Operations Management Case Studies

This assignment delves into various facets of Operations Management. It examines case studies related to energy management systems, the operation and control of electric energy transmission systems, and multi-objective operation management of renewable microgrids. Furthermore, it explores demand-side management in smart grids and the integration of battery-supercapacitor hybrid energy storage systems. Project management principles are also discussed, particularly in the context of reservoir system operations and achieving competitive advantage through project implementation.

MANAGEMENT &
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Define and characteristics & roles of leaders and manager..................................................1
M1 Differentiate within leader role and manager functions by applying concepts and theories3
P2 Leaders role and manager function apply in different situational contexts...........................3
P3 Different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership,System
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................4
M2 Weakness and strength of different methods within workplace...........................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to operations management...........................................................................6
P5 Importance and values of operations management................................................................7
M3 Evaluate how managers and leaders can improve efficiencies of operations management. 8
P6 Internal Factors which will influence on decision making and operations management......8
M4 Analyse different factors which effect business environment..............................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
.......................................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operations management is having duties of directing, managing and controlling of entire
process of manufacturing and its working environment. All these activities help enterprise to
complete their task in an effective way. Organisation have to manage all the operational
functions in an appropriate way. Marks and Spencer is an retail industry which is listed on
London Stock Exchange. Founder of this company is Thomas Spencer and Michael Marks. This
organisation provide employment to 84.939 employees within their firms. There major products
are home appliances, luxury food goods and clothing. In this report it involve various roles and
characteristics of both the manager and leader and its comparison by implementing theories and
concepts as well. Advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of theories within the working
environment. In this, also discuss the importances of operation management for achieving
enterprise objectives.
TASK 1
P1 Define and characteristics & roles of leaders and manager
Leaders
According to the William, leader is the person who owns the art of persuading people to
perform with their best efforts for achieving goals and objective of particular company or
project. Leaders guide and direct their team members for working in an collaboration manner.
These leadership skills will help the organisation to beat their competitors within the workplace.
Managers
According to Henry Fayol, the manager is a person who is responsible for controlling and
administrating all the activities in the working operation. It can control all the department of the
company and can guide the people to work on them. It should be in an disciplined as well as
systemic way for making a proper use of management skills(Bala Subramaniam, 2016).
Role of managers
Their are various different responsibilities which managers performed within Marks and
Spencer organisation are given below: Informational role: In this, Marks and Spencer management have to interact proper data
to workers which are needed at the time of meeting targets and objectives within a span
of time.
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 Interpersonal role: Marks and Spencer conduct meeting and conferencing for
interacting with their workers. Its management establish a friendly workplace and
maintain better relations with managers.
Role of leaders
Major leaders roles within the organisation gave impact on workers working within right
directions. Some of roles of leaders are as follows: Communication: Leaders must have effective interaction skills at the time of directing
their team members (Fayol, 2016). They have to communicate about objectives,
policies and plans of the company to all employees. Guiding employees: Leaders main duty is to make relations with employees in their
teams to provide proper acknowledge and information about the problems and conflicts
which take place in Marks and Spencer. Thus, providing effective guidance to
employees will aid in completion of task in an proper manner.
Characteristics of managers
It is necessary that managers should have strong communication skills which will help in
connecting with their workers of the company. It will aid in easily providing of important
information about objectives and targets effectively. Management should have proper knowledge
about concepts and theories for taking effective decisions and judgement in the term of market
situation and objectives.
Characteristics of leaders
In this, leaders have to interact with managers of Marks and Spencer and acknowledge
their thinking as well as thoughts. For making a friendly workplace they have to make team
members feel connected with Marks and Spencer operations.
Comparison within managers and leaders
Leaders Managers
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Leaders motivate employees for achieving
goals and objectives
They have to gain trust of employees.
Leaders introduce principles & guidelines.
Managers perform all the activities and
operations of an organisation.
They measure employees by their management
skills.
Managers apply the policies and procedures.
M1 Differentiate within leader role and manager functions by applying concepts and theories
Roles of leader and manager plays an important role in the development and functioning
of the M&S. Their major task is to motivate and bring confidence in their subordinates and
employee to achieve efficiency and productivity in them using discussed concepts and theories.
P2 Leaders role and manager function apply in different situational contexts
Management provides task to workers as well as responsibilities according to their skills
and abilities. In this, managers are giving duties to leaders for providing direction and guidance
to their team members. It will aid in accomplishing of work in an effective way within a time
limit. Managers and leaders are very important part of Marks and Spencer as they help in
accomplishing activities properly in several situations which affect the business. Their are some
situation in which both leaders and managers play their roles are given below:
Decision making: In this, it consists both managers and workers within conferences and
meeting for taking any decisions(Jørgensen, 2012). Marks and Spencer is an industry of retail
sector which need to upgrade their products according to new trends and market preferences. For
example: firms had decided to look for increasing their operations for introducing new goods.
In this situation, managers functions take decisions for providing proper information to
their workers about their task as well as targets. It is necessary for Marks and Spencer to make
strategies and policies for guiding workers along with that motivate them for doing activities in
an proper manner. Managers conduct training and development program for enhancing
employees skills.
Leaders role is to adopt various concepts and theories of management for making better
relations within all workers to motivate and direct them for performing their task properly.
Managers of Marks and Spencer linked with their customers and acknowledge their taste and
preferences accordingly. Leaders will execute best policies and take proper decisions.
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Risk taking: In this conditions, it defines every organisation is having different
difficulties and problems (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). In the term of having a limited resources
and require to utilize effectively. It is necessary for manpower that finance and materials must
use properly which help in running a enterprise effectively.
In this situation, Marks and Spencer organisation leaders role is to organise a meeting for
interacting with workers about the issues and disputes which are faced by their employees at the
time of implementing latest technology.
Functions of managers in this condition of risk taking is to evaluate the internal and
external factors properly. Concepts and theories of management are used for managing risk and
proper solutions. Marks and Spencer has problems in implementing of latest technology in their
workplace will not run effectively and will gave impact of firms activities.
P3 Different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership,System leadership
and contingency
Both managers and leader needs to run system activities in the proper manner which
support in development and growth of organisation. It is essential for Marks and Spencer
management to manage all the situations for maintaining companies goodwill within the market.
Some of theories are: Situational leadership theory: It refers to existing company's environment which makes
changes dynamically(López, 2015). Their are different kinds of peoples are working
within the organisation along with different backgrounds like as language, caste, religion,
gender and so on. Hence, it is important for Marks and Spencer company to adopt proper
styles and tactics for guiding and directing workers for performing functions properly.
Application of this leadership theory can be seen among Marks and Spencer with an
example: When M&S requires employees for sales department, HR manager of M&S
may uses this type of leadership theory in order to select qualified candidates as per the
requirement of the company. System leadership theory: It is refers to management responsibilities for organising the
activities of business properly for meeting objectives. It is essential to provide proper
workplace and facilities to employees for completing their task effectively. Latest tools
and technologies are implemented within working environment. So that they can
manufacture a quick services and goods for their buyers which will help in enhancing the
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goodwill within market. For an instance: Marks and Spencer consists of numerous
employees with different working and behavioural patterns, so a leadership style
designed keeping this in mind acceptable to all the employees results in enhancing the
overall productivity of workforce.
 Contingency leadership theory: In this model, it specifies their nature of functioning,
personality and many others factors which determine leaders system and functions. Every
domain is having different taste and preferences of customers along with this it also
changes dynamically. Therefore, due to this several issues are raised within the company
and for this their make coordination with team members for overcoming with the
situation. For example- HHR department of Marks and Spencer may use the contingency
theory to hire the right people for right job, resolving conflicts between existing
workforce, addressing complaints, and dealing with low productivity of some employees.
Marks and Spencer management is using situational theory of leadership as it help
managers to take a proper judgement and design a system according to their targets and
objectives.
M2 Weakness and strength of different methods within workplace
All the leadership theories are having its advantages and disadvantages within working
environment. Theories which are explained above will analyse the merits and demerits of the
following are:
Situational leadership theory
Advantages Disadvantages
It will help in managing the use of this
approach according to market condition and
make the system function properly within
workplace (McPherson and Pincus, 2017). It
will aid in maintain stability.
Management require to have detailed
information of market conditions for adopting
latest technologies within workplace. For this
they have to analysed on day to day basis
which is time consuming and very expensive.s
System leadership theory
Advantages Disadvantages
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In this, it is easy to understand and achieve the
effectiveness of leadership.
In this, it has a limited flexibility which makes
very difficult to deal with day to day changes
within working environment.
Contingency leadership theory
Advantages Disadvantages
It help in providing flexibility within a
workplace. This leadership styles is used
according to market situation along with this
aid in eliminating non favourable
circumstances of business.
In this, it is not having a specific leadership
style which are adopted by leaders. It is very
difficult within workplace as for this it posses
some experience to apply this approach.
TASK 2
P4 Key approaches to operations management.
Marks and Spencer is required to conduct the business function's effectively. Quality and
inventory management is important for M&S management for enhancing and increasing the
productivity and profitability in the company. There are different approaches which is suitable
for the management of M&S are as follow: Six Sigma: In context with M&S, this approach is useful in improvement of operation
management by eliminating an errors and defects to save reduce cost and save time.
Manager should implement technique's and methods to detect and remove the viruses,
defects and any kind of problem from the production of goods or services. For an
example: Operational manager of M&S uses Six Sigma approach with the help of new
and updated machineries in manufacturing process of clothes where false actions which
can be done by manpower reduced to minimal.
 Total quality management: This is a method in which employee and management
contributes equally to improve production of goods or services. It is considered as both
management and quality tools which aims at increasing the profitability of the business
and loss reduction. This approach is implemented to save the maximum cost on the
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process of operation and focus towards maximal outcomes. For an instance, Marketing
manager of Marks and Spencer delivers the information to operations manager related to
thinking of consumers about quality of company's clothes and other products. If there is a
need of making changes in existing products company uses Total quality management to
enhance product as per need of customers.
P5 Importance and values of operations management
Operations management deals with manufacturing of goods and services in order to raise
profitability and productivity in the business. The main purpose is to organize all operations
within the company for gaining competitive advantages and sustainability of business.
Human resource: In present context, this department plays a crucial role for Marks and
Spencer as HR manager of the company mainly recruits people with talented on the basis of the
company's requirement. For an example: manufacturing department needs engineer who can
assist staff so that improvement among this section can be done. It is responsibility of HR
manager to recruit required engineer through taking interview and through looking at his/her
qualifications.
Asset: Heavy machineries of Marks and Spencer that aid company in manufacturing of
clothing products can be considered as assets which helps them in operating business in a
successful manner.
Cost management: Cost management is the process of planning and controlling the
budget of Marks and Spencer. This type of administration is a form of management accounting
that allows Marks and Spencer to predict impending expenditures to help reduce the chance of
going over budget.
Role of operational functions:
Marketing: One of the major role this elements plays for Marks and Spencer, since the
company is dealing in clothing industry which gets changes regularly. This approach can help
operational manager in getting knowledge related to current and future trends in fashion industry.
Finance: This plays a viral role for operations management of Marks and Spencer and it
is necessary to examine organization’s finance which is being utilized that if they have got used
properly or not. It is done to carry out major functions such as the creation of goods or services
so that the customer’s needs could be satisfied.
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Strategy: Strategy within operation management of Marks and Spencer is needed to be
properly learnt. Here, planning tactics that could help them to optimise the resources and have a
competitive edge over others.
It is useful for Marks and Spencer for achieving company's objectives for creating higher
level of efficiency and productivity. It is necessary to convert useful resources and raw materials
into final outcomes for the purpose of survival and earning profits(Moghaddam, 2011). It will be
useful in controlling and distributing systems for eliminating the wastage and damages.
Management of inventory will help in making goods available at the time of customers needs. It
would help in gaining profits if there is efficiency in the process of operation management.
Decisions taken by managers for operation.
Decisions taken by Marks and Spencer executive's has influenced their scope of market
and enhance their year's of survival and profitability. Manager's of M&S has taken decision
regarding complete training and development to their workers to save time and cost of the
company.
M3 Evaluate how managers and leaders can improve efficiencies of operations management
Manager and leaders both needs to develop plans and strategies for enhancing operational
functions in the company. They can improve the efficiency of the M&S by making changes in
the structure and hierarchy level of the company. M&S should use advance technology to
overcome the issue of production shortage and revenue for the company.
P6 Internal Factors which will influence on decision making and operations management
For running business operation effectively, Marks and Spencer would take care of
maintaining and bringing sustainability and ethics. For making the process of decision making
and operation management more effective, there is a need of discussion of factors related to
internal concern of M&S which are as follow:
Human Resources Management: This is being considered as one of crucial aspect of
M&S which plays an important role for in both decision making and for managing it's
operations. Here, it is being analysed that HR manager recruits people and train them as per
working need of company.
Organisation culture - Culture plays an important role in the efficiency and productivity
of an organisation. If culture environment of M&S is good and fair, it would increase the
employee's motivation and behaviour which will result in strategic decision making process.
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Technology: Demands of customers are raising, just like that technology is also carrying
a rapid changing nature. It is vital for Marks and Spencer to keep on this element and adopt it
whenever it is needed for the company to gain competitive advantages.
Employees - Employees provides the stability, revenue and growth to any organisation.
An effective manpower with the proper training and development is a pre-requisite for the M&S
to make operation management and decision making process in the company more relevant and
perfect.
Organisational Structure - An organisation structure is an important for understanding
the hierarchy of working in a company. Decision regarding the management of operation,
changing and functioning should be taken the top level manager with the consent of everyone.
M4 Analyse different factors which effect business environment
Environmental factors such as culture, people, structure etc. influence the company's
performance as well as activities. It is the duty of management to examine all the factors along
with action to enhance profitability of the company. It is required to analyse and take care of all
the discussed factors before decision making process.
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CONCLUSION
As per above report it has been concluded that management conduct the operations of
business and design systems. It aid organisation to achieve their objectives within the limited
period of time. It is essential that funds, material and manpower should utilize properly. It will
aid in giving their quality of goods and services to their customers. Managers and leaders play a
very main role within the company for smoothly running of all the activities for achieving targets
and objectives effectively. Lean manufacturing, six sigma, and so on are the theories which are
used by leaders as well as managers to operate activities appropriately. In this, internal and
external factors provide impact on enterprise activities in an indirect or direct manner. So, that
they can take a proper decisions which will be best for organisation.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Balasubramaniam, K. and et. al., 2016. Energy management system for enhanced resiliency of
microgrids during islanded operation. Electric Power Systems Research. 137. pp.133-
141.
Fayol, H., 2016. General and industrial management. Ravenio Books.
Giuliani, M., and et. al., 2015. Curses, tradeoffs, and scalable management: Advancing
evolutionary multiobjective direct policy search to improve water reservoir operations.
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. 142(2). p.04015050.
Handschin, E. and Petroianu, A., 2012. Energy management systems: operation and control of
electric energy transmission systems. Springer Science & Business Media.
Jørgensen, S. and Zaccour, G., 2012. Differential games in marketing (Vol. 15). Springer
Science & Business Media.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H. R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
López, M. A. and et. al., 2015. Demand-side management in smart grid operation considering
electric vehicles load shifting and vehicle-to-grid support. International Journal of
Electrical Power & Energy Systems. 64. pp.689-698.
McPherson, R. A. and Pincus, M. R., 2017. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by
Laboratory Methods E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
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energy storage and synchronous condenser for isolated operation of PMSG based
variable-speed wind turbine generating systems. IEEE Transactions on smart grid. 5(2).
pp.944-953.
Moghaddam, A.A., and et. al., 2011. Multi-objective operation management of a renewable MG
(micro-grid) with back-up micro-turbine/fuel cell/battery hybrid power source. Energy.
36(11). pp.6490-6507.
Pinto, J. K., 2015. Project management: achieving competitive advantage. Prentice Hall.
Rani, D. and Moreira, M. M., 2010. Simulation–optimization modeling: a survey and potential
application in reservoir systems operation. Water resources management. 24(6).
pp.1107-1138.
Ravindran, A. R. ed., 2016. Operations research and management science handbook. Crc Press.
Slack, N., 2015. Operations strategy. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thaler, T. A., Priest, S.J. and Fuchs, S., 2016. Evolving inter-regional co-operation in flood risk
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Online
What is Operations Management?. 2014. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/what-operations-management>.
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