Operations Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This assignment focuses on the application of operations research principles to achieve sustainability in supply chain management. Students are expected to analyze key aspects, issues, contributions, and challenges based on provided academic sources such as Drake & Spinler's 'Sustainable Operations Management' (2013) and Wu & Pagell's 'Balancing Priorities' (2011). Additionally, consider the role of leaders in driving sustainable practices within organizations.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Comparison of different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers.....................1
P2 Role of leaders and functions of managers according to different situations...................3
P3 Various theories and models of leadership.......................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers play........6
P5 Importance of operation management in achieving business objectives..........................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6 Impact of internal factors on operational management and decision making...................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Management and operations can be said as one of the important elements that strengthen
an organisation by providing them with the basic needs and facilities (Barratt, Choi and Li,
2011). Apart from this, they look out the whole process of manufacturing i.e. from bringing raw
material and then converting them into final goods. Thus, it is essential that all the needs and
wants are fulfilled by this department in order to gain maximum profits. Marks and Spencer
(M&S) is one of the leading company that manufactures clothes as well as grocery items. In this
report, roles and characteristics of of leaders and managers according to various situations are
discussed. Other than this, different theories and models of approach according to situational and
system leadership is included in this assignment. Importance and its value of operations
management for attaining business operations is mentioned in this report.
TASK 1
P1 Comparison of different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers
Leaders: They are the one who guide their team members to perform the task in a proper
manner. Thus, leaders lead team in specific direction from where they can easily achieve their
targets and goals. Other than this, they encourage and motivate the team members for any task.
Managers: They help the organisation by appointing the task as per the capabilities of
department and individual as well. Apart from this, managers assist the organisation in designing
and creating new policies that can provide them their relative outcomes.
Therefore, company uses the latest tools and techniques from which they can achieve
their set targets and objectives in certain period of time. Therefore, both leaders and managers do
their work as per the circumstances (Brown, Bessant and Lamming, 2013). Here, some of the
traits of managers and leaders are mentioned below that company can use for acquiring benefits:
Role of leaders
Formulates a team: In order to attain the goals and objectives, it is necessary that leaders
build a strong team. Leaders try to explain the whole procedures by which all team members can
accomplish the task properly. Therefore, leaders should be able to manage a healthy relationship
between all the employees so as to maintain a mutual understanding amongst them. This may
lead to a productive growth through which they can enhance their brand image.
1

Motivators: Leaders can be said as great motivators as they boost the morale of
individual so that they can achieve the goals and objectives. Other than this, leaders encourage
all team members to work in unity for a common goal.
Supportive: Every new employee needs support from supervisors so that they don’t feel
alienated. Leaders take the team as a whole and do not leave any individual behind. If any person
is lacking behind in his/her work, then leader supports and help him/her in doing so.
Role of Managers
Implementation of policies and plans: It is one of the major task of managers in which
they help the company in making new policies and plans in order to get competitive
advancement and profits as well. For this, managers go through the factors which are creating
any problem or vice – versa (Dekker, Bloemhof and Mallidis, 2012).
Give training programmes: It is important to provide various training programmes and
activities to workers from where they can enhance their existing knowledge. This helps them in
improving their skills and knowledge and gradually employees will become specific and task
oriented.
Monitor the action of employees: Continues monitoring of performance of an individual
will assist managers to identify and evaluate the behaviour of employees by this they will get to
know about what kind of training programmes will be beneficial for them and company as well.
Characteristics of managers and leaders
Positive behaviour: Both leaders and managers play a different role as per the
circumstances. Thus, to achieve the targets and goals, it is necessary that they maintain an
optimistic behaviour so that they can convert the negative into positive outcomes (Drake and
Spinler, 2013).
Different mind-set: To be creative in nature always add a plus point on an individual.
Managers and leaders should have an innovative way of performing the task so that they can
make themselves unique from others.
Various functions and roles of leaders and managers are given as follows:
Role of Leaders Functions of Managers
Leaders are those who represent their company
in meetings, seminars and to outsiders.
The main function of managers is to control
and operate the work appropriately so that
2

desired goals and objectives are achieved.
They provide suitable solutions to the
problems that are creating an issue in
performing the task properly.
They provide training programmes and
activities to workers so that they can improve
their skills and knowledge.
P2 Role of leaders and functions of managers according to different situations
The performance of both leaders and managers is important in order to work properly.
Thus, for M&S they are working properly in every situation and as a result, company is not
facing much problem in context with manufacturing or selling their commodities. Therefore,
both managers and leaders are important in increasing the sales and productivity (Farahani,
Rezapour and Kardar, 2011).
Some of the roles of leaders is mentioned below according to various situations:
Decision making: M&S is one of the leading company in United Kingdom, leaders are
helping them in making proper decision by participating in meetings and providing suggestions
respectively. Thus, it is assisting the company in gaining goals and targets. For this, it is
important that leaders have an adequate information related to the concept that will help in taking
appropriate decisions.
Ability of problem solving: There are various circumstances that can arise in business
operations so it is essential that leaders have the capability of resolving the issue in such a
manner that everybody is benefited. They solve problems like conflicts between employees or
supervisors. Hence, they try to create a healthy environment at workplace so that workers can
can give effective production (Fernie and Sparks, 2014).
Encouraging the team mates: This is considered as another work which is performed by
leaders of M&S. As a result, they are giving maximum benefits to the company with respect to
sales and productivity. In order to increase the manufacturing process, leaders are motivating its
team members so that they can give better outcomes.
Functions of managers as per different situations
Planning: Managers of M&S are assisting the company in making proper plan of action
which they can follow for achieving their set targets and goals. This is kind of blueprint which
guides the organisation about how to formulate the steps so as to get better results.
3

Organising: To work in an effective manner, it is necessary that all the departments are
organised in a proper way and it is done with the help of managers because they assign the task
according to the capabilities of department and individual as well.
Staffing: Selecting suitable candidates as per their abilities is the prime duty of managers
because they are the one who will work for the company in order to provide benefits. M&S is
conducting various recruitment processes so as to get eligible employee for the organisation.
Controlling: As M&S is a big company, controlling is very important. This will enable
them in producing more goods within limited resources. For this, managers and leaders are
training their employees about how to get maximum benefits from the same.
P3 Various theories and models of leadership
Leadership is known as one of the trait that make an individual different from others.
Persons who are having this quality help their subordinates in guiding them so that they can
attain their goals in specific time period. Some of the theories and models of leadership are
mentioned below:
Situational Leadership: This model of approach was found in the year 1970 and since
then it is adopted by many organisation in order to gain profits. This kind of leadership style
helps a company in dealing with all the problems as per the circumstances. Marks and Spencer is
implementing this style in order to expand their business in a proper manner. It is guiding them
in making decision according to the situations (Fuller and Martinec, 2011). For example: the best
example can be taken form the field of sports as the circumstances changes with the course of
time. Thus, it is required that coach of the team deals with all its member in a proper way so that
they can give better outcomes.
System Leadership: Under this, there are certain rules and regulations which are
formulated so that company functions in a systematic manner. It assist them in achieving set
targets and goals. Every employees have to follow these norms so as to maintain the decorum of
the company. Marks and Spencer is getting maximum benefit by applying this kind of approach.
Thus, to work properly it is prime duty of managers to communicate with the employees in a
better way so that they can know the problems which workers are facing in business operations.
For example: The process of manufacturing goods from raw material to final product. It goes
according to systematic steps.
4

Contingency Approach: According to this approach an organisation cannot gain profits
with the old structure or concept. Thus, it is required that company make changes as per the
current scenario so as to get competitive advancement (Galindo and Batta, 2013). Marks and
Spencer is adopting tools and technologies which are according to the current market situations.
Contingency approach is somewhat similar to situational approach as leaders make decisions as
they make strategies as per the circumstances present in market area.
Apart from this some of strengths and weakness are given below which is helping Marks
and Spencer is achieving the targets:
Situational Leadership:
Strengths Weaknesses
Under this, employees can easily communicate
with their managers and discuss about the
problem which is bothering them in
performing the task appropriately.
Managers cannot use same kind of methods in
every situations this may leads to decrease in
morale of their own.
System approach:
Strengths Weaknesses
A systematic approach is always good as it
makes the company more productive. This
assist the organisation manufacturing goods in
limited period of time (Goodale and et. al.,
2011).
This is a kind of approach that is aggressive in
nature thus, it may stops an individual in
presenting his/her views or innovative ideas.
Contingency approach:
Strengths Weaknesses
The biggest strength of this approach is that
leaders can use this in every situations by
doing some modifications as per the current
market circumstances.
Contingency theory can not be used in difficult
situations due to which company can face
problems in decision making or any kind of
work.
5

TASK 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers play
Operation management is the department that provides raw materials, resources and other
required items that is essential for manufacturing goods and products as per the choices of
customers. Both leaders and managers of Marks and Spencer are working accordingly so that
they can fulfil the needs and wants of customers. Therefore, some of the key approaches are
mentioned below which is providing them maximum benefits:
Six Sigma: This kind of approach is used by many companies so that they can eliminate
the defective products form the final goods (Gibson, 2012). This theory was first given by Bill
Smith and Mikel J Harry in the year 1986. Basically the main aim of applying Six Sigma is to
reduce the wastage so that the resources are kept for longer period of time. Cost can be reduced
by implementing this approaches.
Just-in-time: Under this approach Marks and Spencer tries to complete the related task in
time so that they can deliver the final products to their suppliers and distributors. This gradually
increase the productivity and sales and as a result M&S is able to sustain its superior position for
a long period of time.
Total Quality management: Giving better quality product is the prime duty of Marks and
Spencer and they are manufacturing products accordingly. Along with this company should
ensure that a healthy environment is given to the employees where they can work effectively.
Other than this, they are eliminating the barriers and issues which is not adding any value to their
market share (Goodale and et. al., 2011).
Dynamic Approach: This kind of approach is used by Marks and Spencer to be more
productive and aggressive in nature. For this, the company is using various tools and techniques
so as to get better outcomes. Mainly this is used by managers, leaders and superiors in order to
get excellent results in limited period of time.
Lean Production: Under this category organisation tries to work as per the needs and
wants of the customers so that they can increase their sales and productivity. Gradually this will
enhance their brand image in front of the customers. Thus, it is a systematic process and helps in
6

determining the behaviour of customers so that they can produce goods as per their taste and
preferences.
Continuous Improvement: With the change in course of time a dynamic modification in
market area can be seen. Thus, it is essential that companies also make some alterations in their
strategies and plan so that they can gain superior position in market area. Marks and Spencer is
also evaluating the plan of action implemented by other rival organisations so that they can five
them tough fight (Griffin, 2013).
Therefore, the role of leaders and managers of Marks and Spencer is to make a plan,
maintain a coordination between employees and supervisors. This will help them in establishing
a proper balance between all the departments. As a result the company will gain maximum
profits and be able to enhance their revenues.
P5 Importance of operation management in achieving business objectives
In every company operation management plays an important role and for Marks and
Spencer it is doing the same. It s is helping the organisation in achieving objectives in given time
frame. Managers and leaders are applying many new concepts and ideas for resolving their
problems. They also assist the organisation in manufacturing goods with superior qualities as per
the needs and wants of customers. Some of the key points that is helping Marks and Spencer in
increasing their productivity are given below:
Input into Output: This is considered as the first step under which raw materials, capital
and limited resources are converted into final commodities. Likewise Marks and Spencer is
following the entire process of producing products (Peng and Lai, 2012). For example:
Manufacturing clothes it requires raw materials which company takes from suppliers and them it
goes to further production department and at last the final product is made that can be delivered
to customers.
Satisfied needs of consumers: To remain in the market area for a long period of time it is
mandatory for companies to manufacture goods according to the needs and wants of the
customers. For making this possible Marks and Spencer is taking feedbacks and reviews form
their customers in order to know about the products which the firm had launched. This is
assisting them in knowing the behaviour of customers towards their commodities. Other than
this, it is helping Marks and Spencer is manufacturing goods as per the needs and wants of
consumers.
7

Generating revenues: Providing commodities in order to fulfil the satisfaction level of
customers will help the firm in generating more and more revenues. Apart from this, Marks and
Spencer can also launch various new products and commodities in order to gain attention of
customers. This will gradually enhance the productivity and sales.
Therefore, company should implement effective factors in achieving business aims and
they are as follows:
Employee motivation: Here leaders and managers plays an important role in boosting the
morale of their employees so that they can be more productive in nature. Through this
organisation will be able to gain maximum profits in given period of time.
Appropriate Steps: For obtaining set targets and goals it is necessary that the work is
done in a systematic manner. Thus, leaders and managers help the organisation in achieving the
same as they guide them in doing so (Singhal and Singhal, 2012).
Plan and strategies: It is prime duty of managers and leaders of Marks and Spencer to go
through all the factors which is creating problem this will help them in making proper decisions.
TASK 4
P6 Impact of internal factors on operational management and decision making
Proper judgement is required so as to gain competitive advancement, thus, it is necessary
that company makes proper decisions in order to reduce all the risks which may create hamper
situations. There are two type of factors that can put impact on operational management and
these are internal and external.
Corporative social responsibility: CSR helps an organisation in sustaining its position in
market place for a longer period of time. Under this, they consider all the factors like economic,
social and environment. Thus, Corporative social responsibility is enabling Marks and Spencer
in enhancing their brand image by providing excellent quality products to their customers. For
this, the company is delivering the products right on time so that consumers can avail them as per
their use (Wu and Pagell, 2011).
Business Ethics: It is known as one of the main element that is necessary for an
organisation to work in a proper way. Under this, company formulate rules and regulations for
the benefit of employees so that they doesn't feel alienated from the work or firm as well.
8

Superiors make these norms, and in context with Marks and Spencer managers take reviews
from their workers so that they can make laws accordingly.
Stakeholders: To run a business in a proper manner it is necessary that organisation is
having ample amount of funds. Stakeholders provides money to the organisation so that they can
buy latest tools and technologies in order to increase their manufacturing process.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that, both leaders and managers plays an
important role in taking the company in forward direction. They perform various responsibilities
according to circumstances and market situations. As it is discussed above managers and leaders
have to deal with different situations so that they can maintain a proper environment in work
place.
9

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Barratt, M., Choi, T. Y. and Li, M., 2011. Qualitative case studies in operations management:
Trends, research outcomes, and future research implications. Journal of Operations
Management. 29(4). pp.329-342.
Brown, S., Bessant, J. R. and Lamming, R., 2013. Strategic operations management. Routledge.
Dekker, R., Bloemhof, J. and Mallidis, I., 2012. Operations Research for green logistics–An
overview of aspects, issues, contributions and challenges. European Journal of
Operational Research. 219(3). pp.671-679.
Drake, D. F. and Spinler, S., 2013. OM Forum—Sustainable Operations Management: An
Enduring Stream or a Passing Fancy?. Manufacturing & Service Operations
Management. 15(4). pp.689-700.
Farahani, R., Rezapour, S. and Kardar, L. eds., 2011. Logistics operations and management:
concepts and models. Elsevier.
Fernie, J. and Sparks, L., 2014. Logistics and retail management: emerging issues and new
challenges in the retail supply chain. Kogan page publishers.
Fuller, J. A. and Martinec, C. L., 2011. Operations research and operations management: from
selective optimization to system optimization. Journal of Business & Economics
Research (JBER). 3(7).
Galindo, G. and Batta, R., 2013. Review of recent developments in OR/MS research in disaster
operations management. European Journal of Operational Research. 230(2). pp.201-
211.
Gibson, P., 2012. Cruise operations management: Hospitality perspectives. Routledge.
Goodale, J. C. and et. al., 2011. Operations management and corporate entrepreneurship: The
moderating effect of operations control on the antecedents of corporate entrepreneurial
activity in relation to innovation performance. Journal of operations management.
29(1). pp.116-127.
Griffin, R. W., 2013. Fundamentals of management. Cengage Learning.
Peng, D. X. and Lai, F., 2012. Using partial least squares in operations management research: A
practical guideline and summary of past research. Journal of Operations Management.
30(6). pp.467-480.
Singhal, K. and Singhal, J., 2012. Imperatives of the science of operations and supply-chain
management. Journal of Operations Management. 30(3). pp.237-244.
Wu, Z. and Pagell, M., 2011. Balancing priorities: Decision-making in sustainable supply chain
management. Journal of Operations Management. 29(6). pp.577-590.
Yang, M. G. M., Hong, P. and Modi, S. B., 2011. Impact of lean manufacturing and
environmental management on business performance: An empirical study of
manufacturing firms. International Journal of Production Economics. 129(2). pp.251-
261.
Online
Role of Leaders. 2018. [Online]. Available through.
<https://managementstudyguide.com/role_of_a_leader.htm>.
10