Management and Operations: Definition, Comparison, and Application of Models

This report explores the definition and comparison of leaders and managers, examination of specific examples, application of different models and theories, main approaches to operations management, and assessment of business factors affecting decision-making. It also highlights the importance and value of operations management in accomplishing business objectives. The case study focuses on Nestle and its operations.

Management
and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
P1. Definition and comparison of a leader and manager........................................................1
P2. Examination of specific examples....................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P3. Application of different models and theories to particular situations..............................3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................4
P4. Main approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers.............4
P5. Importance and value of operations management in accomplishing business objectives5
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................5
P6. Assessment of business factors that affect operational management and decision-making
by leaders and managers.........................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Management is the backbone of an organisation which comprises of different types of
functions to be exercised for the attainment of goals and objectives. On the other hand,
operations are the activities carried in a business organisation which involve processes for
transforming the raw material into finished goods (Al Harbi, Viswanathan and Al Shamsi, 2018).
In this report, Nestle has been chosen which has its headquarters located in Vevey, Vaud,
Switzerland. This assignment is going to include definition and comparison of different roles and
characteristics of leader and manager, examination of different examples, application of models
and theories, main approaches of operations management and assessment of factors in business
environment.
P1. Definition and comparison of a leader and manager
Definition of leader and manager
Leader- A leader is a person who influences others or stimulates followers to achieve a
desired goal. Also, a leader should be enthusiastic and make others believe that goal is realistic in
nature. Also, it is important fir both the parties to understand each other than only specified goal
can be achieved.
Manager-Manger is one who is responsible for managing group or staff of organisation
to attain a common objectives. It also act a bridge between employee and organisation. Thus,
manager simplifies the work role of a firm.
Attributes of Leader-
Communication: A leader should deliver information to its followers. Because followers
will only follow a leader when both the parties are ready to listen each other point of view.
Without a communication, ideas and objectives cannot be attained. A message is only effective
when faith is built between both leader as well as followers (Blanco and et. al., 2018).
Optimistic: An objective is only achieved when positivity revolves around. So, a leader
should be optimistic in nature because it reflects that individual can tackle the uncertainty
situation or can overcome the failure. A leader with optimistic mind can change the world.
Attributes of manager-
Knowledge- To get the things done, awareness is important. So, a manger should have
proper knowledge of areas or segments which are to be required in management. Also, it
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develops the confidence of a manger to handle multitasking tasks. Without a knowledge, manger
is unable to performs or complete the given task.
Confidence- The most important attribute of manager is that confidence should be
present to achieve the organisation goal. It results to setting up the limits at higher ladder. To
achieve goals and overcome the fear confidence is crucial. Hence, to be different from others
confidence is the key.
Difference between manger and leader
BASIS LEADER MANAGER
FOCUS A leader vision is to focus on
what is important to achieve a
goal.
A manger focus on completion
of specified task.
MOTIVE Leaders set their targets in
context to long term future
prospectives.
Manager main motive is to get
more and more numbers in
short term.
SKILLS Leaders skills are not learned
they are inherit in nature
(Chouksey and Sirsikar, 2016).
Manager skills can be learned
and improved.
RESPONSIBILITY A leader is responsible to its
followers and works for them
and solve their problems.
A manager is responsible to
organisation as well as staff
and works with aim to achieve
the given task on time.
P2. Examination of specific examples
Every organisation faces operational challenges in their business. These challenges are
threats to firm as they effect efficiency and growth of business. In context to Nestle, there are
some challenges which are creating a huge problem some of them are mentioned below:
Effective communication- Communication is the key factor in business to succeed. It
delivers the message to the audience. It is important in organisation for smooth functioning and
to achieve the desired goal. In context to Nestle, as it is a diversified company, their
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communication with employee, market is not so strong. So, it need to be more effective in order
to increase their sales revenue and profitability (Crema and Verbano, 2015).
Role of leader- Leaders in organisation plays important role at each stage. They motivate
employees to overcome the challenges and fear. Leaders in Nestle are self motivated and they
willingly help subordinates and understand their point of view. Hence, both the parties contribute
equal efforts to the organisation.
Functions of manager- In an organisation, manager works with group and achieve the
task in given period of time. They act as utilised resource in every segment of firm. In context to
Nestle, manager conducts meetings and group discussion every week in order to tackle the
uncertainty of market activities and to determine growth of the business (Gajapathy and
Balanagarajan, 2018).
Conflict- Every organisation has conflicts amongst its management and personnel.
Conflicts are tend to be happen because of difference in ideas, views, opinions etc. Nestle is
deciding for termination of the incapable employees in order to enhance and improve the
performance and efficiency of business.
Role of leader- A leader should always be well aware about in and out situations of
organisation which helps in determining and elimination of errors in future. In context to Nestle,
leader maintain the boundaries between subordinates and organisation. Brainstorming is
implemented in order to understand each other's point of view. Thus, it helps in
Function of manager- A manager is responsible for managing of employees and
organisation. Managers in Nestle are goal oriented and work with collaboration in order to
achieve common objectives. Moreover, they are equal to everyone and employee readiness
increases to do the work with enthusiasm.
TASK 2
P3. Application of different models and theories to particular situations
Different leadership models
Situational Leadership- Situational leadership refers to adoption of changes by leaders
according to arising situations. Organisation adopts situational leadership in order to tackle the
uncertainty of market activities (Holweg, Staats and Upton, 2018. In context to Nestle, they are
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always ready for new innovations and experiments. Nestle doesn't believe in static management
rather being dynamic is their success factor.
Contingency Leadership- This theory states that leader effectiveness depends upon
behaviour of employees in different situation and how well it is being adopted and other factors
also affects such as internal presentation skills, personality etc. In context to Nestle, it should
formulate new policies and strategies for creating new positive environment in the organisation.
System Leadership- This theory states that how one should lead in uncertain situations
and different sectors of organisation or boundaries when authority is not provided. Thus, set of
individuals skills, efficiency and capability in various tasks is analysed in this theory. This theory
is used in Nestle as it can change the overall productivity of organisation. Multi-tasks are given
to employees in order to check their capability of handling the work pressure and difficult
situations (Kim, Jin and Lee, 2016).
TASK 3
P4. Main approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers
Approaches are useful for the sustainability and growth of a business. In the context of
Nestle, there are several approaches like TQM, six sigma, etc., which can be opted by the
management. Some of these have been elaborated underneath:
Total quality management (TQM)- It refers to process through which errors in
manufacturing are detected with a view to mitigate them. It helps in enhancing customer's
experience by providing them high satisfaction. It emphasizes on the quality of finished item or
service which can fulfil the expectations of consumers. In case of Nestle, the management is
focused on improving quality standards with the application of this approach. This in turn helps
in retaining the customers for a long time. Also, it can make a strong position in the marketplace
in order to sustain among the competitors (Raja, 2015).
Lean management- This approach of operations management refers to the handling an
entity in order to make improvements on a continuous basis. It is used for long term basis so that
productivity and quality can be made better. With reference to Nestle, this approach can help it
reduce the wastage which ultimately increases the value of its products. Also, there is no
requirement for it to make adjustments with existing quality standards. Furthermore, if wastage
of costs can be controlled then it will be easier for the company to enhance it productivity.
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Six sigma- It is a method which emphasize on improving the capabilities of a business
entity. The main purpose is to reduce differences in processes so as to increase the performance.
Further, it leads to more profit and the quality of products or services is maintained. In case of
Nestle, six sigma can be the appropriate approach which can successfully remove the defects to
an extent that in no circumstances, the quality is hampered. Moreover, Nestle can achieve its
goals with the implementation of new processes and technology.
In relation to Nestle, the managers have to undertake the duties and responsibilities for
analysing the current situations and incorporate modifications which can be beneficial for the
company. On the other hand, leaders have the role to provide guidance to sub-ordinates for
making them attain the objectives.
P5. Importance and value of operations management in accomplishing business objectives
Operation management is defined as the practice which brings desired results in the
organisation. It comprises of several processes for converting input into output. Also, companies
should take into consideration the expectations stakeholders (Sabry, 2016). In relation to Nestle,
the managers tend manager operations effectively for attaining favourable outcomes. Some of
the significance are as follows:
Increased productivity- This is about formulation of plans by the managers of Nestle
which can be implemented within the organisation for attaining the objectives. Provided, these
plans should be executed properly in to enhance productivity.
Reduction in costs- The management of Nestle focus on different opportunities and
substitutes for lowering the costs. That alternative should be chosen by the managers which is
cost-effective. In this way, it can reduce the costs which can be utilised in something profitable.
Management by objectives- There are various models and approaches which are used
by the managers of Nestle to achieve goals and objectives by the employees. The meaning of
management by objectives is to let employees work according to the guidance and directions
given by the managers (Tyagi, and et. al., 2017).
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TASK 4
P6. Assessment of business factors that affect operational management and decision-making by
leaders and managers
A business environment works on different elements which may affect the business
activities. Operations management undertakes the functions of organisation and factors impact
decision making by leaders and manages. These have been discussed below:
Culture- It is beliefs and values held by the employees working in the organisation as
these are responsible for influencing their behaviour. There should be efforts for developing a
positive business culture within the organisation.
Social factors- The social factors are dynamic in nature which change with the time and
prevailing business environment. These include demand, supply, etc. due to which operations in
organisation need to be modified. In relation to Nestle, leaders and managers have to analyse the
internal functioning of organisation so that necessary adjustments can be made.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR)- This factor is linked with social responsibilities
of entities towards its stakeholders. In the context of Nestle, it is a large company which
undertakes such activities to fulfil the expectations of its stakeholder in order to have them
associated for a long time (SenGupta, 2019).
Sustainability- This variable is connected with the survival of organisation for a long
time. It is related to the environment in which an entity operates. In the context of Nestle,
managers and leaders have the functions and roles to explore the opportunities and have
understanding of threats in order to prevent any influence on the sustainability of business.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that leadership is significant in motivating
the employees to work towards the organisational goals. There are different approaches and
styles of this which can be applied by the leaders for effectively management of human resource.
Furthermore, this can lead to desired results by mitigating conflicts in the workforce. It is
significant in maintaining a co-ordination and competition which can boost employees' desire to
work for the company. On the other hand, there are methods such as TQM, Six Sigma, Lean
management etc. which are helpful in carrying the activities smoothly. With the help of these,
organisation can achieve the targets without any delay leading to positive outcomes.
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REFERENCES
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Blanco, J.L., Fuchs, S., Parsons, M. and Ribeirinho, M.J., 2018. Artificial intelligence:
Construction technology's next frontier. Building Economist, The, (Sep 2018), p.7.
Chouksey, S. and Sirsikar, S., 2016, March. An Efficient And Economical Solution For Future
Traffic Management System Using RFID. In Proceedings of the Second International
Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Competitive
Strategies (pp. 1-5).
Crema, M. and Verbano, C., 2015. Mapping lean experiences and emerging connections with
clinical risk management in Italian context. Business Process Management Journal.
Gajapathy, V. and Balanagarajan, K., 2018. Enterprise Risk Management in it and its
Governance: A Pragmatic Analysis for Operational Efficiency in Banking. Global
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Holweg, M., Staats, B.R. and Upton, D.M., 2018. Making process improvements stick. Kenan
Institute of Private Enterprise Research Paper, (18-22).
Kim, J.H., Jin, D. and Lee, P., 2016. Cyber physical system-based convergence operation of data
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Raja, M., 2015. A study on efficiency of inventory management with reference to Larsen &
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Sabry, H., 2016, November. Integrity Assurance of Critical Common Pipelines of Two ADNOC
OPCO's. A Success Story. In Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition &
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SenGupta, S., Efficient Asset Performance: The Operational Components of Railways.
TL, P., 2019. Review of Technologies in Industry 4.0 Revolution.
Tyagi, A., Kurcz, C., Grushin, A. and Nanda, J., 2017. DAAS: Data Analytics for Assurance of
Safety. In 17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference (p.
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