Management and Operations: Roles, Characteristics, and Approaches

This document discusses the roles and characteristics of managers and leaders, their application in different situational perspectives, and various theories and models of approach in management and leadership. It also analyzes key approaches in operational management and the role of leaders and managers. The document explores the values of operation management for achieving business objectives. The subject is Management and Operations.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ................................................................................................................................................3
P1 Define and discuss various role & characteristics of manger along with leader........................3
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................4
P2 Examine examples of how role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational perspectives. ..................................................................................................................4
P3 Discuss different theories/ models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency..............................................................................................................6
TASK 3.................................................................................................................................................7
P4) Analyse Operational management key approaches and role of leaders & managers................7
P5 What is operation management and explain the values of operation management for achieving
business objectives ..........................................................................................................................8
TASK 4.................................................................................................................................................9
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers................................................................................9
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Market is becoming wider and broader which is expanding the business sector at larger
scale. In organisational context, it is important for company to be aware about managing operations
as well as functions of firm. Management and operations refers to business practices which are
mainly focused towards processing of finished goods & services in an efficient manner.
(Rutherford, 2017).Main aim of this report is to understand the rationale of performing &
underperforming stores by managing all operations of a firm. Sainsbury, a largest supermarket store
headquartered in UK. Firm deals in ample number of products such as apparels, cosmetics, retail
etc. This report comprises of roles & characteristics of leader & manager, role of leader and
function of manager, different theories, approaches of operation management, importance & value
of operation management and factors of business environment.
TASK 1
P1 Define and discuss various role & characteristics of manger along with leader.
Manager is a person who is responsible for all managerial and administrative activities
which includes motivating, supervising and directing subordinates of organisation (Martinez, 2018).
The main work of manager is acquire proper and applicable strategies so that they can execute well
in the market place. For this they performs various role and responsibilities to keep specific position
leader are those person who have capability to make proper use of human resource in terms
of guiding and directing group member in order to complete their task and the goal of organisation.
The main motive of leader is to increase productivity of group members by motivating them in an
effective manner.
Comparison in between the role of manager and leader :
Manger and leaders helps the organisation in order to increases the growth of company and
they sets the objective according to the mission and vision and then leader follows that vision &
communicate to their team members for this they plays an important role which are discussed
below:
Manager Leader
 Role of manager is to assign task &
responsibilities to employee according
to their skills and capabilities.
 Manager have to plan, organise, direct,
stuff and control every function and
activities in organisation.
 Leaders of Sainsbury's motivates their
employee by providing them monetary
and non-monetary incentives
 Leaders entice employee to understand
and adopt the process of change
 Leader implement those ideas and

 Manager makes effective strategies and
sentiment for betterment of
organisation.
activities in a proper manner.
Characteristics of managers and leaders :
Managers and leaders posses different characteristics which are mention below:
 Problem solving : Manager always try to resolve all problems of employees within the
organisation They help their employee to developed a creative solution for different problem
which they are facing in order to achieve goal of organisation (Hoff, 2020).
 Time management :Time management is necessary to being a successful manager and it
comes from time management skill and for this they assure to complete their task before
stipulated period of time.
 Risk avoider: Manager are supposed as a risk avoider they don't affected by innovations
and creations because they are flexible with respect to changes.
 Communicating effectively: Managers of Sainsbury posses effective communication with
their employees which helps them to run their work smoothly.
Characteristics of leaders:
 Developing vision: All leaders have their own team in that each member has to follows
instruction and guidances of their leader and for this leaders have to develop a clear vision
for their team members so that they can reach their goal.
 Optimistic: leaders must be optimistic so that they can identify different opportunities and
creation of a positive environment in their organisation (Hunt, 2017).
 Decision making: leader posses a important role in terms of decision making process.
Leaders of Sainsbury's have courage to perform different activities which has high risk.
TASK 2
P2 Examine examples of how role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational perspectives.
In organisational perspectives, both leaders manager play important role in improving
functioning of business. It is necessary for them to be aware about their roles as well as functions so
that decisions making process is carried out properly. In context with Sainsbury, they have well
organised staff who are known to their responsibilities which makes them effective leaders and
managers (Fry, 2019). Leaders roles are being used in different situational contexts which is
discussed below-

Conflict situations- In enterprise, many types of situations arises which are required to be
solved or managed in correct way so that process are in continuous procedure. Such type of
problematic situations arises mainly because of language barriers, varies in opinions, internal
conflicts etc. In reference with selected firm, leaders perform their role in most efficient way which
assist them in achieving of goals.
Leader's role- The leaders of subordinates are highly engaged with their employees and
train them with new approaches. This role makes them motivated towards their work &
responsibilities. Also, through this they are able to manage positive work environment in
appropriate way (Burton, 2020).
Manager functions- Managers have ample number of functions which they perform in
entity. They are also considered as multi-task -performer because of their responsibility in entity. In
context with chosen firm, they assure that these are carried out in most efficient manner. So, there
are many functions of manager which are discussed below-
Planing- It is one of most crucial function of manager in which it implementation of
planning is done at wider scale so that so that ideas are generated for achieving of objectives of
entity. It is essential to do planning so that everything is done in systematic procedure (Akkerman,
2019).
Organising- Then second is organising in which making everything in well organised way
so that errors do not occur in future. The manager of company make assures that all related or
important documents are well organised and are arranged in effective manner. Because it help in
avoiding of problems up to some extent.
Directing- It is another main function in which guidance is being given to subordinates by
manager regarding their work or problems what, when & how it can be done. In reference with
selected entity, they guides subordinates by adopting training methods.
Controlling- In this, manager measure or control the performance of company as well as
employees so that improvement are being identified in effective manner. With help of this function,
it is easy use manage everything properly.
Management by Objective concept-
Management by objective refers to process in which improvement is done in regards with
performance of firm so that goals are accomplished within a period of time.
 In first stage, mission, vision or objectives are are examined by entity so that planing is done
accordingly.

 At second stage, after goals/ objectives are analysed leaders help personnel that how these
objectives are needed to be accomplished.
 In third aspect, performance is measured and monitored through which it is easy use quality
of standards during process.
 Then, in this evaluation of personnel progress is determined and which assist in reward
system (Liebman, 2020).
From explained matter, it is seen that both leaders & manager are considered to be asset of
entity. Therefore, it it is necessary to use roles and functions properly according to various
situational context so that they decisions are taken inmost efficient way.
P3 Discuss different theories/ models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.
Leadership is defined as process of influencing other decisions to get the work done. It is
essential for every leader to be aware about their leadership style. There are different types of styles
which are being used by them in appropriate manner. In relevance with undertaken entity, leader of
company use theories to use their style in correct way. In management there are several types of
theories which will be discussed further. The first theory is situational theory in which it refers to
theory in which it states that style of a leader depends upon different situations according to which
they are adopted. This is highly effective because it assist in improving employees performance
because styles get changed according to relevancy of situations (Thompson, 2016). Second one is
system leadership in which organisational is viewed as whole system rather than a specific sub-
parts of system & conditions are being created to get work done with coordination of all individual
in entity. Then comes contingency theory of leadership in which it specifies that there is no
specific way or procedure to lead or manage organisation or employees. So, chosen enterprise make
ensure these theories are carried out in correct manner.
The above stated matter depicts that it needed to use different types of leadership theories so
that objectives or goals are achieved in most appropriate manner. It is duty of manager to make
assure that such styles are being adopted with proper considerations.
TASK 3
P4) Analyse Operational management key approaches and role of leaders & managers
In an organisation, it is necessary to carry out operation management in effective manner so
that process of goods or products is being processed with appropriate considerations. In relevance

with Sainsbury, they manages their operation management of a company in such a way that
objectives are achieved without facing any issues. So, there are several types of approaches which
are mentioned below-
Six Sigma- It is most used approaches in which it is defined as process of improvement by
using different ways or techniques. In context with Sainsbury, they uses this approach so that they
are able to improve their work efficiency level (Baron, 2017). This method mainly focuses on
improving efficiency by removal of waste. Role of leader and manager is wider as well as broader
because they both are responsible for making ideas for removal of waste. With help of Six Sigma, it
is easy to improve productivity of firm at higher level.
Lean production- The second method is lean production in which removal of waste is done
without reducing or compromising the quality of product. This approach is adopted at wider scale
of processing & distribution. By using it, company is able to enhance their working efficiency at
larger scale. To do this, systematic procedure is carried out so that decision making is done in
effective way. Moreover, to carry out personnel in firm work as a team so that total satisfaction is
provided to customers.
Principles of Total Quality management-
TQM also known as Total Quality Management is defined as method in which reducing of
errors as well as identifying of problems is done by accessing effective supply chain, improving
customer experience and developing personnel progress level by giving training (Singh, 2019). By
focusing on this method, it is easy to accomplish both long term and short term objectives within a
specific period of time. In this, role of manager is vital because they are responsible for controlling
& analysing of issues which occur during process/ procedure.
Thus, explained matter shows that operational management approaches are needed to be
adopted in such a way that goals are attained in correct process.
Just in time inventory-
It is a method in which it refers to process which focused towards allocation of raw
materials is done directly which are ordered from production schedules. This method also states that
it is necessary to have appropriate level of resources or raw materials so that market demand is
fulfilled at all aspect. In relation with selected corporation, they use JIT in a strategical way which
assist them to maintain stock of inventory so that demand are fulfilled (Ejimabo, 2016) For
example- In reference with organisation, they only use raw materials at time when there is shortage.
Through this, they are able to manage every resources and raw materials in company.
Kaizen
It is a procedure in which improvement is done and focused at continuous level to ensure

improvement in related with all procedures or processes of system of firm. It focuses on all sectors
or department of entity. It is an effective tool which is adopted by Sainsbury. It is systematic
procedure which requires deep level of knowledge at both external & internal analysis. Because to
improve department relevant field of knowledge is necessary (Ejimabo, 2016).
Thus, examined paragraph states that discussed principles and approaches are to be adopted
in most efficient way because through them objectives are achieved appropriately. Furthermore,
principles of TQM & Kaizen are essential to be analysed so that it is easier to make decisions
regarding methods.
P5 What is operation management and explain the values of operation management for achieving
business objectives
Operation management refers to process through which it is viewed as administrative
function in which efficiency is increased at wider level by accessing different practices. It is majorly
focused on conversion of good or products into well efficient manner so that stated objectives are
accomplished. To expand growth level, it has become necessary to use most appropriate form of
operation management technique so that they are applied in correctly. Therefore, Sainsbury uses
several techniques which are described below-
 Production- This technique is used by chosen company as it is focused towards conversion
of processed materials into final output or goods. The manager of entity assures that supply
chain of raw materials & goods are managed in most efficient level so that it is easier to
reduce waste (Rutherford, 2017).
 Research & process design- It most crucial technique of OM because it assist in
development of overall organisational structure. Research and process design both are
essential to be carry out effectively so that an overlook is given to company. So, to achieve
or use this technique several areas are to focused which are customer value, constant
involvement of management during process. For example- In viewpoint of firm, they can
adopt for flexible manufacturing system which will enhance their effectiveness of overall
looks.
 Logistic and inventory- It is also beneficial technique which is adopted as logistic &
inventory both are integral part of supply chain. Logistic refers to moving of goods from one
place to another. Furthermore, logistic management assist in managing of elements like
storage function, shipping activities , tracking of delivery process etc.
Importance of operation management for Sainsbury's-
 Enhances quality of goods- Operation management is crucial as it assist in ensuring &

increasing both quality goods as well as productivity of business by reducing the cost
without compromising the level of quality. It also help in overall improvement of
organisational functions and department.
 Customer satisfaction- In this technique, it operation management assures quality and treat
every customer in good way. Through this, it is easy to achieve or improve goodwill of a
entity. By providing with high quality of product to customer, positive relationship is
established between both parties (Martinez, 2018).
After examining of discussed matter, it has been seen that importance of operation
management has increased at high scale by changing time period of business sector. Moreover, by
analysing stated points it is viewed that value of OM help in achieving company's objectives at all
aspect. Thus, it is crucial for manager to carry out OM in proper manner so that everything is
accomplished without facing any issues.
TASK 4
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers.
Business environment refers to factors with combination of internal as well as external
factors which affects overall, organisational structure. It has impact upon operational management
and decision making by leaders/ managers because they both are linked with enterprise functioning
& operations. The impact of business environment disrupted the workplace at depth. Thus, there
many factors which affects them and are described as follows-
 Corporate social responsibility- It refers to process or business model in which entity is
self entitled to integrate with both socially and accountable. This factor has deep impact on
operational management because it OM is wider concept in which it has to follow
procedures. In relevance with CSR, they stated policies according to which everyone in firm
has to adopt. Leaders decision-making is affected by this factor because leaders in firm has
to take decisions according to business situations but when it comes to CSR they have to
change style accordingly (Hoff, 2020). Managers get affected as in company they have to
be use ethical practices to get work done without harming socio-economic.
 Culture- It is another element which is affected by corporate social responsibility because it
refers to specific group of people in which comprising of many variables such as ethics,
religion etc. This factor impact upon operational management because many process of
goods is done according to taste, preference of culture where they are processed. Managers
decision making get impacted because they are responsible for handling subordinates with

which are from different background & culture which is a difficult task. Whereas Leaders
get impacted because they have to take decisions which are favourable by all subordinates
which is time consuming process (Hunt, 2017).
The above explained paragraph states that it is necessary to be aware about business
environment elements so that everything is done in correct procedure. So, various factors have been
discussed such as corporate social responsibility & culture which affects both operational
management and decision making of leaders/ managers.

CONCLUSION
After a brief analysis of above report, it is concluded that management operations is broader
concept which is needed to be understood in proper manner. Discussions have been made about
leaders and managers comparison, roles & functions, operational management approaches. Then,
importance of OM and business environment factors are explained. Therefore, it is examined that
decision making is required to be done in proper manner.

REFERENCES
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