Operations Management: A Case Study of Volkswagen Group

Management and Operations
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Table of Contents
Introduction:..................................................................................................................... 3
Task 1 - Differentiate between the role of a leader and the function of a manager..........4
P1. Using examples from your organization define and compare the different roles and
characteristics of a leader and a manager.......................................................................4
Task 2 - Apply the role of a leader and the function of a manager in given contexts.......7
P2. Using examples from your chosen organization, examine examples of how the role
of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational contexts.............7
P3. Using examples from your chosen organization apply different theories and models
of approach, including situational leadership, systems leadership, and contingency.......8
Task- 3........................................................................................................................... 10
P4. Using examples from your chosen organization, explain the key approaches to
operations management and the role that leaders and managers play.........................10
P5. Using examples from your chosen organization explain the importance and value of
operations management in achieving business objectives............................................12
Task 4............................................................................................................................ 14
P6. Using examples from your chosen organization, assess the factors within the
business environment that impact upon operational management and decision-making
by leaders and managers...............................................................................................14
Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 16
Reference List:............................................................................................................... 17
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Introduction:
Operations management is that area of management, which is concerned with the
control and the design of the day-to-day operation of the business. This department
solely depends on the leaders and managers who are responsible for the management
of the operation of the organization.
The Volkswagen group is one of the largest automobile manufacturers, which is
operating all over the world. Some of the well-known competitors are Toyota, General
Motors, Ford, Renault Nissan, Hyundai, and BMW. The recent statistics have shown
that the company’s revenue is € 230.682 billion. Approximately an employee count of
642,292 is recorded in the year 2017 and is still increasing. This study will be
highlighting on the important factors of business operations and management in
accordance to the Volkswagen Group. This study will throw light on the roles and
functions, importance and the needs of leaders and managers. It will also be discussed
how improvements can be brought forward with the use of effective leadership and
management.
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Task 1 - Differentiate between the role of a leader and the function of a manager
P1. Using examples from your organization define and compare the different
roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
Responsibilities and the roles of both leaders and managers of the company are very
important for the operations of the organization. The leaders and the managers play a
vital role and it is very important for them to be aware of their roles and characteristics.
A leader is referred to that person who is responsible for commanding people and
leading them to achieve a set of goals within an organization (Heizer, 2016). Some key
characteristics that a leader must possess are optimism, honesty, focus, decisiveness,
and awareness. He/she is responsible for providing utmost support and supervision to
his/her team. Moreover, the manager must be able to take the responsibility of
administration and control of the company or the certain group of the worker. Patience
and accountability are the two important qualities that must be possessed by the
leaders and managers.
Managers and the leaders are moreover assigned to the same type of work. The quality
of work of the managers and the leaders of the Volkswagen group are almost similar to
each other. Some of the similarities between the managers and leaders’ role of the
Volkswagen group can be described as follows:
 Compassion and empathy are in the nature of the leaders and the managers of
the company.
 Positive attitude and approaches are possessed towards their subordinates’
works (Jacobs et al., 2014)
 Honesty must be present so that the employees can trust their leaders and
managers
 Managers and leaders of the company must be very patient
 The leaders and the managers must know how to appreciate genuinely for the
work of their subordinates
 Leaders and the managers should be capable of effective and responsive
decision-making.
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