Key Approaches to Operations Management and the Role of Leaders and Managers

This article discusses the key approaches to operations management, including TQM, Six Sigma, and Lean principles. It also explores the role that leaders and managers play in implementing these approaches.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Discuss different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.............................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Role of leader and the function of a manager in different situational context..................3
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach.............................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P4- Explain Key approaches to operations management and role that leader and manager play
................................................................................................................................................5
P5- Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives................................................................................................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers.................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
For every organization it is essential to perform various activities in order to attain their
goals and objectives within stipulated time frame. For this effective management plays very
significant role as it assist in accomplishing organizational aims. It is said that it is the process
which includes various set of principles associated to the activities such as planning, directing,
organizing and controlling in order to achieve their goals. In the present report, chosen
organisation is Corus Group Plc which have their headquarter in UK. The report includes
various characteristics and roles of both leader as well as manager along with its application
among different situations. Furthermore, it includes number of theories along with models of
leadership which assist in various situations arise within the workplace. Apart from this various
key approaches are going to be discussed in an effective manner.
TASK 1
P1 Distinguish between leader and manager
The business entities are being organized for the achievement of set business goals and
objectives. In order to achieve this purpose, they are focusing on making plan in order to appoint
leaders who will develop strategies for effective business management. Thus both leadership and
management are the most vital factor for business as they are involving employees in the
decision making process. In relation with Corus the characteristics and role of both leaders and
manger are evaluated below as:
Definition of a leader and manager
A leader is described as the person who determinative group of individuals in order to
achieve their set business goals and objective (Beske and Seuring, 2014). On decipherment of
this factor the members of the team are being guided by the leaders so that expected outcomes
can be gained. On the other side manager have direct responsibility of performing all the
managerial functions in effective and planned way.
Role of a leader
Decision maker- The role of leader is related with analysing condition which are
operating in the environment by keeping in mind the thoughts of all the members working in a
team for executing effective decision. Various decision can be implemented by firm..... for their
benefits in order to achieve growth.
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Setting of vision A leader is having responsibility in order to set vision for their team
members which is composed of goals, expectations of individuals and vision statement. This
help in developing focus towards the team for having better understanding of the business
activities(Ellitan, 2017).
Role of a manager
Monitor: This is one of the most important role played by the manager in order to
monitor the different task which are executed at various level. The management team of Corus
have the responsibility to keep an eye on different business activities executed by employees at
work place. On the other side Manager should have effective communicate when taking decision
with employees.
Resource Allocator- In the present case the most important role for Manager is to allocate
resources effectively in order to fulfil the gap which arises between demand and supply factor at
work organization. It is evaluated as precarious judgement by Manager while enlisting right
person at correct time for the vacant post in order to enhance productivity at Corus (Fredendall
and Hill, 2016).
Difference Between Leader and Manager:
These term are used as substitute for each other at work place the difference which arises
is in the traits factor which a leader and manager possess when they are having responsibility of
managing their team members. The major difference among them are evaluated below as:
Basis Leader Manager
Goal Oriented A leader uses his creative mind
set for development of
business goals and objectives
that can be easily
accomplished for the set unit.
Leaders at Corus have used
innovative mind set for
motivating employees at work
place (Cook and Billig, 2017).
A manager just need to fulfil
the task assigned to them by
their superiors. Managers of
Corus have to meet the goals
but there is lack of motivation.
Manager is having the
responsibility to complete the
task which have been
consigned to them by their
administrators. Managers at
work organisation need to
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achieve their goals but they
lack in motivation
Communications Skills The leader should have good
communication skill in order
to adopt participative form of
leadership style. The leaders at
Corus follow two way process
of communication.
The managers have to adopt
leadership style known as
autocratic in order to execute
effectively all the task which
are assigned to them.
Generally one way
communication process is
follow when the members of
the staff are given instruction
for doing them.
Authority & responsibilities The leader is having
responsibility in order to
assign various responsibilities
to their team mates for
generating effective result at
work place.
The manger is assigned with
the accountability of taking
decision without indulging any
team member in the process.
It has been analysed that there are various types of leadership styles which need to be
followed by each and every leader within the organisation (Beske and Seuring, 2014). Two
types of leadership styles are as follows:
Transactional style: It is the type of leadership style where leaders of an organisation
develop strategies and policies and the sub-ordinates have to follow all these instructions so that
there goals and objectives will be attained in an effective manner. Along with this, staff members
are given benefits and rewards according to their performance as well as punishments if they
make any kind of mistakes.
Transformational style: It is the type of leadership style where leaders of an organisation
motivate their current staff members so that they will be able to develop new and innovative
products. With the help of this approach, company will be able to produce high quality products
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and services which creates values to the organisation at the competitive marketplace. In the
present context of Corus, leaders of the company provide positive working environment to the
staff members so that they feel motivated and produce positive results within given time frame
(Chung, Park and Lee, 2017).
TASK 2
P2 Role of leader as well as function of a manager in various situational context.
In a company it has been analysed that there are there are various employees within an
organisation which perform their business functions in such a manner that they must attain their
goals and objectives in an effective manner. Apart from this, such situations might create
conflicts and disputes among the staff members which affect the whole profitability. It is also an
essential role as managers need to avoid negative environment so that there must be attainment
of aims within given time frame. In the present context of Corus group, there are various
negative as well as positive situations arise which might affect the whole performance of the
company. Some of these situations are going to be discussed as follows:
Conflict situation: In each and every organisation, there are various types of individuals
working together in order to attain their goals and objectives in an effective manner. different
kind of employees work together for a specific target (Cook and Billig, 2017). All these staff
members have their own views and thoughts which are quite different from each other which
creates disputes and issues. In the present context of Corus, all these situations are quite accurate
which might affect the whole performance of individuals in negative manner. Management team
of the company handle such situations in an effective manner so that effective and positive
results will be developed. Role of a leader & function of manger are as follows: Role of leaders: It has been said that role of a leader within Corus is to resolve issues and
disputes arise within the organisation. It is the role and responsibility of a leader to
resolves all the issues by talking with the in an effective manner. Leaders of the company
helps in improving the overall performance of staff members so that they can produce
high quality products and services.
 Functions of mangers: In the present context of Corus group, it is one of the main
function of a manager that they must focus on the strategies and policies so that they can
resolve such types of issues in an effective manner. Manager of the company, execute
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some laws, rule as well as regulation within the workplace so that they can enhance the
their overall growth and development of the company.
Fast changing surrounding: Demand as well as need of customers are modifying
according to the time. Sometime alterations in technology becomes challenge for the staff
member. So it the responsibility of a manger to give a effective solution for workers (Glukhov
and Balashova, 2015). Through giving them effective training manger will be able to provide
them data and information about modified organisational stricture is process. So all the roles
along with responsibility of leader as well as mangers are as follows.
 Roles of leader: It is the main role if manger an d leader is to conduct regular basis
meetings and develop solution for staff members in a effective manner. Apart from this
changes in the situation is also an issues. So in this condition manger as well as leader
focus on staff performant which motivate the employers of cores group.
 Function of mangers: In this situation mangers of cores group organisation they have to
analysis business situations as well as analysis the situation and demand of customer also
focus on the strategy plan of organisation and provide direction to the employees in a
effective manner. It is important for the growth of an organisation (Ma and Sun, 2012).
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach.
A cluster of linked ideas with an intention of explaining something can be define as
theory. Whereas, models of approach within an organisation is a framework which is use to build
strategies in order to get desirable outcomes. Implementation of organisational theories and
model in Corus Group Plc will help them to improve their service quality as well as
organisational productivity. Some of the theories and models implemented by respective
organisation are discussed below:
Systems leadership
The theory was developed by Dr Ian MacDonald. According to this theory, leader of an
organisation is involve in creating situations where employees at different levels can work
productively according to their potential. It provide tools to the managers and other supervisors
to analyse the behaviour of employees in an organisation. Corus Group Plc can use this theory
for knowing the behaviour of their employees so that they can allocate roles according to
individual abilities and behaviours (XIANG and et. al., 2013). This will help the respective
organisation to increase their productivity and to increase their services. This strategy will help
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the leaders of respective organisation to motivate their employees and improve their overall
performance. It will help Corus Group Plc to achieve their target on time and in an effective
manner. This theory is beneficial for growth of individual as well as overall organisation.
Situational leadership
This leadership theory is based on a flexible leadership style accordant to working
condition, requirements and situation. It is beneficial for the organisation to manage the situation
and it is most effective style to carry out the situation that they are trying to influence. The
leadership have directive approach, rather than directing them the leader must need to
communicate with employees (Meyer, Neck and Meeks, 2017). Likewise, Corus group plc
shape the level of followers task and develop working style so that employees can manage every
situation effectively. They build up a positive reinforcement and rise morale so that employees
can share various problems which can be helpful in target achieving in operation managements.
They follow some characteristics of leadership like must need to understand the followers,
develop trust and confidence of followers. More mature and intelligible employees require less
direction. It is also a part of contingency theories of leadership (Glukhov and Balashova, 2015).
Contingency leadership theory
As per this theory, the situation is primarily examined and then its implemented in the
Corus Group Plc. It has been determined that the conditions are applied according to the style of
leadership. With the assistance of such leadership theories and styles, the actual goals and target
of an organisation can be easily and quickly achieved in the given frame work of time. It also has
been seen and observed that the conflicts and dispute are the two major factors which are
frequently faced by the leaders (Morelli, 2011). Due to such dominating factors the leaders
performance and the ability to make certain decisions are often affected which in turn affects the
productivity and efficiency of the whole organisation. Thus, proper application of theories
according to the problems and requirements is necessary, so that such factors does not affect the
qualities of the leader in Corus Group Plc.
TASK 3
P4- Explain Key approaches to operations management and role that leader and manager play
There are different methods that impact the growth and development of organisations at
marketplace. With reference to Corus, the manager adopt different approaches such as TQM, six
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sigma & lean principle to carry out business activities effectively. Below are the detail
description of these approaches which are a follows:
TQM: Total quality management is a tool that emphasis on maintaining the standard
quality of a product. In current aspect, appropriate strategies are used to give services in order to
gain attention of customers. In context to Corus, the company focuses on maintaining quality in
both goods as well as services so that it creates a good brand image in the mind of customers.
The manager have given training session to the subordinates so that they know how to execute
the business activities (Qin and Nembhard, 2015). The five principles such as emphasis on
customer, producing & developing quality work, strategic approach that helps organisations to
improve the quality at workplace. Effective communication among the subordinates & employer
helps company to build a positive result for Corus.
Lean Management: It is a tool that helps in reducing the waste and improve the quality
pf goods & services at regular intervals of time. In addition to this, these tool follows an
organized process that eliminates the waste and increase the efficiency of organisations. With
references to Corus, the company have follow lean management tool in appropriate manner in
executing the activities. It includes implementation changes, control & standardization of quality,
critical analysis and so on. The company could plan and programme strategies in order to alter
new features in the old product or to bring new product in the market. The mangers of the
company doing market analysis which is necessary to know the mindset of customers related to
the particular product as well as services (Simon, 2011).
Six Sigma: It is a method that reduces the waste of services and product up to an extent.
Its work is based on the statistical data, data driven that continuously remove the defects from
the product. Six sigma helps companies to gain customer loyalty. These tool follows DMAIC
approach that is define, measure, analyse, improve & control in order to build good quality
product for the customers (Ma and Sun, 2012). Six sigma tool resolve issues related to operations
of work culture of the company. With reference to Corus, the manager of the company uses these
tool to reduce the defect fron the customer so that customers can satisfy in terms of quality. After
this, managers plan effective strategies in order to attain objectives of the company.
From the above study it has been identify that upper level authorities of Corus has play a
crucial role in keeping quality in products as well as services. In addition to this, the managers
identifies the market position so that correct information can be gathered. They take feedback
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from target customers so that they can improve its quality according to their customers
requirement which leads to customer satisfaction. This will increase the sale & profitability of
Corus.
P5- Explain the significance & value of operations management in order to attain business
objectives.
Operation management refers to manage a business practice in such a manner so that it
will create high level of profitability and effectiveness within the organisation (Meyer, Neck and
Meeks, 2017). It is generally concerned with converting raw material into finished goods in order
to satisfy the needs and requirements of customers. With the help of this, managers will be able
to produce high quality goods which will assist in beating cut thought competition available at
the marketplace. In reference to Corus group, managers effectively control and manage all the
business operations in an effective manner so that positive outcomes will be produced. Some of
the most essential significance are as follows:
Reduction of cost: It is said that managers as well as leaders of Corus helps in examining
and identifying various alternative solutions, so that overall cost of the company will be reduced
(Morelli, 2011). It has been said that, it is very essential for the manager to communicate all the
business functions in an effective manner so that all the activities will be done appropriately
within the workplace. Along with this, while purchasing goods and raw material it is essential for
the managers to interact with each other so that they can develop some strategies to reduce the
overall cost. Transportation cost might be reduced by the management team so that whole
profitability and performance of the whole organisation increased.
Enhancing overall productivity: In order to create positive results in a organisation with
the help of which company will be able to grow and sustain at the competitive marketplace.
Within the company Corus, managers and leaders develop various plans and execute some
strategies so that they will be able to improve their overall productivity.
With the help of above mentioned report, it has been said that operation management
plays very significant role in order to perform business operations in an effective manner. With
the help of this, management teams of Corus balance all the functions so that they can attain
higher profitability at the marketplace (Wang, Jie and Abareshi, 2015).
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TASK 4
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers
Business Environment mainly consider element as well as power which has a significant
impact on overall ability to maintain & building of a successful customer relationship. On the
other hand operations management is concerned with For daily functioning of company with
efficiency. In organisation there are some factors which have a impact on operations
management and decision making by leaders in the company. Some of major factors which have
a influence on decision making by leaders in corus are described below:
 Culture: Organisational culture is related to system of shared values and beliefs which
are related to assumption in a company that helps in governing employee behaviour in
organisation. It is very important and at same time a requirement which is that employees
are feeling safe and secure in the overall working environment of company so that their
full potential can be utilised and this can help in increasing their level of performance
(Qin and Nembhard, 2015).
 Social Factors: These are many various social factors which have to be considered by
business organisation which is related with beliefs and customs. Operations management
is always affected by various social factors. Structures of existing population has a effect
on demand and supply which keeps on changing and is never constant. In reference with
Corus, it can be said that there has to be adequate amount if research conducted which
can help them in making a understanding of all the social factors and their affect on
changing internal conditions. Leaders are ones who are responsible for various social
changes and trends for taking best decision and further implementing them into business.
 Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate Social Responsibility includes all sort of
business duties and various different responsibility which are being offered by different
organisation to their employees, customers and other related stakeholders in company.
organisation offers to its employees, customers, suppliers, investors and shareholders.
Operational management and function of decision-making of mangers and leaders is high
affect on corporate social responsibility (Wen-chao, Fan and Wen-wen, 2012).
 Stakeholders: These are a group of people who posses a very high impact on objectives
and actions of a business. Stakeholders include employees, directors, and many others.
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Stakeholders impact operations management in organisations as they all play a very
essential part in implementation of overall decision of a company. In context with Corus,
managers and leaders are responsible for making all the important decision after
consideration of all the stakeholders in the company.
The stakeholders in Corus are employees, customers, government, investors and
suppliers. They are responsible for managing overall expectations of of stakeholders in company.
Corus is involved in making various discussions which are very important for understanding
opinions and views (Wiggins, 2014).
From above mentioned factors which is having a impact on operational management in
various ways. It can also be concluded that decision making is in hands of a various leaders &
mangers which is affected by various changing policies in the organisation. This is a very
necessary step which has to be done so that business objectives are achieved in a specified time.
CONCLUSION
With the assistance of above mentioned report, it has been identified that operation
management plays very significant role which helps in conducting business functions in an
effective and appropriate manner. All these things are getting positively only if management and
other department perform in a coordinated manner. Along with this managers need to provide
appropriate and correct guidance to their staff members so that goals and objectives will be
attained within given time frame. Furthermore, appropriate, good and effective management
assist in taking right decision so that efficiency of employees will be improved. At the end,
different leadership approaches as well as theories applied within the organization so that
strategies and policies help in increase profitability.
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