Operational Management and Leadership Theories

This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of operational management and leadership theories, including Six Sigma, Lean Production, TQM, and others. It highlights the importance of effective management and leadership in improving efficiency and making short-term changes to eliminate waste and improve product quality. The assignment also emphasizes the need for automated processes, control measures, and goal measurement to support defect identification and improvement.

Management & Operations

INTRODUCTION
Every organization requires a proper management structure so that operations can be
handled in effective way. There are various types of operation performed in every department.
also, thee must be a smooth flow of operations so that goals are achieved in given time. the
management structure and roles and responsibilities differ according to nature and size of
organization (Wang and Cullinane, 2015). A manager and leader play significant role in
operations. They are responsible for assigning roles and reporting to management. This report
will compare different roles and characteristics of manager and leader and how it applies in
situations. It will also describe various leadership theories and approaches of operational
management. At last factors are determined that impact on decision making. For report
organization taken is Marks and Spencer.
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P1 Different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Marks and Spencer is a British multinational public limited venture that belongs to retail
sector and operates globally. It has around 979 stores across UK. It offers high quality and
branded clothing accessories to people. as company is spread all over the world, it is having a
complex structure. They follow hierarchal structure in which authority flows from top to bottom.
At top regional manager is there, then comes general manager, supervisor and at last employees
or staff.
A manager and leader differ in their roles and responsibilities. They possess various traits
and characteristics that enables in managing task (Jia, 2016). The overall strategies and process
are developed that provide a systematic way of how activities will be conducted. Furthermore,
policies and procedure are developed related to reporting. They also form team and assign roles
to them. On contrary leader direct employees to complete their task. They take initiative to work
in creative way.
A manager is a person who controls and regulates activities of organisation. they assign
roles to staff and allocate resources as per requirement. Moreover, they develop strategies and
plans and evaluates it with set standards. manager manages task and teams.
A leader shows or guides employees in achieving goals and objectives. They also direct
to right path by working creative way. the leader is responsible for execution of activities.
Characteristics of manager
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Time management – a manager should be able to manage activities in proper time. He or she
must design a schedule as per time frame.
Organising – he or she must organise activities by assigning roles according to skills and abilities
of employees.
Knowledge- manager must possess knowledge about various things. he or she should be highly
experienced.
Communication - manager must properly communicate with superiors and employees as they
connect top and middle level management.
Characteristics of leader
Confidence – leader is always full of confidence. It enables them to guide employees in right
direction.
Positive attitude – the leader shows positive attitude towards employees. this behaviour reflects
how he or she develops relationship with them (Thomas, Deblecker and Ioakimidis, 2018).
Creativity – leader always work in creative way by thinking outside the box. He or she finds out
new ideas or ways of doing task so that goals are attained before time.
Manager Leader
Manager set goals that has to be achieved in
short term
Leader creates a vision for long term.
Manager do not prefer to take risk and try to
reduce it by taking proper actions.
Leader takes risk as they know benefits of it.
Managers focus on policies and procedures. Leader focus on working in creative way.
Manager develops process and procedure so
that work is carried out accordingly.
Leader builds relationship so that trust can be
gained.
Manager believes in working in team Leader believe in working individually.
Manager direct people on how to work. Leader acts as coach as they know skills and
abilities of individual.
In Marks and Spencer manager is responsible for developing strategies at their level.
They implement it and allocate resources as per requirement. On contrary leader motivates
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employees to work in creative way. they apply different styles so that task objectives are
completed.
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P2 How the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situation
Manager role in organization is to organize, control and manage operations in different
ways. They develop goals and strategies for particular time period. On other hand leader apply
different leadership theories to attain goals set by manager.
Change implementation – This is the most common situation that is faced by every
business. In this a manager and leader play significant role (Manzini and et.al., 2018). Here,
changes are applied in certain areas to enhance efficiency. Manager role is to develop a plan
through which change will be implemented. They form team and assign task to them. Leader role
is to execute that plan and apply changes. They guide employees and shows right path.
Furthermore, leader motivate employees so that quality is maintained. in this way change is
implemented in Marks and Spencer. It will help in increasing productivity an operational
efficiency of Marks and Spencer.
Increasing productivity – It is very essential for Marks and Spencer to increase
productivity so that more revenue can be generated. This is done by redesigning process or
methods of production. With it, errors are determined and it is eliminated. Manager is
responsible for controlling activities. They set standards on basis of which results are evaluated.
Leader works closely with employees. By working in creative way, activities are done.
To improve product quality – this situation enables Marks and Spencer to make
changes in product features so that its quality is improved. the strategy applied enable in
modifying process to enhance its quality (Jafari and et.al., 2018). The manager role is to identify
those areas where change is needed. Then, plans are developed and executed. Leader role is to
provide a blueprint and communicate to employees.
By applying all approaches by manager and leader in Marks and Spencer, it will help in
enhancing product as well service quality. There will be change in method and process od
producing products. It will change overall operations of company
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach
There are different leadership theories that are applied by leader with change in business
situation. It is done so that operations are not impacted. The implementation of theories depends
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on traits or skills of leader. Moreover, theories are applied if there is any change in organisational
culture. The theories are described below: -
Situational leadership- This type of theory is applied when there comes any complex situation
in business. here, leader changes his or her style of leadership according to change in situation. It
is done to bring change in culture so that goals and objectives are achieved in time given (6
Leadership theories. 2014). The advantage of applying this theory is it brings out creativity
within employees. leader is closely involved with team and supervises their behaviour. The
disadvantage is employees resist change as they want to work in similar way.
System leadership- Here, leader creates conditions where all people work together with their
potential. The leader applies some principles and process (Jamous and et.al., 2018). It helps in
understanding behaviour of person. Likewise, leader develops relationship with employees
before assigning task.
Contingency theory – in this there are different types of theories that are followed. These are as
follows :-
 Path goal- the leader set specific and clear goals for subordinates. This is done so that
employees work in their own way by removing obstacles.
 Expectancy theory – it states that employee motivation level is dependent on leader
influence. The performance of employee will automatically encourage them to initiate
challenging goals. A leader encourages individual on basis of goals assigned and his or
her job performance.
Vroom yetton model- in this theory leader allows employees to participate in decision making
process so that problems are identified and solved in effective way. but the final decision is taken
by leader (Desai, Makwana and Verma, 2017). Moreover, they decide who and how
subordinates will be involved. Basically, there are five types of style in it that are autocratic,
consultative, etc.
Transformational theory – in this leader works with team by inspiring them. they motivate
them to take more challenges. With it, they are able to bring change in working. The theory
depends in attribute of leader.
Conclusion -It is concluded that the roles of leader and manager differs to a great extent. they
perform various roles and responsible in organisation. moreover, any decision taken by leader or
manager impact on Marks and Spencer goals and objectives They perform different roles
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according to traits and characteristics possessed. manager is responsible for managing activities
whereas leader role is to guide on how to perform that task. There are different leadership styles
such as situational, contingency, etc. applied according to company.
In Marks and Spencer leader can apply different leadership styles according to situation.
It will benefit in implementing changes and making it easy to for employees to adopt it.
moreover, with this operational efficiency of organization will enhance.
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P4 Approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers
It is very necessary to manage operations so that efficiency is maintained. otherwise it
can lead to fall in sales and failure of overall plan. In order to improve it there are various
approaches. They are applied as per nature and size of organisation.
There are many key approaches in operational management. They are discussed below :-
Lean production- It is an approach in which company focuses on cutting out waste so
that production can be reduced. It aims at ensuring quality of product. This is applied at all levels
of Marks and Spencer where waste is eliminated thus resulting is reducing per unit cost. Manager
role in this is to develop an effective procedure to be followed. They assign roles to employees.
Leader on other hand direct staff to work in creative way (Chotipanich and Issarasak, 2017).
With help of effective decision making new process are executed. This enhances productivity of
employees in Marks and Spencer.
Six sigma- This approach is based on statistics and data and information derived from
business. By analysing data defects are eliminated in products, service, etc. so that its quality can
be improved. It is emphasis on continuous improvement by making small changes in process.
The manager assigns roles and task and develop new procedure. Leader thinks outside the box
and work in creative way. they both allow employees to participate in decision making process
so that suggestions are discussed.
TQM- this approach is applied for long term. Here, Marks and Spencer emphasis on
gaining customer satisfaction by providing them high quality services. by applying this, business
overall services, process, culture, etc. are improved. Also, efforts are made for continuous
improvement so that efficiency of Marks and Spencer is maintained (Goel, 2017). the role of
manager is to evaluate results so that improvements can be identified and plan are developed.
furthermore, goals are developed for short term. The leader is responsible for execution of plan
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and attaining goals. Thus, by integration of efforts done by manager and leader efficiency is
maintained for long term.
Kaizen – It is similar to TQM but in this small changes are made in particular areas. due
to small changes, it can reap major improvements. Kaizen is interlinked with lean production. It
is applied from top to bottom level. The aim is to remove defects from and making continuous
improvements. Moreover, innovative way of working is implemented. In this manager role is to
identify loop wholes and develop plan on how to improve them. they make changes in policies
and procedure. Leader apply leadership theory to enhance productivity of employees in Marks
and Spencer. they find out new ways of performing task and achieving goals.
In this way manager and leader play different role in operational approaches. Through it,
goals are attained leading to enhance in quality of product. In addition, resources are utilised in
proper way resulting in wastage. Also, cost is reduced and profit margin is increased.
P5 Importance and value of operation management in achieving business objectives
Every business requires changes that has to be made and implemented with market
condition. It helps in growth and development in industry (Wang and Cullinane, 2015). For this
there are many approaches of operational management that can be used. It helps in improving
efficiency and attaining goals. operations are most essential part of business. With this they
perform daily functions to attain goals. Marks and Spencer have also applied some operational
management approach. They are as follows :-
 The operations can be handled and managed in effective way. It shows overall plan in
which it is described that what activities are been performed by whom and when. It also
analyses what resources are being used by which department.
 It enables Marks and Spencer to effectively utilized resources like raw materials,
machines, labor, etc. so that objectives are attained. Furthermore, planning, organizing,
controlling, etc. of activities are elements of operations.
 Operation management helps in improving overall productivity. Manager is able to
identify efficiency of employees by balancing input and output ratio. Through proper
utilization enormous profits are generated.
 With proper handling of operations issues are identified and solved. It helps in smooth
flow of business functions. Thus, quality of goods is maintained and cost of production is
reduced (Thomas, Deblecker and Ioakimidis, 2018).
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 The organization is able to meet demand of market that led to rise in sales and profits.
Through this, growth and development is done.
 The approaches help in providing a platform through which small improvements are
made. It helps in finding out defects in system or process. Thus, strategies are developed
by managers to improve them. With this it becomes easy to attain goals and objectives.
 In order to bring change in production process operational management approaches can
be applied. With help of it, goals are developed and changes are implemented.
LO4
P6 Factors within business environment that impact upon operational management and decision-
making
There are several factors that can impact on decision making. This is because business
operates in macro and micro environment. So, any change in macro will highly impact on
decision taken by manager and leader. Also, change in macro can not be controlled and business
is directly connected with it (Manzini and et.al., 2018). therefore, it is very important to analyze
those factors so that changes can be done. The factors are discussed below :-
Political – Marks and Spencer is expanded globally so they have to analyze the political
condition of every country. It is because government develop and regulate laws and regulations
related to trade. So, any change in it will highly impact on decision taken by manager and leader.
They will have to analyze them before opting for operation approach.
Economic – It is most fluctuating factor that influence on manager and leader decision
making. This is because any change in economic condition restricts Marks and Spencer to make
changes in prices. So, manager has to develop strategies accordingly. In context to this, it
becomes necessary for manager to make changes in plans. The leader changes way to measure
performance of employees. both have to find different way of reducing per unit cost.
Social- Change in ethics and CSR activities directly impacts on operations of company.
They have to opt for relevant approach through which resources are utilized effectively. likewise,
alteration in reducing waste in operations impact manager decisions.
Technological – it also impacts on decision making. This is because advancement in
technology enforces Marks and Spencer to implement new methods and process in operations
(Jafari and et.al., 2018). Hence, manager has to find out how technology change can be done.
moreover, whether it will be beneficial to apply this change or not. Manager evaluates what
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resources are available and how it will impact for long term. Similarly, leader analyze skills of
employees.
Legal – Marks and Spencer strictly follow laws and regulations of countries in which
they operate. Also, they have developed own policies regarding safety, working hours, etc. thus,
any change in legal framework of nation impact on operations and decision of manager.
The selection of appropriate operational approach is highly influenced by change in
factors. change in social, technological, economical, etc. factors will impact on Marks and
Spencer operations and manager decisions. Manager should alter their decision with regards to
strategy developed. in similar way, leader have to apply different leadership style so that
objectives are achieved. Other than this, goals set has to modified. In this regard company should
follow some recommendation.
Recommendations
In order to effectively apply different approaches, Marks and Spencer can follow certain
recommendations that are as follows :-
 As Marks and Spencer operates in different countries, they can hire experienced
managers and leaders so that changes are implemented in proper way. other than this,
new techniques of operations can be applied. It will improve efficiency of company.
 A risk assessment plan should be made by manager and leader so that risk can be
mitigated at time of occurrence (Jamous and et.al., 2018). The measures taken can be
considered in the future. It will useful in developing plans. Business will get overview
about what type of risk can occur and to what extent it can impact.
 Manager must make short term changes so that it becomes easy to implement. this will be
beneficial for Marks and Spencer to eliminate waste and improve product quality.
 An automated process should be implemented and control measures are taken. It will be
useful for Marks and Spencer to design new products and solve problems or issues of
customers.
 The goals should be measured and manager must evaluate each process in specific time
period. It will support in finding out defects and improving it.
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Conclusion –
It is summarised that there are different approaches of operational management such as
six sigma, lean production, TQM, etc. It helps in improving efficiency of operations. In each one
manager and leader role differs. Also, change in external factors impact on decision making of
manager.
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REFERENCES
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Jafari, M and et.al., 2018. Development of a Fuzzy-Logic-Based Energy Management
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