Hence company has to pay
taxes and thus it can easily perform all activities in effective manner. Managers create policies to
adopt to political rule and leaders motivate workers to pay taxes in time. In case of Kingfisher
Plc as company is having its operations around the globe thus,political stability, legal
framework, trade regulations and tariffs related to consumer services etc. play major role in firms
success and growth. Although UK is a stable economy but decision rel
Economic: If there is deflation then company has to sell products at lower cost only as
then only they can earn huge revenues. Managers create policies to explain workers to adopt to
deflation. While leaders motivate and guide workers to adopt economic conditions. In case of
UK the inflation rate rose to 3.1% in November,2017 that is to negatively affect the growth and
profitability of firm.
Social: People needs and wants are changing. Hence company has to create policies to
fulfil demand of customers. Managers create policies to explains staff members regarding plans
while leaders motivate staff members so that workers can produce good quality of products.
Kingfisher plc by identifying the needs and requirements of its potential target market strive to
produce goods and services that are of high quality at affordable prices for society and its people.
Technological: Firm adopts latest tools and techniques so that they can easily earn huge
revenues. Manager create policies to adopt latest techniques while leaders motivate workers to
adopt latest tools and techniques (Introduction to Operations Management, 2017). With
emerging changes in technology in UK to remain ahead and get an edge over its rivals
Kingfisher Plc has a invested £210 million in it process in 2016 which has lead company to earn
profit of £50 million in annual.
Environmental: Firm creates policies to protect environment by creating environmental
laws. Manager creates plans and policies to protect environment while leader guide and
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supervise staff members to follow these policies. For reducing its carbon imprints by signing
British Retail Consortium commitments that strives towards making all stores of company to
aims towards reducing their carbon contents by adopting Green IT.
Legal: Company creates discrimination laws in which no staff members is discriminated
on basis of caste, religion and creed etc. Manager create policies to explain these laws to all staff
members while leader supervise and motivate workers to adopt these rules and regulations.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned information it has been concluded that operation and
management is one of the main and essential part for the development and success of
organisation. In order to maintain long lasting relationship with employees, company follow
different types of leadership theories such as situational, contingency and system. Beside this
internal and external factor of the environment is more effected on the operational management
and decision making power of the manager or leader. Apart from this, various approaches of
operation management such as Six Sigma, Lean production, TQM etc. All these are important
for the organisation to attract large number of customers as well as gain competitive advantages
within predetermined time period.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bainton, N.A., and et. al., 2011. Stepping stones across the Lihir Islands: developing cultural
heritage management in the context of a gold-mining operation. International Journal of
Cultural Property. 18(1). pp .81-110.
Goor, Q., Kelman, R. and Tilmant, A., 2010. Optimal multipurpose-multireservoir operation
model with variable productivity of hydropower plants. Journal of Water Resources
Planning and Management. 137(3). pp .258-267.
Johri, R., Salvi, A. and Filipi, Z., 2011, January. Optimal energy management for a hybrid
vehicle using neuro-dynamic programming to consider transient engine operation. In
Proceedings of the 4th annual dynamic systems and control conference.
Muller, M. S., CommVault Systems Inc, 2014. Power management of data processing resources,
such as power adaptive management of data storage operations. U.S. Patent 8,707,070.
Nong, L., and et. al., 2013. Effects of parecoxib on morphine analgesia after gynecology tumor
operation: a randomized trial of parecoxib used in postsurgical pain management.
journal of surgical research. 183(2). pp .821-826.
Rinke, M.L., nd et. al., 2012. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent
emergency medical system users. The American journal of emergency medicine. 30(2).
pp .352-357.
Singh, K., Padhy, N.P. and Sharma, J., 2011. Congestion management considering hydro–
thermal combined operation in a pool based electricity market. International Journal of
Electrical Power & Energy Systems. 33(8). pp .1513-1519.
Vale, Z., and et. al., 2013. Distribution system operation supported by contextual energy
resource management based on intelligent SCADA. Renewable Energy. 52. pp .143-
153.
Yin, X., and et. al., 2010. Optimized reservoir operation to balance human and riverine
ecosystem needs: model development, and a case study for the Tanghe reservoir, Tang
river basin, China. Hydrological processes. 24(4). pp .461-471.
Online
Operations management. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <https://hbr.org/topic/operations-
management>.
Introduction to Operations Management. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-operations>.
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