Operations Management: A Comprehensive Study

The provided document is a detailed study on operations management, covering topics such as supply chain management, logistics, and transportation. It includes a list of references to academic papers and patents related to the subject, as well as online resources. The document also presents a PEST analysis diagram, which is a tool used in strategic management to analyze external factors affecting an organization. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of operations management concepts and applications.

Management &
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.........1
P2 Role of leader and function of manager in different situational context...............................3
P3 Different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership,System
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................5
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers............6
P5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving Business objectives............7
P6. Assessment of factors within the Business environment that impact decision-making and
operational management by leaders and managers:....................................................................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Operations management is the management which the business operates and practices to
achieve the growth and profitability effectively and efficiently. Operational management is
basically to regulate and to design the production and distribution processes to satisfy the
customers wants and needs in the existing market. Marks & Spencer, a leading multinational
retailer in British, the headquarter is in London, the City of Westminster. Mostly the company,
sells the home products, luxury food products and clothing of good quality (Bealkowski, Lenovo
Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte Ltd, 2015). In this report, the different roles and
characteristics played by the leaders and mangers in the company are included, also there role in
different situations is also explained. Further more different models and theories will also be
discussed through analysing there strength and weaknesses in the business context. Different
significance approaches of operational management and various role of managers and leaders in
enhancing the operational activities of the firm will be discussed.
TASK 1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Marks & Spencer is a well reputed multinational retail company which was founded in
the year of 1884. The company mainly deals in high quality home products, clothing and luxury
food products . The major focus of the firm is to enhance its market reach through satisfying the
needs and wants of people at market place. The company has around 1380 stores across the
globe and has more than 84, 939 employees. A flat organisational structure is followed by the
Marks & Spencer, this structure is effective in smooth functioning of organisational operations
through appropriate categorisation of departments in which management and higher authority
has over all control on the business operation in the form of chain of command (Bessa and
Matos, 2012).
Meaning of manager
A manager is considered as an essential key of an organisation who is responsible for
managing , supervising and controlling and motivating employees for leading the progress of the
organisation in right direction. The major concern area of a manager is to attaining the
organisation desired objectives through implementing the key operations of the firm like
planning, budgeting, problem solving, staffing, controlling etc.
Meaning of Leader
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A leader is a person who is having the power to influence an individual or a group of
people towards attainment of desired goal and objectives. Leaders provides appropriate
methods, knowledge and information so that an organisational vision can be attained in an
effective manner also balanced the conflicts and coordinates among the members.
Difference among role and leader of manager
Basis Manager Leader
Risk taking The major obligation of the manager is
to reduce the chance of risk in respect to
appropriate implementation of
organisational operations (Costanzo and
et. al., 2012). As a large business firm
the manager of M&S is concerned on
minimising the risk factors as to
maintaining the smooth functioning of
operations.
Leaders are responsible for assisting the
employees towards right directions by
taking risk as to motivating teams to
build something new and innovating.
The leader of M&S are considered to be
the risks taker and encouraging people
for contributing there significant effort to
attaining own as well as their team
goals.
Focus Major focused area of a manager is to
organised plans and policies in logical
manner so that proper assistance can be
provided to the employees for
accomplishing selected objectives
On the contrary leaders are concern on
creating visions as to leading the team
work in right directions.
Management theory Leadership theory
Scientific theory is considered as management
theory which is specific and considered for
making changes in better and effective manner.
Under this theory managers of M&S has
specific role through proper planning and
taking actions in specific manner.
Contingency theory is taken under leadership.
As per this theory leader plan for contingent
situation which asrie in industry. Managers of
M&S has to analyse external market and then
take actions accordingly. Leader plan new and
innovative methods through which appropriate
outcome can be achieved.
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Characteristics of a Leaders
Confidence: This characteristic always helps the leader of M&S to tackle the situation
with confidence and also inspires their team members to overcome with any kind of issues
without any hesitations. The confident leader always focused on the targets and reduce the
problems that discourage their groups to achieve the success (Kato, NEC Corp, 2014).
Positive attitude: Positive attitude is a success key for the leader of M&S. It helps an
individuals to stay motivated in negative situations or encourage others to contribute there
significant efforts in attainment of targeted objectives.
Characteristics of Manager
Flexibility: Flexibility is a essential for the manger of M&S , they have the ability to
react positively in any situation. It involve openness , this allows the manager to quickly adapts
the changes in the business environment. This is the pathway for the manager to react rapidly.
Communication: For a manager of M&S communication is crucial characteristics, to
communicate with an individuals communication is required. It is not specifies that manager s
have to communicate the duties and expectations of employees, but also listen to an individuals
and work with them to achieve the organisational goals (Kristiansen, 2013).
P2 Role of leader and function of manager in different situational context
M&S is a leading retailer multinational company of UK which is widely concern on
attaining higher competitive edge within market place through fulfilling the desires of people. As
a large business concern M&S has an appropriate management structure in which skilled and
talent manager and leaders are contributing there significant efforts in assisting the firms in
current dynamic organisational situation which have the contending nature. The company is
concerned on following the approach of managerial leader in which mangers and leaders are
share their responsibilities and roles as per the situation in order to achieving selected objectives.
Different roles of leaders and functions of managers in the context of M&S are explained as
under:
Functions of Manager:
Planning: Planning is the considered as an key operations which performed after the
resource accessibility and adaptability of the organisation to line up the mission, vision and
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objectives. The manager of m&s develop the effective plans and policies to achieve the future
goals of the firm.
Organising: After planning the another function which is performed by the managers of
M&S is organising. In this the manager has to organise the whole personnel and structures in an
effectual manner. It is the obligations to provide the training to the right people for the right
profile (Lindström and et. al., 2015).
Commanding: The manager of the M&S has the duties to properly convey the plans and
policies of the organisation. Also to manage the workforce and to command them to check the
consistency and also inspire them to achieve pre-determined objectives within a given period of
time.
Coordinating: After commanding the manager has to coordinate their teams processes,
efforts and actions to achieve the goals in an effective manner. Managers are accountable for
both external as well as internal coordination of the firm.
Controlling: Managers are responsible for evaluating and controlling the business
activities. And also observe and report if any changes occur in performance so that they are able
to take the right decisions effectively.
Marks and Spencer is organisation having outlet in different parts of country. In business
environment, changes are taking place with rapid speed hence managers has to analyse market
and act accordingly (Ming and et. al., 2013). Some of the changes which arise in Marks and
Spencer are as under-
Fast changes- This is the situation in which changes are taking place very frequently. For
instance in case of updation of mobile application, then mangers of Marks and Spencer has to
deal with research and development department in order to get best solution of it. This is the
change which occur regularly. In this situation managers plays vital role by analysing
alternatives through which application can be updated. When techniques gets up- graded, team
leader has to motivate employees to work in dynamic environment. It is important because
employees participation is important in technological development.
Moderate changes- Marks and Spencer has outlet in India also. India is the country with
multi- geographical background. Hence, there is difference in demand of consumer as per
cultural values. In this case top level manager of Marks and Spencer is required to make analyse
demand and accordingly production has to be done. Managers must take feedback from
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consumers, so perception of customers can be known. In case of change in market trend, then
production manager must alter clothes. These changes are not done on regular basis but needs to
done at some specific interval (Morrison and et. al., 2012).
Slow changes- Slow changes are done rarely such as yearly. Evaluation of performance
is done by managers of Marks and Spencer for appraisal is an example of slow change. There are
many employees on Marks and Spencer, manager evaluate performance of workers and hence
this is effective for providing satisfaction to employees. Managers has to motivate employees to
give best. Managers must be fair and impartial while analysing performance. These changes are
not so frequent but important for making good and long relations with work force.
P3 Different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership,System leadership
and contingency
Leadership means to guide, direct. In business environment changes are taking place very
frequently, so it is essential for M&S to accept alteration in order to make good and long term
existence in society. Business operations are performed by employees, hence there is
requirement to lead them in order to achieve goals and targets. Leadership approaches used by
leaders of M&S are as under-
Situational leadership- There are different situations at workplace. This is the approach
which is applied according to situation or circumstances (Nakayama and Bucks, 2012). There is
no specific way to lead team. This approach works according to thought process of leaders and
there are possibilities of difference in view related to leading team.
Advantages Disadvantages
This style is simple and flexible to implement.
Through this style, there is good relations
among employer and employee at M&S.
This approach is not effective for achieving
long term objectives because this techniques
aims at resolving current issue.
System leadership- System leadership is opposite of situational leadership. As per this
technique there is specified policies through which leadership of team is done. In this leadership
traditional methods are used to lead workers.
Advantages Disadvantages
There is consistency in decision making, so In retail sector, competition is increasing, in
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employees feel save to perform operations in
order to achieve goals and objectives.
this case technique does not work because of
consistency.
Contingency leadership- Contingency means danger. This is the leadership is
implemented in case of emergency. For e.g. quality of product of M&S gets down, then in this
situation, contingency leadership is applied by managers of association (Palizban, Kauhaniemi
and Guerrero, 2014).
Advantages Disadvantages
In this leadership, employees view is important
in order to deal with uncertain situation. Hence
workforce feels motivated and innovative ideas
can be implemented.
This leadership may not suitable in particular
contingent situation, hence there are
possibilities of getting negative results.
Impact of managers and leaders in implementing theories on organisation-
Leaders and managers plays important role in guiding and leading team. There is
requirement of difference in mindset of employees, hence leadership provides an guide to
perform operations. In case of situational leadership, manager act according to circumstance.
This is the approach in which views of managers of M&S may differ. System theory is rigid
because there is set of strategies which has to be followed by leaders which assist in performing
business operations in desired manner (Ruiz-Alvarez and et. al., 2012). Managers analyse
performance of employees and in case of flaws measures are taken to resolve them.
RECOMMENDATIONS
As recommendations, in retail sector competition is more so in order to make good image
in industry it is important to upgrade techniques. This helps to perform business operations.
Situational leadership is the best because it is flexible and it is helpful in coop- up with situation.
This leadership must be applied with consent of employees. They must have right to take part in
decision making so new and innovative ideas can be implemented in achieving goals and
objectives.
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TASK 2
P4 Key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers
It is an area of management which deals with planning, controlling, supervising and
organising the production and manufacturing department. It's main objective is to reduces the
cost of production and improve efficiency in an organisation. Firstly, they identify the need of
consumers and enhance productivity with minimise cost and satisfy the need of customers by
providing them quality goods with least possible prices. Mark and Spencer also make strategy to
improve working environment by establishing new technology and skilled manpower (Wang and
Cullinane, K., 2015).
Key approaches of operation management are as follows: Total Quality Management:- It means an overall improvement in an organisation. This
approach deals with long term success of Mark and Spencer through customer
satisfaction. Managers and leaders of M&S are participate in rising the quality, process,
products and services with help of TQM. They take involvement of every employee in
decision making process and improve human resource management in an organisation.
They update their software and buy new machinery and tools, if necessary. TQM is very
important for M&S to become a successful organisation and enhance a great image in
front of consumers. Six Sigma:- This technique used in every firm to improve the quality of product. In this
approach managers and leaders of an organisation focuses on the need of customers and
improve quality of their products and services. Cost reduction is the main objective of
M&S, because when they reduce their cost of production then they keep low prices of
their products by which every customer can easily buy quality product with less price. It
is important for an organisation to eliminate the defects in a product or service because
defective product give negative impact on a business.
 Continuous Improvement:- There should be a continuous betterment of the products and
services, machinery and tools and structure of an organisation. One time improvement
will not work for a long time because technologies are changes and taste and preference
of consumers are also changes. M&S Ltd. deals in cloths and accessories. So, managers
have to focus on new fashion trends in market and also improve their services (Wright
and et. al., 2014).
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Roles and Responsibilities of Managers and Leaders-
Managers and leaders of M&S have power to control and manage a company. They also
have some rights and duties which helps a firm to achieve success. They should hire skill and
talented employee for a right work. They have responsibility to deal with problems of employees
and customers and try to terminate the problems. Leader should guide and motivate employees
for better performance and also evaluate their performance timely.
Importance of Approaches of Operations Management-
The approaches of operations management are very important to achieving goals and
objectives of Mark and Spencer successfully. Company follow these concepts to understand the
need of consumers and improve the quality of their products and services. The main objective of
every firm is to earn maximum profit with minimum cost and better feedback form customers.
P5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving Business objectives
Operations management refers the systematic way through which commercial activities
are performed in systematic and reliable manner. This management assist in achieving business
aims and objectives such as proper planning for activities, proper analysis of roles and
responsibilities to workers, etc. So cost and profits can be maintained because operations
manager has eyes on working style of all departments of M&S.
Operations management is important of every organisation to achieve the goals and
objectives. Importance of operations management are as follows:-
Improve productivity- It is important for an organisation to improve quality and
productivity. The ratio between input and output is called productivity. It helps to evaluate the
efficiency of employees and their efforts and contribution to achieve organisation's objective.
Managers are responsible for performance of employees because they have right to
provide them proper training and aware from new technologies. Right person should be
selected for a particular work.
Optimum Utilisation of Resources- Operation management focuses on minimise the cost
of production. Cost can be reduces by optimum utilisation of available resources. This helps to
minimise wastage and increase profit.
Managers and leaders of Mark and Spencer play a crucial role to to design, operate and
maintain the tools which are used for manufacturing of goods (Zhang, Shah and Papageorgiou,
2013).
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Increase Revenue- It is important for every organisation to increase profitability.
Operation management is a process of planning, organising, directing, controlling and
monitoring the activities perform by employees to produce goods.
Managers and leaders of M&S are liable for the financial condition of a firm because
employee's performance are depends on the supervision of top level managers. When leaders
guide and motivate their team members properly then they should help to increase the revenue of
the company.
P6. Assessment of factors within the Business environment that impact decision-making and
operational management by leaders and managers:
Marks & Spencer is a well reputed firm, products of which reach customers across the
globe. The talented staff and their leaders keep developing new strategies to strengthen the
business and provide better customer satisfaction. But there are external factors in the business
environment that have a major impact on the firm's business operations. These are:
Illustration 1: PEST Analysis
(Source: PEST Analysis, 2015)
 Political Factors: All the elements associated with the political environment of a country
can positively or negatively impact the working of an organisation. Brexit has hit the
business of companies like Marks and Spencer. Since its major dependence is on UK
markets, after Brexit, there are chances for the firm to face loss due to the change in the
local country's political scenarios. The leaders and managers, in such uncertain political
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environment should decide upon making appealing policies for the people to provide
them resources at a cheap rate, thus improving their standard of living. Economical Factors: Economically, Marks and Spencer does not look in a good shape.
Now that UK has witnessed a huge impact on its currency and reduction in commodity
prices, small retailers are grabbing eyeballs after Brexit (Zhang and et. al., 2014). In
addition to this, decrease in oil prices had a negative impact on the company in Middle
East. The leaders and managers of the firm should focus on investing more in potential
markets outside UK, like India, and should decide on cutting the prices of their products
in a cost effective manner as it would help more customers to afford their offerings and
can help them sustain in the current economic scenario. Social Factors: The optimism and confidence of the customers has dropped in UK post
Brexit, where the company has its largest market. Moreover, due to increasing product
recalls, the company is facing bad publicity. And the products are presumed to be non-
trendy. The leaders and managers should improve the quality of their human resources
and hire skilled employees to reduce product recalls, improve its quality as per the taste
of the customers. This decision would be beneficial for long-term and would facilitate
firm's position in the market.
 Technological Factors: In today's time, customers are more dependant on online markets
as it allows them to compare prices and it saves them time and energy to buy their
products from offline stores. But with rise in online shopping, companies also face cyber
breeches. To avoid that, the leaders of Marks & Spencer have decided to partner with
SureCloud, which will manage its online operations along with a close supervision on the
activities online (Ruiz-Alvarez and et. al., 2012). This would increase the safety and
foster consumer's interest and more customers can give their feedbacks online, thus,
helping the firm to satisfy their demands.
INTERNAL ANALYSIS
This is the study in which internal strength and weakness of Marks and Spencer are
evaluated. This provides information about opportunities and threats which affects growth and
development of organisation. SWOT analysis of Marks and Spencer is as under-
Strength
Marks and Spencer has strong brand image in
Weakness
Financial position of Marks and Spencer is
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market because they focus on consumer
satisfaction. In order to keep consumers
satisfy, managers of Marks and Spencer has to
analyse demand of targeted consumers and
then alter their product and services. So this
affects decision making of managers in order
to maintain good brand image of Marks and
Spencer in industry.
poor because of improper planning. So it is
important to analyse different sources of
finance which assist in improving
performance. For instance: bank loans ae
cheaply enviable as compared to share capital,
then managers will plan for loans. This affects
decision making of mangers of Marks and
Spencer to switch from share capital to bank
loan
Opportunities
These days, there is more demand of ethical
and traditional wear, so this is growth
opportunity for Marks and Spencer. Managers
of Marks and Spencer has to plan and change
their decision to enhance clothing segment.
Threat
Competition in retail sector and change in
clothing trends are the major threats. So in
order to deal with it, there is requirement of
change in working style as per change in
external environment. So threat also affects
decision making of managers of Marks and
Spencer.
Thus, it is concluded that for Marks & Spencer to succeed, it should tend to the needs of
the customers in a cost effective manner, and should pool their resources and invest them in
innovations and customizations according to latest market trends. And it should also focus on
areas that need attention, like clothing, that would help the firm to gain a competitive advantage
over small and medium-sized companies.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it is clear that mangers are important for performing business
operations in effective and efficient manner. There are possibilities that due to change in working
style managers and team leaders has to motivate workforce to give best. Operations management
is the stream of management through which business operations can be done in effective and
efficient manner which helps in saving cost and time. Technological up-gradations is good
example of fast changes, hence managers plays important role in accepting modifications.
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Situational leadership is the best theory because in this case leader can motivate, guide
employees according to situation. Total Quality management is most effective approach because
this focus on quality of product and hence this is helpful in achieving customer satisfaction.
PESTLE is the technique through which changes taking place in business environment can be
evaluated.
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