Operations Management: A Review

This assignment requires a comprehensive literature review on the field of operations management. Students are expected to analyze various aspects of operations management, including concepts like lean manufacturing, supply chain management, risk management, and human factors. They should draw upon scholarly articles, books, and industry reports to provide a critical overview of current trends, challenges, and future directions in the field.

MANAGEMENT
AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
P 1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of leader...................................3
M1 Analyse the role of leader and manager by theories.............................................................4
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................5
P 2 Role of a leader and manager in different situations............................................................5
P 3 Different theories and approaches related to leadership.......................................................6
M 2 Assess the strength and weakness of different approaches ................................................7
D 1Analaysis of different theories and approaches to leadership..............................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P 4 Approaches to operations management and the role of leaders and managers....................8
P 5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving Business objectives...........9
M 3 Analysis of role of leaders and managers in improving efficiency...................................10
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................10
P 6 Factors affecting decision making of leaders and managers of Sainsburys.......................10
M 4 Affect of these factors on the business environment of the company...............................12
D 2 Critically evaluation of application of operations management and factors......................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
In today's modern era , it is being said that there is a great significance of management
and operations. It can be noted that effective management of the operations of business leads to
profitability and sustainability (Accomazzi and et. al., 2012). In this modern competitive era,
every business organization wants to achieve the competitive advantage over its rivalry
companies. This report has been framed in the context of Sainsbury, which is one of the leading
supermarket public company engaged in the business of retail. In the context of cited company ,
it is the role of managers and leaders to manage its operations effectively and efficiently. In this
report various roles of leaders and managers have been discussed. Furthermore, it has been
discussed that there are many approach related to the leadership and management theories which
are explained in the context of Sainsbury company. Moreover, the importance of operational
management is considered in this report. Also, various factors regarding business environment of
the cited company which has a great impact on the decision making of leaders and managers of
the cited business institution.
TASK 1
P 1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of leader.
In every business organization, role of a leader and functions of manager is very
significant. In the context of Sainsbury which is one of the biggest supermarket chain in UK, its
managers and leaders have a great role to play.
Managers are the persons who has the responsibility to manage each and every tasks of
an organization along with the human resources of an organization (Ageron, Gunasekaran and
Spalanzani, 2012). He is an individual who is in charge of a specified area of tasks.
Leaders are the persons who are entitled to lead its team members. It is the basic duty of
the leaders to guide and lead it steam so that it can attain its objectives and goals (What is the
Difference Between Management and Leadership?, 2017). Inn the context of a given scenario, it
has been assessed that there are various roles of the leaders and managers in management and
operations.
Different role of a leader in the cited organization are as:
 Then leaders of the company guides and assist its team members about different types
tasks and functions of the organization.

 In the context of the Sainsburys the role of the leaders is confined to the creation of
network to accomplish and fulfil a given agenda.
 Also, the leaders of the company focus on the empowerment and growth of the
employees and workers in the organization so that the cited company can achieve its
goals and objectives.
 According to the leadership theories, a leader of the cited organization is responsible to
bring an effective and positive change in then work place of an environment of the
company (Akkerman, Farahani and Grunow, 2010).
 The leaders of the company motivates the employees of the company to be more attentive
and work oriented and also it creates harmony in the business environment of the
company.
Different functions of managers:
 Managers of the cited company are responsible persons of the organization which leads
the company to success by effective functions. Its main functions include planning of
different tasks and assignment which are pre needed in the accomplishment of the goals
and objectives.
 Further more, the manager aim to organize and assign tasks and work to all its
employees and workers according to their capabilities and skills.
 Manager of the company ensure effective control in the organization. In the context of
Sainsbury, the manager makes sure that all its workers are performing their allotted work
with efficiency.
It has been laid down in different approaches and theories related to the management and
leadership that they play an important and effective role in the company. According to the
various leadership traits, it has been evaluated that leaders are active and creative in their work
(Alderton and Saieva, 2013). They create an effective work environment so that every employee
gets motivated. Also, they take huge risks while taking decisions for the betterment of the
company and accomplishment of the set tasks and objectives.
M1 Analyse the role of leader and manager by theories
In the context of the role and function of leaders and manager there are many theories
which are applied in respect of them. There are different theories related to management. One of
them can be categorised as administrative approach. In this approach, it has been laid down that

a manager is entitled with various skills and objectives through which he can efficaciously
administer the management of a company (Barratt, Choi and Li, 2011). On the other hand,
varius leadership theories are also framed. One of the theory is situational theory which is based
on the fact that a leader does not adopt and perform in a particular style but different styles
according to varied situations are adopted by them.
TASK 2
P 2 Role of a leader and manager in different situations
It has been evaluated that the role of leaders and manager is very significant for the
company and its operations in achieving the set goals and objectives (Binder and Edwards,
2010). In the aspect of Sainsbury, the managers and leaders ensures effective organization of its
operations so that they can meet out their goals and aims. There are different situations in the
context of cited organization in which can role of leader and manager can be explained in a more
significant manner. These can be illustrated as :
 Analysis of market: In this context , the managers and leaders of a company has to ensure
effective research of its rival companies along with latest trends prevailing in the market
area. The manager has to make sure that the company has adopted the latest trend and
should adopt latest trends in their grocery items and products. In the aspect of Sainsbury,
the manager and leaders has a duty to ensure that their company has effective store in
providing the meat , fish and other groceries to its respective customers.
 Keep a balance between demand and supply of products and services: Manager and
leaders is also entitled to make sure that there is an effective equilibrium between the
demand and supply of its grocery items and other products in the market , so that there
customers do not feel dissatisfied with their services (Chase, Jacobs and Aquilano, 2010).
In addition to this, it is the duty of the manager to make sure that demands of the
customers are identified by leaders and accomplished on time. Effective balance should
also be maintained between the company and its suppliers. It can also be noted that
manager and leaders of the company should assure about the positioning in the market
and then decide which products should be supply first. It will maintain the balance
between demand and supply. Also, it will increase the good will and brand image of the
cited organization among its customers.

 Customer satisfaction : Another important task of the company or the leaders and
managers is to guarantee effective and positive image on the minds of the customers. It is
being said that Costumer satisfaction is the ultimate aim of any company. In this regard,
the company needs to be deliver those services and products which are satisfactory in
nature . The leaders and managers makes effective efforts and activities which can enable
customer satisfaction. Also, the employees and workers should be trained enough so that
they can interact with their customers in a nice manner and should not hamper the image
of cited organization.
In the words of Childe, (2011), it has been evaluated that it the leaders and managers
contribute their roles in resolving issues in the context of the work place of their organization.
They are also a link between the top management and the lower level employees of the company.
Also, in the words of Hill and Hill (2012) it must be noted that the managers and leaders always
aim and focus to gain customer satisfaction. Different and effective tactics are been used by the
leaders and managers so as to gain customer satisfaction.
P 3 Different theories and approaches related to leadership
There are different theories and approaches formed in respect of the efficient and
effective leadership. It depicts that different approaches are framed in order to lay down a base
for an impressive theory to be formed in an organisation. Different effective approaches related
to the effective leadership are as follows :
 Situational approach: It is one of the approach which is formed in the basis of effective
leadership. It is based on one of the management style theory being depicted earlier. It is
the concept in which the leader adopts his leadership style according to the different and
varied situations (Hillier, 2012). The situational theory of leadership depicts that there is
no single and best theory of adoption of a leadership style. In this it has been
demonstrated that the leaders of an organization select their own style according to the
different contextual situations. It must be noted that effective and positive leadership is
task relevant and it also a fact that the leaders who adopt their own leadership styles
become successful. In the nut shell, a leader adopts his leadership style with not only the
particular person but also with the job specified and function.
 Behavioural theory: This theory depicts about the nature of the leader in different
situations. It is basically an analysis of the behaviour of the leader in a cited organization

to accomplish the targets and set objectives. This theory emphasis that the leaders are not
made. They are effective leaders by birth. In the context of cited organization the leader
adopts an effective nature and behaviour by which the performance of the company can
be fostered (Jacobs, Chase and Chase, 2010). It is a notable fact that the success of a
company, some how depends on the behaviour and attitude of leaders. If the nature is
positiver about challenges and there issues , he will be able to over come it properly. On
the other hand, if the leader has adopted the wrong aptitude, then outcomes will also be
negative.
 Contingency theory: This theory highlights the most appropriate style of leadership in
the context of an organization. It is advantageous for the cited organization as leader
come to across different lessons and experiences from varied situations. In the context of
Sainsbury's organization, the leader has the potential of acquisition of different things
according to the different situations.
 System approach: In accordance with this approach , a organization is consist of four
subsystem which can be categorised as structure, employees, environment and task. The
main aim of these substructure is to maintain and sustain a balance between the external
and internal factors of a company.
M 2 Assess the strength and weakness of different approaches
According to the Mahadevan (2015 ),There are different approaches that are used in the
context of Sainsburys. In this regard there are different strength and weakness relating to this
approaches. It can be noted that this theory is beneficial as it easy to use and simple approach. It
is basically that approach in which the leader changes the premises of their organization as and
when they want to. On the other hand, it has a negative point that this theory does not take into
consideration the difference between male and female leaders.
D 1Analaysis of different theories and approaches to leadership
In order to make a management successful and efficient it is a prerequisite that there
should be effective approaches applicable so that cited organization can be able to achieve the
goals and objectives on time. There are different theories and approaches that are situational
theory, contingency theories lean production theory etc. According to Nagurney, Masoumi and
Yu (2012) the best theory for Sainsbury is contingency theory. It is so because in this approach
the leader adopts his own leadership style which enable it to increase its efficiency and

effectiveness. Also, on the other hand it has some drawbacks also which includes its complexity
nature. It means that in practice this theory is quite difficult and convoluted.
TASK 3
P 4 Approaches to operations management and the role of leaders and managers
Operation management is that tract of administration in which there is a main focus on to
redesign and recreate the procedure of production of goods and services. The manager of the
Sainsburys has a aim to implement the policies and strategies regarding the operational
management which will enhance the profit-abilities and effectiveness of their organization. The
cited company has adopted various tactics and deeds by which the company can render effective
grocery items and products effectively (Parry, Mills and Turner, 2010). Also, the managers and
leaders make their efforts to expand then operations of Sainsburys in the form of bakery, cafe
and pizza counters. The existing operations of Sainsburys include supermarket, and local
convenience stores. There are various key approaches and theories related to management and
operations which can be explained in detail as :
Total quality management : In this theory it has been depicted that the company should
ensure all its activities done on time and with best quality. The main aim of this approach is to
diversify and increasing the effectiveness of the company and its operations. This approach has
been used by Sainsburys as it will enable it to improvise the quality of the product and its
services. Also this theory is implemented for the reason ensure customer satisfaction , which can
only be accomplished by rendering its products and services at time and with quality ( Wu,
Olson and Birge, 2011).
Role of manager and leader:
 The main role of manager and leader is to identify the needs and wants of the customers
and ways to fulfil them. For an instance, manager and leader mainly focus to provide the
quality services like meat, grocery items, frozen foods etc so that customers can be
mitigated.
Just in time approach: In this theory, it has been mentioned that company can increase
its efficiency and productivity by adopting this approach. This theory motivates the employees
and workers of an organization to perform all their tasks and functions on time. It will enable it
to decrease the cost of inventory.

Role of managers and leader:
 In this theory the role of manager is to make sure that production of products and services
should be reasonable and according to the demands so that there can not be any wastage
of any goods and services (Rue, Byars and Ibrahim, 2012). Also, the main task of a
leader is to make sure that latest trends and demands regarding the frozen foods and other
grocery items are timely completed.
Lean production: It is an another systematic method and technique which is related to
elimination of wastage and scrap within a manufacturing system. It can also be stated that it is
the theory which has been adopted by the management of Sainsburys so as to make its operations
economical.
Role of leader and manager:
 In this theory, the manager makes sure that all the wastage resulting from its production
of its goods and services are effectively managed .
P 5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving Business
objectives
Operation management is the management which is concerned with the designing and
controlling the Sainsbury company process and its activities. Operation management is required
for changing the inputs like, raw materials, labour and machinery into its output like services and
goods. Operation management helps in the achieving the goals and objectives of the company
(Slack, 2015). It also help in the company manufacturing and its selling. It increase the profit and
selling of the company and decrease the cost and risk of the Sainsbury company. So it is useful
for the company growth.
The operations management is important for the Sainsbury company because the
operation management is uses in the all activity and function of this company. With the help of
this management the Sainsbury company determine the ratio and effectiveness of the company
and can use the resources like raw materials, labour, machinery of the organisation. The
Sainsbury company also can minimise the risk and cost of the effective product. It also use their
company's goods and services(Slack, Chambers and Johnston, 2010) . Actually the operation
management also help in the increase in the production of the company. With the help of the
operation management a company can determine the use of the all resources with is available in

the inside and outside of the business. Operation management helps in the create the new ideas
about the company growth. It also design the process of the Sainsbury company. The Sainsbury
company implement the operation management then the company can design the process of own
company.
The operation management reduce the problem of the company which may be any kind
of the problem of the company. It also help in the management of the logistic and the inventory
or stock of the company (Stadtler, 2015). The operation management help in the achievement of
the Sainsbury company objectives and goals and it improve the capacity of the company and all
department of the company there are many employees work for achieving the goals of the
company. It also control the all activity and action of the company which is taken by the owner
of the Sainsbury company. It convert the inputs(raw materials, machinery, labour etc.) into the
company output(goods and services). The operation management involve the planning,
designing, implementing and controlling the cited company work process. They all are work and
operation which is the operation management manage for the company goal and for their
objectives and it manage the process of the production of the company.
M 3 Analysis of role of leaders and managers in improving efficiency
Managers and leaders are the most important part of an organisation. They contribute
their efforts to make the cited company more profitable and effectiveness. It can be said that
there are different types of roles which include effective management of business operatins and
human resources. It also includes efficient management of its tasks and other aspects which are
in connection to the goals and objectives.
TASK 4
P 6 Factors affecting decision making of leaders and managers of
Sainsburys
The factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by Leaders and managers are the rules and regulations which is made by
the head of department to achieve the success or goal in the future (Starr and Van Wassenhove,
2011). Such factors are past experience, age difference, ego problem,cognitive biases and the
behaviour of a manager with the employees. Many decision about so many things people will
take in under pressure. For example, if company wants to launch a product they will have to take

personal decision, financial decision, political decision, which may also include some kinds of
judgement.
Internal factors.
The decision which is taken by the leaders and managers of Sainsburys, it may give
profit to the cited organisation or it may effect the business institution. . All rational making
processes requires knowledge and a great deal of time. In cited organization, there are two
important economic factors which effects the economic slowdown are inflation in food and
growing unemployment (Subramanian and Ramanathan, 2012). The demand of Sainsbury's
products will decrease which effects in the production. If the managers of Sainsbury motivates
the employees it will helpful for the organisation by it they can earn profit easily and the
production of food products will increases. Some researchers have said that the environmental,
social, and emotional influences on decision making. Sainsbury's managers have to focus on the
process to achieving the target through the functions of management by planning, organising,
directing, controlling etc.
Sometimes individual decision may influence in decision making. Their are so many
types of leaders in an organisation such as: democratic, autocratic,participative. In Sainsbury the
wave of challenges and inconsistency among the employees in the work place. If the employees
who are working in Sainsbury do their work efficiently and effectively it will be beneficial for a
firm. A good leader must be the one who see the potential in the employees and whole picture of
an organisation. Effective leadership decision making, systemic thinking, creativity, dedication,
managerial communication, and accountability to enable improvements and leadership
capabilities on business leaders and managers.
Some managers still lack the education, knowledge, quality, and leadership styles
associated with sound decision making in the sainsbury. If the mangers of sainsbury will take
decision fast and timely it will be helpful for the organisation to create their image in the market
and to beat the competitors (Talk, 2016). The competitor use many strategies which will helpful
for the production of the products. If sainsbury managers imply some rules which will helpful for
their management. Such as, the time limit of employees that should do their target on time.
M 4 Affect of these factors on the business environment of the company
There are various factors which affects the business environment to a great extent. These
factors can be categorised in customers , stake holders and government policies. With these

factors the decision making of the cited organization can be affected. The managers and leaders
have to make the decisions in accordance to fulfil the requirements of its stake holders (Tummala
and Schoenherr, 2011). Also, policies framed to achieve the goals should be in accordance with
the government rules and regulations.
D 2 Critically evaluation of application of operations management and factors
There are many factors in the wider business community which effect the business
environment of Sainsbury the most. These factors can be named as stake holders, CSR and
business ethics. In the words of Zurich( 2017), business ethics effect the operational management
of the cited organization the most as managers have to make decisions according to the
conformity with the business ethics which will lead it to the CSR policies.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned report it has been concluded that there are various types of
roles and functions of manager and leader in the discourse of Sainsbury. Also, different
approaches have been applied in the context of the said organization. It has been comprehende
that company has used contingency approach of leadership. Also, in this report various external
factors affecting the business organization has also been mentioned.
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Online
What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership?, 2017. [Online].
<http://guides.wsj.com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/what-is-the-difference-
between-management-and-leadership/>. [Accessed on 14th April, 2017].