Leadership & Microgrid Operation Management

This assignment examines the crucial role of leadership and management in effectively operating microgrids. It delves into the application of evidence-based practices, drawing upon examples from academic research and patents related to microgrid operation management systems. The analysis considers both internal factors influencing organizational structure and external influences shaping the operational environment.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Define roles and characteristics of a leader and manager......................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2 Role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situations........................4
P3 Elaborate leadership theories.................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches of operation management............................................................................6
P5 Importance of operational management.................................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6 Factors in business environment that impact upon operational management ......................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Every business organisation works with multiple functions which helps it to manage its
certain aspects, such as- human resource, finance, marketing, operation, research etc. In which,
operational department is amenable to dominate the procedure of producing products and
services within workplace. Operational management is a fundamental function of every company
which includes managing people, information, technology, equipments and many other resources
that are used in manufacturing of goods. It is a part of management which helps in converting
raw material into valuable goods so as company can achieve its goals and objectives in an
effective manner (Moghaddam and et. al., 2011). Kellogg's is the chosen organisation in this
present report, it is a multinational food manufacturing industry. The company is located in 18
countries and marketed over in 185 nations. Eggo, pringles, sunshine biscuits are the famous
brand of Kellogg's. It's operating income is $ 1.842 billion per year. Apart from this, the report
will be describe roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager. There are different types of
leadership theories are discussed. Readers will also come to know various approaches of of
operational management.
TASK 1
P1 Define roles and characteristics of a leader and manager
Leaders and managers have a significant role in a successful business organisation.
Effective leadership and management helps a company to achieve its goals and objectives. Apart
from this, a leader is the person who can influence other people for a particular aim and target.
The person set some policies and strategies as how to connect individuals and organisation's
goals together.
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(Source: SUSTAINING INNOVATION: THE ROLE OF MANAGERS, LEADERS, AND
ENTREPRENEURS, 2017)
Below mentioned some important role of a leader: -
Representative of the organisation
A leader is the person who represents business organisation in external world. He
organise various seminars, workshops, conferences, general meeting, so that all people of
workplace can interact with each other. Leaders also represent his own department which is lead
by him.
Integrates the personal and organisational goals
The main role of a leader to reconciles personal as well as professional goals. Leaders are
helpful in coordinating all activities together, so that company can gain better outcomes. He can
influence people and trying to accomplish business objectives by providing them training and
development assistance (Macfarlane, 2011).
Solicits support
Leader is person who invites people at workplace as they can support in the process of
goal achievement. But this can be done through a intelligent, mature and well experienced
leaders. They also give better and innovative suggestions in the completion of a particular
activity and task.
Motivating and guiding employees
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Illustration 1: Role of leaders and managers

By regulating reward system, leaders can easily motivate and guide their staff members
as they can perform in well being manner. The main role of a leader is to find out employees'
needs and wants and tries to fulfil in an adequate way. For this, they also conduct training and
development session in order to improve current skills and knowledge of staff members.
Apart from this, a manager is the person who handles all activities and operations at
workplace. In Kellogg's, managers are liable to encouraging and motivation people so as to
achieve best results. Employers are also implemented effective strategies and policies in order to
provide a better workplace to workers. They supervise all operations and direct them in order to
know whether it is beneficial for firm or not. Beside this, managers establish a coordination
among all tasks for optimal utilisation of available resources. They also renders feedback and
reviews to business owners as well as workers. Below mentioned role of managers: -
Planning
Planning is most important role of manager. The person is liable to plan future activities
or operations so as to achieve business vision and mission in a certain time period. For this, they
can examine all crucial problems and issues which will be faced by an organisation. Managers
also analyse high risks and uncertainties.
Administration
In Kellogg's managers are also liable to administrate all activities and tasks. They direct
and control all business operations. In addition, managers is also responsible to ensure that all
business requirements are met on time (Bens, 2012). They also oversee that all activities are
done in legal or ethical manner.
Delegation
In various departments, managers are liable to delegate the working responsibilities
among staff members. This will help in reducing workload and stress of persons effectively.
Delegation of authority is very important for business organisation because it gives flexibility to
its functions.
Performance management
PM covers all aspects in the job of a manager. The last essential role of managers is to
evaluate employees performance and provide them feedbacks on the same. In addition,
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performance management also involves setting individuals goals, measuring or monitoring their
work, addressing their problems, recognition needs, training and developing.
Characteristics of a leader and manager can be understand by a chart, that is stated as below: -
Characteristics of a leader Characteristics of a manager
A leader should be collaborative with its all
staff members. He supports by listening their
problems and make appropriate solution.
Managers are proactive and goal oriented who
are able to give quick respond towards any
situation. Through which they can gain higher
business growth and success.
Leaders are focused on how to improve skills
and knowledge of their employees (Melnyk
and et. al., 2012). In this sense, it can be said
that they are visionary and an idealist.
Managers are helpful in handling all activities
and tasks in a systematic manner.
Leaders are innovative, as they can developed
new and effective ideas in order to groom up
the performance level of subordinates.
They are passionate towards their work.
Confidentiality is another important
characteristic leaders which gives growth and
success in their life cycle.
Managers are also confident; this makes them
able to face all adverse situations.
TASK 2
P2 Role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situations
As per above information, it is cleared that leaders and managers play a significant role in
growth and success of business organisation. Both are liable to gain business goals and
objectives in a minimum time period with their effective and innovative skills. There is described
some situation in which managers and leaders show their abilities, such are stated as under: - Decision making process – Decision are made in order to fulfil daily expectation of
leaders as well as managers. they both have a vibrant role in decision making process of
the company. In Kellogg's, with the help of effective decisions a company can easily gain
high profits and sales in best possible manner. In addition, leader is the person who make
decisions for his team in order to improve their skills and abilities whereas managers are
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bound to take decisions in context of overall organisation. Due to this, they are faced
many face issues at workplace (Mohammadi and et. al., 2013). In addition, it is the
responsibility of leaders to make good decisions which give a strong framework to their
team. Training and development – It is helpful in improving current skills and competencies of
staff members as they could perform well in order to achieve business goals and
objectives. In training and development, leaders and managers have an equal role.
Managers organisation such programmes for overall organisation whereas leaders
provide training to their subordinates. Apart from this, leaders know the requirement of
development programmes and managers execute them at workplace in an effective
manner. Delegation of authorities – In this, roles and responsibilities are classified among
workers as their abilities and skills. It helps in effective completion of each and every
activities. It is important role of managers to delegate obligation whereas leaders are
culpable to know that all activities are going in right way.
 Employee engagement – Employee engagement is very essential for every business
entity. Leaders and managers, both are tried to establish cooperation and coordination
between staff members. It will help in implementing a positive working environment in
business organisation and then process of accomplishing goals and objectives.
P3 Elaborate leadership theories
Effective leadership can maximise productivity of a business entity in its target market. It
gives a shape to company functions and promotes its harmony. For this purpose, higher
authorities are assigned some leaders who are able to attain company's vision and mission. In
this sense, it can be said that, “leadership in an organisation is like an army without their
generals”. Along with this, Kellogg's have innovative leaders who are able in managing
performance to encourage team work. Their managers are adopt some leadership theories in
order to gain higher competitive advantages.
System leadership theory
System leadership theory is a holistic approach of organisational development that is used
by leaders at any level in order to optimise the effectiveness of firm. The theory is applicable in
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order to create sustainability of a firm with the help of high performance and complexity in
global environment. It consists that managers have to follow some specific principles to handle
all external and internal forces (Antonakis and House, 2013). Apart from this, there are some
values and morals of business units which fits in every situation. Therefore, leaders have to
follow all of them while making any kind of important decision at workplace. It is helpful in
providing a basis of understanding while formulating strategies and policies for an organisation.
Contingency and situational leadership theory
The situational leadership theory refers that there is not a particular way to make
decisions and to lead a company. Instead this, managers have to provide solutions as per the
effectiveness of a solution. In addition, a contingent leader applies his own styles by analysing
overall situation. It will help in managing all operations of a firm in an effective manner. In
addition, situational leadership model states that business organisations are an open system, they
need to be managed carefully. For this, leaders are trying to satisfying internal needs of
employees and ready to adapt environmental changes. Situational leadership is an useful method
which forces leaders to think about how to make effective leadership that is being depend on
flexibility. Along with this, the theory suggest that success of leader relies on his skills with
which he can adopt leadership styles that is suit to the maturity level of followers.
Trait leadership theory
The theory is rely on the great man theory, but it is more systematic in its analysis of
leaders. In addition, it assumes that leaders' personal traits and characteristic are the key of
successful leadership. Trait theory dictates that, “leaders are born not made”. Great leaders are
emerged when there is need of effective decisions and judgements. It also consists that,
behaviour, attitude, moral, language, values of a leader also impact upon the decision making
process of leadership (Northouse, 2015). In addition, trait leadership theory is a naturally
pleasing theory, it is served as yardstick against when an individual's leadership traits are
assessed. It renders detailed summary and understanding of a leader in leadership process. Trait
theory is based upon a combination of socialization and genetics, everyone is developed with a
unique set of skills and abilities.
TASK 3
P4 Key approaches of operation management
Below mentioned main approaches of operation management: -
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Six sigma
It is a methodological practice that is implement in entire association with an aim of
reforming business process and customer satisfaction. It removes the errors which leads to
defects in goods and services. Six sigma, accomplish corporate goals and objectives by setting up
effective management systems. It is also accessible in determining omissions and their causes by
rendering methods to eliminate all of them in the best possible manner. It is an quality program
which can gives a wonderful customers' experiences by building them good relations.
Just in time -
It is an inventory strategy which applies in order to extend efficiency and reduce wastage
by gaining goods if they are required in manufacturing process. Just in time needs some
specialists who can predict an appropriate demand of products (Parisio and Glielmo, 2013).
Producers are using JIT approach in order to manufacture materials for production at different
levels. It must be ensure that not to produce excess.
Total quality management
It is management approach which can describe firm's long term vitality and prosperity by
gaining higher level of customer satisfaction. In the process of total quality management, all
members have to be participated in improving products, processes and organisational cultural so
as to maintain market reputation in a systematic manner. Beside this, it is an integrated system
which clearly defines business vision, mission, and objectives.
P5 Importance of operational management
Operation or production department of the firm emphasis upon quality or production of
goods and services. If a company will provide value added products to its customers as it can
easily attention of numerous customers in target market. Operation management of Kellogg's
provide guidance to produce smooth and effective food products as company can gain market
growth and success.
Market expansion -
If a company is capable to manufacture attractive goods and services. It will help in
increasing its market growth and success. In addition, operation managers conduct a market
research in order to know competitors strength and weaknesses. This will help him to make
impressive plans and policies to compete with external forces (Li, Li and Feng, 2014). Beside
this, operation management also helps in extending sales and profits of a firm by increasing
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number of customers. It also focuses on producing new products which is able to satisfy
customers needs in the best possible.
Improves productivity
Operation management is also accessible in improving productivity of business
organisation by increasing skills of employees. If Kellogg's produces qualitative and value added
food products as it can easily cover large market area. Higher production can enhance sales and
profits of the firm so that it can achieve goals and objectives in a minimum time period. With the
help of research department, operation managers can know needs and demands of buyers. They
also oversee the availability of raw material that is used in manufacturing qualitative products
and services.
Minimise risks and uncertainties
Operation department of the firm is also culpable in analysing future market conditions
which will impact upon growth and success of business organisation. By evaluating, future
trends managers can easily reduce risks. Operation managers also uses different tools and
techniques so as to compete all activities and practices in their best possible. This potency helps
a company to attain its goals and objectives.
Fulfilment of customers needs and wants
Customers are king of market. A firm's success or failure is depend on the number of
customers it has. It is an ethical responsibility of a company to provide qualitative products to
their buyers. For instance- Kellogg's food items are checked by its quality department before
selling in market (Chen and et. al., 2011). This is the reason behind its growth and success. The
entity produce healthy trades which do not impact on customers health.
TASK 4
P6 Factors in business environment that impact upon operational management
In this global environment, there are many components which can impact upon growth
and vitality of a firm in direct and indirect ways. Sometimes, managers are facing many
problems, due to the adverse impact of business environment. Factors in business environment
not only affect company's success even they also influence decision making process of the
company. Below mentioned internal and external environmental factors which can influence
operation management: -
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(Source: 7 Factors Determining the Internal Environment of a Business, 2016)
Internal environmental factors
Value system –
It dwells with ethical morals and beliefs that are accessible in attainment of vision and
mission of the company. In addition, value system of Kellogg's can also identifies its behaviour
with staff members, buyers as well as enter society. Inadequate value system of a company can
also refuse its decision making process and market position as well (Okitsu and et. al., 2012).
Beside this, effective value system contributes in growth and prestige all over world of entire
corporation.
Corporate culture
Corporate culture of a firm should be closed, threatening and participatory. In which,
decisions are taken by higher authorities, there is no involvement of middle and lower level
managers. It is occurred in those companies where there is lack of trust and confidence; and the
chance of secrecy penetrate throughout the firm. It can reduces the interest of employees with
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Illustration 2: Internal factors

which they don't want to performed. Therefore, it is essential for managers to adopt the concept
of free flow of communication between employees and managers.
Human resources
Quality and skills of employees are necessary factors, a company's prosperity is depend
upon the same. But sometimes, it is difficult for top management to deal directly with them, with
which employees does not pay proper attention to their human resources. This can impact upon
their performance and abilities, through which a firm cannot achieve its goals and objectives.
External environmental factors: -
Suppliers
Suppliers are known as who supplies inputs to a firm so as that it can convert them as
valuable outputs. Higher prices and low quality of raw material refuse the quality of products.
Therefore, a company cannot achieve its sales goals and objectives in global market (Tang and
Musa, 2011).
Customers
It is necessary for firms to fulfil needs and wants of their potential as well as target
customers. That is major of operation managers to generate and sustain buyers for a long term
period. If Kellogg's does not supply qualitative products to its clients then it might be losses
many customers. It also effects on its sales and profits.
Economy
Economic condition of a country influence the vitality and prestige a business
organisation. The paying ability of customers impact on sales and profit in bottom line. In
economic deflation, when demand is low and supply high. At this, customers are not spend large
amount on purchasing of goods and services.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned report, it has been concluded that operation management
plays a crucial role in growth and vitality of a business. It helps managers to measure the potency
of accomplishing goals and objectives. Apart from this, there is described roles and characteristic
of leaders and managers. Leaders are liable to provide guidance to employees whereas managers
are in implementing some strategies and policies. Beside this, there are various types of
leadership theories which helps a company to gain higher competitive advantages. Six sigma,
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TQM, Just in time etc. are the main approaches of operation management. There are several
internal and external factors which will impact upon business decisions and growth.
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REFERENCES
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Online
7 Factors Determining the Internal Environment of a Business, 2016. [Online]. Available on:
<http://www.economicsdiscussion.net/business-environment/7-factors-determining-the-
internal-environment-of-a-business/10099>. [Accessed on 22nd September 2017].
SUSTAINING INNOVATION: THE ROLE OF MANAGERS, LEADERS, AND
ENTREPRENEURS, 2017. [Online]. Available on: <http://www.babson.edu/executive-
education/thought-leadership/strategy-innovation/Pages/sustaining-innovation.aspx>.
[Accessed on 22nd September 2017]
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