Management and Operations - Assignment

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................1
P2. Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.......................................................................................................1
P3. Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................2
P4. Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play..............................................................................................................................4
P5. Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives.....................................................................................................................................6
P6. Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers. ...................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Management is a term refers to the process of deals with people or staff as well as
controlling things of an organisation (Adams and et.al., 2017). Operation is a department in
organisation which is majorly responsible for handling all operations functions of an
organisation. It is very essential for an organisation to manage all tasks or functions of operations
so that organisation can achieve its set goals. For this report, chosen company is SCANIA AB.
This organisation is a Swedish manufacturing company which is producing commercial vehicles
such as heavy trucks and buses. This company was formed in 1891 and it is providing its product
and services all around the world. This report consist of different roles of leaders and mangers in
different situations of organisation. It includes various theories and approaches of leadership as
well as key approaches of operation management. It also consist of various factor of business
environment which have impact on operational management.
TASK 2
P2. Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.
Leaders and manages play a very important role in organisation and they have to deal
with different situations of organisation. In an organisation there are different employees with
different culture and area so they have difference in their belief and attitude. These differences in
employees can be consider as a major reason in employee grievances and this can affect
performance of employees (Addo-Tenkorang and Helo, 2016). Leaders and managers have to
handle various situations of organisation as well as managing employee in effective and efficient
way. Functions of mangers and leaders is to identify problems and provide solutions to deal with
situations. Leaders of SCANIA is majorly responsible for identifying issue and problems which
is creating chaos in organisation and various problems which is affecting organisation
productivity and profitability. Managers of organisation is responsible for taking various
decisions of handling issue and problems which is identified by leader. Different role and
functions of leaders and manager in different situational context of SCANIA is mention below.
Employee Grievances: This is the term refers to various issues and problems of
employees with organization. Employee grievances are problems of employee with other
employee or with management of organisation. Employees have many problems and complaints
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about the workplace as well as rules and regulation of organisation. SCANIA organisation is
manufacturing commercial vehicles such as trucks or buses. Mangers and leaders have to mange
their staff or worker in an effective way to achieve goals and objective of organisation. Company
can only achieve its goals and objective when its employees work efficiently and they are
motivated to attain goals of organisation (Anderson and et.al., 2015). So, in order to achieve goal
of SCANIA company leader and mangers focus on solving issues of employees and satisfying
them. Leader's roles is to analyse the major reason of employee grievances and identify solution
to their issues. Leaders can also communicate with employees in order to get better understand
about issue or grievances. Leaders is responsible to communicates with manager of SCANIA
organisation and explain complete situation. Manager's role is to clearly and deeply analyse and
evaluate situation and implement strategy to deal with grievances of employees. Manager is
responsible for take various decisions which solve employee grievances and motivate them to
force on achieve goal and objective of organisation. Leader and manager can use system
leadership theory to handle this situation.
Increasing under performing employees: Manager and leader of SCANIA company
have manager performance of employee and motivate them to work with their full potential to
achieve goal and objective of organisation. Leaders and mangers role is to deal with the
underperforming employees of organisation (Antonakis and Day, 2017). With the increase in
numbers of underperforming employees it is very essential to identify key reason why employees
are not performing up to mark. Leaders is responsible for analysing the issue in performance of
employee and why employees are not matching with the standard set by organisation. Manager's
role is to implement various strategies to improve performance of employee by providing them
effective training. Leaders is responsible for providing training to employees in order to increase
their skills and ability so that employees can increase their productive and achieve set targets.
Managers can fire all those employees who are not performing well after providing training.
Situational style of leadership is most suitable for handling this issue.
P3. Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.
There are various types of leadership approaches which help in dealing with different
situations of SCANIA organisation. Leadership theories is based on characteristics of leaders as
well as identify the behaviours of employees in order to improve performance of employees by
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applying leadership style. Different theories and models of leadership such as situational
leadership, system leadership, contingency leadership is mentioned below:
Situational leadership
This theory of leadership states that there is no best style of leadership and most effective
leadership is based on the situation leader is dealing with. According to situational leadership,
leader must be able to adopt their style of leadership on the bases of leadership they are dealing
(Bromiley and Rau, 2016). This style of leadership is very helpful to recognize needs and wants
of individuals and on the bases of their requirements leadership is provided. This is the most
flexible leadership style and it creates a comfortable environment to workers. There are some
drawbacks of this leadership as it is more focused on the immediate needs of individuals rather
than long term needs. This leadership style will be appropriate for the handling underperform of
employees. Situational leadership will help leader in identifying different needs and wants of
employees and providing them solution according to their requirements which help in improving
performance of employees. This style of leadership will help in boosting training routine of
employee and improving their skills and ability to perform better in organisation.
System leadership
This is a leadership which helps leader in creating an environment which helps in
increasing productivity of organisation. System leadership style was developed with the aim of
improving performance of organisation by solving various issues of organisation. This leadership
will help in motivating employees to work effectively and efficiently in order to achieve set goal
and objective of organisation. System leadership theory is a refers to a systematic process of
solving organisational issue or problems. Drawback of this leadership style is that it is very time
consuming (Carter and Price, 2017). This theory of leadership is most suitable for handling
employee grievance as it leads to increase in productivity of organisation as well as increase
profitability of company. Leaders of SCANIA company can implement this leadership style in
identifying key reasons of grievances of employees within organisation and by taking sufficient
time leader will be able to analyse all aspect very clearly. Leader will try understand employee's
point of view in analysing the situation and decisions taken by manager or leader will also
consider viewpoints of employees. This will automagically creates satisfaction in employees and
leads to solve grievances of employees. System leadership approach will also boost morale of
employees.
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Contingency theory
Contingency theory suggested that leadership style is based on various contingent factors
and it will affect impact of leadership on individuals. This theory was developed in 1960 by Fred
Fielder in order to identify leadership effectiveness. According to contingency theory, leadership
effectiveness is depends upon different internal and external contingent situations. This theory
helps manager in adopting best management style is dependent upon various situational context.
It is very dynamic in nature and it changes according to situation (Chevalier and et.al., 2015).
However it will allow leader and manager to change policies according to the situation they are
dealing with. This approach of leadership will help leader to enhance their decision making skills
and leadership skill in order to achieve set goals and objective of organisation. Disadvantages of
contingency leadership approach is that is it complex approach as application of this style is very
complex.
P4. Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers
play.
There are various key approaches of operation management in organisation which help in
increasing productivity of employees. Approaches of operation management includes different
approaches such as just-in-time, total quality management, lean manufacturing. There are
different roles of managers and leaders which help in successful implementation of these
approaches in SCANIA company while developing heavy commercial vehicles. These
approaches are mentioned below.
Just-In-Time Approach
This an approach which focuses on the timely manufacturing as well as inventory
management of goods and services offered by organisation (Chiarini and Vagnoni, 2015). Just-
In-Time inventory approach refers to inventory management which implies that the labour,
material and products should be re-filled or scheduled whenever needs in manufacturing process.
This is the management strategies that help in aligning raw material from directly suppliers to
production. It includes all those strategies which help leaders and mangers to hold sufficient
inventory of products to deal with maximum demand and supply of products. Just-In-Time will
help in reducing cost of company by minimizing needs of warehouse. These are various roles of
leaders and managers in order to effectively control and manage Just-In-Time inventory of
SCANIA company. Managers role is to identify the needs of raw material and timely order of
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goods. Role of leader is to make sure that received goods will be properly utilized without
wastage of goods in production process.
Total quality management
This can be refers as a systematic process for identifying manufacturing errors and
eliminating all those errors in order to provide high quality products to customers. SCANIA
organisation is using total quality management approach to manage the quality of good produce
by company (Choi and Li, 2015). This process aims at product high quality products to provide
better products to customers. It includes developing a plan and setting standards of product as
well as checking quality of manufactured products and reducing errors. Managers and leader
play a very important role in total quality management process as manger's role is to as a
facilitator in organisation and communicating quality standards of SCANIA company products.
Role of leader is to monitor quality of products produced by employees. Leader is also
responsible for providing effective training to employees who are not able to match with the
standard set by manger. Training will help in increase skill and ability in order to improve
performance and productivity of employees.
Lean manufacturing
Lean manufacturing can be refers as a methods which help in minimizing wastage of raw
material while manufacturing of goods. This consist of various methods which help in increasing
productivity of SCANIA organisation. Lean manufacturing is a systematic methods which is
originated in Japanese manufacturing industry with the aim of improving profits by ultimatum
utilization of resources (Choi, Cheng andZhao, 2016). Lean manufacturing is a techniques which
control the production process of organisation and focus on eliminating or reducing waste from
manufacturing of products. This method will help in pursuing perfection in producing goods as
well as it leads to continuous improvement in products manufactured by SCANIA company.
Role of mangers in lean manufacturing is to develop strategies and take various decision in order
to implement best practices of lean manufacturing. Strategies developed by mangers will help in
improving performance of employees. Manager is also responsibility for maintaining health and
safety of employees in workplace. Leader's role is to manage people and motivating them to
work with their full potential to increase their performance. Leader will also provide training to
employee so that they get better understanding of the task assigned to them and they minimize
waste of raw materials.
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P5. Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives.
Operation management is a department which deal with manufacturing and production of
goods. Management of this department is vital component of organisation as it ensure high
quality of products and improve productivity of SCANIA company. It is very important to
analyse the importance of operation management and it values in order to identify their
contribution in organisation (Croson and et.al., 2013). This department is developing products to
increase sales of company and earn productivity of organisation. Importance of operation
management is mentioned below.
Customer satisfaction: Customers are individuals who purchase good and services from
company in exchange of monetary value. Operation management is producing goods which leads
to satisfy needs and wants of customers and providing high quality products. Customer
satisfaction is the key to success for SCANIA company. Operation management will ensure that
products manufactured by company will be able to meet with the demands of customers.
Product quality: Operation management is very important to develop high quality
products. This function is responsible for manufacturing of goods and developing high quality
products. By developing high quality products company can increase its market share as well as
company will be able to earn huge profits by offering products in market. Customers will be
purchase only those products which provide value to their money.
Improve profitability: Improving profitability and earning high revenues is the ultimate
goal and objective of SCANIA company. Operation management is a function which dealing
with manufacturing of good and this will help in improving profitability of organisation. By
increase sales of goods products it will help organisation in earning profits for company.
Operation management is very valuable to organisation in achieve set goals and
objectives of organisation. This is valuable in developing better quality products as well as
increasing productivity and reducing waste in manufacturing process.
Better quality products: Operation management will leads to developing high quality
products and this will help organisation in offering better quality products to customers
(Deichmann and Stam, 2015). SCANIA company is performing various functions which help in
developing better quality products. Operation management is the major aspect in manufacturing
high quality products so that company can offer better products to customers than competitors.
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Reducing waste: Reduction of waste is one of the most important part of operation
management as it will leads to increase in profitability of organisation. Operation management
function is to minimize wastage in manufacturing process and developing product with optimum
utilization of resources. Lean manufacture system will help in eliminating waste from producing
goods. By reducing waste from raw material in manufacturing process it will improve overall
profitability of organisation.
Increase productivity: Operation management is responsible for manufacturing and
developing products of company and this is the major reason for increasing overall productivity
of organisation. By effective and efficient working of operation management company can
increase its productivity (Drake and Spinler, 2013). This will help in proving high quality
products by effective and efficient methods which leads to enhancing productivity of SCANIA
company.
Operation management of this organisation is very important and valuable as it will help
in increase productivity and profitability by offering high quality products to customers.
P6. Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers.
There are various factors in business environment which have huge impact on operational
management of SCANIA company. Business environment is a term which consist of all internal
and external factors which influence decision of leaders and mangers. Factors such as customers
employees, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, political factors etc. effect the
business decision making (Fischer, 2016). All these factor influence leaders and managers
decisions regarding operation management of organisation. Major factors of business
environment is mentioned below with their impact upon operational management as well as
decision making of leaders and managers.
Political factor: This factor consist of all rules and regulation set by political and
government party of country in which SCANIA company is dealing. This organisation is
manufacturing heavy commercial vehicles and providing its services to worldwide area. So
company have to deal with various rules of different countries for smooth functioning of
organisation. Political factors includes trade policy, taxation policy, bureaucracy, political
stability etc. all these factor of macro environment effect decisions of leaders and managers. It is
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very important for this company to follow all rules or policies set by government in order to
increase sales and productive of company.
Business ethics: This is a term used to define appropriate business policies and practices
regarding various factors such as discrimination, corporate insider trading etc. Business ethics
can be consider as a moral value of organisation which effect decisions of leaders and managers
(Ford and et.al., 2017). Business ethics are set by organisation with the aim of providing equal
rights and opportunities to organisation. Leaders and managers decisions regarding operation
management of organisation will be based on ethics of company.
Corporate social responsibility: Its is responsibility of organisation to conduct various
corporate social activities. SCANIA company use different raw materials and natural resource in
it operation management so it is responsibility of this organisation to full fill its responsibilities
towards society. Leader and managers have to consider this factor while taking different business
decisions. Corporate social responsibilities is an initiatives taken by organisation for the welfare
of society. Corporate social activities conducted by organisation for betterment of society it will
help in increase brand image of company.
Stakeholder: It is refers to an individuals or set of individuals who are interest in
business as well as concern with activities of organisation (Fredendall and Hill, 2016).
Stakeholder includes suppliers, employees, customers, creditors etc. All these individuals have
huge impact on decision making of leaders and managers. Organisation have to take decisions by
considering view point of stakeholder.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that operation management is very important
for an organisation as it will help in improving productivity and profitability of organisation.
There are different roles of leader and manger which help in solving various issues of
organisation. Different approaches of leadership style will provide guideline to them in dealing
with various situations of organisation. Company have to deal with different factors of business
environment and these factor affect the decision making of leaders and manager.
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