Operations Management at ASDA

This assignment delves into the operational management strategies employed by ASDA. It examines the role of leaders and managers in driving operational effectiveness, analyzing suitable leadership and management approaches like situational and transformational leadership. The document also explores the impact of business environment factors on decision-making, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices.

MANAGEMENT
AND OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
TASK 1......................................................................................................................................1
P1. Roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager with reference to ASDA................1
P2. Way in which role of a leader and the function of a manager is applied in different
situational contexts.................................................................................................................4
P3. Applying different theories and models of approach.......................................................5
TASK 2......................................................................................................................................6
P4. Key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers play
................................................................................................................................................6
P5. Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.......7
P6. Factors in business environment that impact upon operational management and
decision-making by leaders and managers.............................................................................8
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
To manage operations and functional activities effectually in a firm is not a simple
task and requires a lot of efforts. This is the reason; it is important for organisation to adopt a
systematic and strategic approach so that desired operations can be performed in the decided
way (Slack, 2015). In the present report, ASDA plc. will be selected which is one of the
leading British Supermarket chains in UK. Here, there will be discussion on roles and traits
and duties that leader and manager performs in organisation along with the way in which it is
applied in different situations. Further, different approaches in relation with the operations
management will be studied in the report. Also, importance and value of operations
management in achieving business objectives will be understood along with different related
concepts.
TASK 1
P1. Duties and traits of ASDA’s manager and leader
Being in the retail industry of UK, ASDA has various roles and responsibilities that
are performed by the leader and manager of company. As the firm is a supermarket retailer,
its management structure is complex with having many leaders and managers who have their
own roles and characteristics by which they perform their work. Leadership and management
are two different terms but often, they are being used interchangeably. To become a good
manager, at first, a person needs to be an effective leader (Fernie and Sparks, 2014).
However, to be a leader, being manager is not necessary. Leadership is the ability of a person
to guide, direct, support and influence people in a way that they will follow his/her
instructions. On the other hand, management is an art of a person by which he/she gets work
done by others. Some of the roles and characteristics being performed by leader and manager
in ASDA are stated as below:
BASIS LEADER MANAGER
Meaning of leadership
and management
In ASDA, he is the one who
has capability to motivate
people by his guidance and
direction and help them to
contribute their efforts in the
success and attainment of
organisational goals
He is an individual in
organisation who comprises
directing and controlling a
group of people with an aim to
promote coordination among
them so that set targets of
company can be effectually
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achieved.
Personality Style Leader in ASDA is known for
his brilliant and mercurial
personality who has a great
charisma of doing things. He
is a lover person who takes
risks along with having high
level of imagination to bring
firm to a great success. In
ASDA, leaders mainly possess
either transformation
leadership style or
transactional (Seuring, 2013).
Under transformational, he
works with subordinates with
an aim to identify the changes
if occur and motivate them to
accept the same through
guiding with inspiration and
gaining their commitment in
return. However, under
transactional leadership style,
leader provides rewards and
punishments to followers for
the compliance and non-
compliance of targets in order
to motivate them to give more
efforts for the attainment of
goals.
Manager in ASDA mainly acts
to be rationale as well as his
main role is to solve the
problems that occur in work.
His main focus is always on
organisational structure and
goals as well as availability of
resources in terms of
manpower, finance and
technological. His personality
is more of persistence, analysis,
strong will and intelligence.
Major functions that manager
performs are planning,
organising, controlling and
directing. Under planning, they
make plans and policies for
achieving targets and then in
organising, work is delegated
by them to all people
depending on their positions in
the firm. Controlling refers that
managers time to time check
that whether the actions are
going as per the set targets or
not and if not, corrective
measures are suggested by
them (Hallinger, 2013).
Directing is that they guide and
support the employees to
perform their work effectually.
Focus Leader always focus on Manager’s main role is to get
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leading people in ASDA so
that they can perform their
tasks in a manner which is
desired by the management.
the work well managed so that
there would not be any delay in
the accomplishment of goals.
Orientation A leader’s main emphasis is
always on people and their
efforts towards performing
tasks.
However, manager in ASDA is
always task oriented whose
major emphasis is on
completion of tasks as his main
is to attain the organisational
goals on time.
Outcomes Leader always wants
achievements in some or the
other way (Gilmour, 2013).
While, manager concentrates
on getting the final results in an
effective and efficient manner.
Role in decision making In ASDA, his role is
facilitative who takes the
decision and implements the
same.
He is involved in the decision
by giving suggestions but not in
the execution.
Approach to tasks Major characteristic of a
leader is that he simply looks
at problems; find suitable as
well as creative solutions by
taking effectual use of their
charisma, commitment and
motivation. He makes others
able to solve their issues and
excel.
In ASDA, manager formulates
strategies, policies as well as
methods by which he makes
teams in which his main focus
is on the coordination among
all. According to him,
coordination is the key to
reduce inherent risk and
generate high level of success.
Power through Leader in ASDA enjoys
power through charisma and
influence.
While, manager enjoys it by the
way of formal authority and
position in the firm (Stadtler,
2015).
Approach to risk He is always ready to accept
the risk as well as have ability
to resolve the same.
However, he is completely risk-
averse.
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To have in-depth understanding about the role of a leader, behavioural leadership
theory can be assessed according to which it can be said that leaders are always supposed to
behave in a manner that by seeing of which others would start following him by getting
influenced. However, on the other hand, to have more understanding with the role of a
manager, Management by Objectives approach can be taken as per which manager has to
create goals that are to be achieved by the employees of organisation and then he make them
work accordingly. As per this approach, manager sets the individual goals and explain them
the way to perform task along with stating the specific duration for same and then he
supervises them to get the end results. Overall, it can be said that leaders influence others to
work by their own actions while, managers gets the work done by effective guiding and
supervision.
P2. Different situations and the manner in which manger as well as leader in ASDA behave
Like in any organization, in ASDA, leader is entrusted with an obligation for leading
employees in a direction that the set goals and objectives can be effectually achieved. Major
role that the leader plays in company is to improve employee’s performance through
motivation by giving proper guidance, support and direction as well as increasing level of
production. A leader can be characterized to be good in ASDA only when he/she is able to set
a clear vision for employees so that they can be performed in the desirable manner and will
attain the objectives within stipulated time period (Gómez-Expósito, Conejo and Cañizares,
2016). It is significant for leader to adopt that kind of style which is suitable as well as can
help in leading the individuals in such a way that they will get motivated and perform their
tasks in accordance with directions given by the leader. The leadership style has to be
appropriate in order to deal effectually with the situations. For example: in ASDA, situational
leadership style has to be adopted by the leader so that management of operations can be
done in an effective manner in every kind of situation (Sun, Zhao and Zhang, 2015). It is
because; being in the retail industry, tastes and preferences of customers keep on changing
and accordingly, work processes are also needed to be improved time to time so as to stay in
market for longer duration. It can be critically assessed that situational leadership style would
prove to be highly beneficial for ASDA as today’s environment is dynamic that keeps on
fluctuating and so, to effectually deal with every kind of situation, this style would help the
leader. However, other leadership styles are also effective but cannot be used in all kinds of
situations.
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On the other hand, managers are those in ASDA who are able to effectively function
in organization being systematic and strategic in their approach. ASDA possesses
accountability of manager towards maintaining a healthy work environment in the premises
so that employees would perform their work with high motivation and will make them able to
achieve set aim and objectives on time. Along with that, manager majorly focuses on proper
assignment of duties and authorities to the employees. Main aim of manager in ASDA is to
deliver high quality products to the customers with providing utmost satisfaction to them
(Hassan, Mahsud and Prussia, 2013). For example: at the time of through applying approach
of Management by objectives, manager in ASDA will be able to develop objectives to be
achieved in organisation. Under this approach, manager along with the employees sets
individual goals in line with the end targets to be achieved by the business. A specific time
duration is set by the manager in this method where he monitors that whether the work is
going as per set standards or not (Subramanian and Ramanathan, 2012). But, on the other
hand, it can be critically evaluated that this approach lay major emphasis on short terms goals
rather focusing on long term plans. Apart from that, many a times it is not possible for
superiors and subordinates to effectually interact with each other due to having differences in
their status. However, it can be said that overall, this approach is beneficial for firm as it
provides more confidence to the management to perform and manage their tasks.
Therefore, it can be said that leader and manager adopt different management and
leadership styles as per the demand of situation.
P3. Applying different theories and models of approach
In ASDA, to run business in a way that it can have growth and perform sustainably
among competitors, it is important to use appropriate theories and models of approach. For
ASDA, suitable theories and approaches by the use of which it can perform business
activities in an efficient and effective manner are like:
Situational leadership – Level of follower’s task and psychological maturity are
determined by the leader under this theory. It means that this kind of leadership style helps in
assessing the way in which an employee behaves while performing a particular task. Once the
level of maturity that a worker possesses is determined by the leader, he decides the style of
work to be assigned to the respective individual so that maximum efforts with highest level of
potential and efficiency can be gained from him with respect to his performance (Winter and
Knemeyer, 2013). However, as per this approach, leader in ASDA has to adjust his behaviour
in such a way that the follower’s behaviour to perform their tasks can be improved in light of
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maturity. This will be beneficial for the firm as when employees will have more maturity,
they would require less direction and support and vice-versa. However, apart from having so
many advantages, the major demerit of this theory is that leader following the leadership has
a lot of pressure to constantly analyse the situation and act accordingly.
Systems leadership – As ASDA is a multi-agency with having its stores in distinct
parts of the world, it requires standards of excellence so as to stay in market with
sustainability. In order to make this possible, it is important for leaders to work across sectors
and make the teams work together even though they are from diverse stores situated at
different places. With the help of this theory, effective relationships can be maintained
between diverse professionals in ASDA which will ensure that for firm, users are the main
focus while rendering services (Systems Leadership: A view from the bridge, 2015). This
theory proves to be the best for managers in order to get equipped with new skills and
knowledge. On the other hand, apart from the merits of this theory, one major disadvantage
of it is that the approach does not recognize differences existing in the systems. Further, it is
over-conceptual and can also be considered as unpractical.
Contingency theory – As per this approach, there is no best way of running and
organizing a corporation as it all depends on the dynamic environment in which business
operates which gets changed on continuous basis. In order to go in line with the set goals and
objectives of organisation, changing the style of leadership as per the business environment is
necessary for ASDA. In order to lead a company and make the best decisions for it, using this
approach proves to be highly helpful. Major three factors that come under this theory are
leader-member relations, the task structure as well as position power (Foropon and
McLachlin, 2013). Main emphasis in this theory is given on the nature and behaviour of
leader in the relation with the situation in which business is operating. Main advantage of this
theory is that management following it has a high level of confidence to effectually deal with
situations as per they arise. However, on the contrary, cost and resources spent on plan may
would to be expensive for the organisation.
TASK 2
P4. Main methods to operations management along with the manner in which ASDA’s leader
and manager behaves
Different methods are there by which operations management in ASDA can be
improved. These approaches play a significant role in making a firm successful in performing
its tasks effectually. Some of the most effective approaches to operations management that of
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ASDA will use, it can gain a lot of benefits in terms of increased efficiency in production,
enhanced productivity, rise in the revenue, etc. are:
Six Sigma – It can be termed as a methodology that helps in improving the level of
quality that firm is providing in operations management. This method helps in reducing the
chances of errors and defects along with decreasing the cost as well as saving time (Kemp,
2017). If ASDA will apply this technique in the firm, operations manager need to train the
employees in such a way that quality of work will get highly improved and thus, company
would be able to earn higher profits by keeping the customers satisfied by getting value in
return for what they are spending. However, implementing this technique involves a high
cost.
Lean Production – This method is mainly used to eliminate the waste which is
generally created through overburden or if there is unevenness in workloads. This method
involves eliminating everything from the operations which is not creating or adding any value
to it. However, this technique is mainly used by manufacturing units with the help of which
waste is minimized to the highest possible extent as well as people have equal work load on
them which creates a positive and healthy work environment at workplace (Wieland and
Marcus Wallenburg, 2013).
Queuing Theory – As ASDA is a supermarket retailer, this approach to operations
management proves to be the best as it is a mathematical study of waiting lines with the help
of which length of queues and waiting time of people for purchasing of products can be
estimated. It is that branch of operations management of which the results are used to take
fruitful decisions by the manager with respect to resources needed to provide services.
Total Quality Management (TQM) – Approach of TQM can also be termed as total
productive maintenance which ensures that firm will have long term success by providing
highest level of customer satisfaction (Dale, 2015). Under this approach, all the members of
organisation participate as per the instruction of leader with an aim to improve the quality of
products and services by amending processes and working culture. This is one of the best
approaches being used by firms and if ASDA will apply TQM in its organisation, as per the
direction given leader, workers will be able to deliver high quality products to the end users
by which their satisfaction level will get increased that will help in retaining them in the long
run. By this way, firm will earn higher profits and revenues along with gaining a competitive
edge over others. The approach is highly customer focused and thus, prove to be beneficial in
operations management in order to meet the final objective i.e. high satisfaction level of
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target audience. Operations management requires total employee involvement in which this
approach supports as well as it is also process-centred.
Just-In-Time Inventory (JIT) – It is that approach to operations management
according to which at first, demand in the target market is predicted by the operations
manager and then on the basis of same, business activities are conducted. As per this
technique, manager of operations department increases efficiency in work with decreasing
waste through receiving the goods at that time only when they are required for production. It
avoids keeping large inventories which reduces the chances of wastage to a high extent and
company gets saved from the risk of changes in demand of customers (Bookbinder and Dilts,
2016). If ASDA would apply this approach in its operations management, it will have the
benefit that cost of warehouse storage will get reduced. Also, its application helps in making
demand forecast in an accurate way that lead to free up the capital which results in making
operations smooth. Further, if it is applied by the organisation, this approach also make the
physical space free and will reduce the time taken for assembling a product.
P5. Worth and significance of operations management to attain set targets of ASDA
Operations management in ASDA deals with the design and management of its
offered products and services as well as processes and supply chains. It plays a vital role in
considering the acquisition, development as well as optimum utilization of resources that
ASDA requires to make the products and services available on time for target audience. With
the help of operations management, proper control and distribution systems are managed
(Importance of Operations Management, 2012). Transformation of raw material into the
finished goods and services becomes very easy and systematic through this concept. Along
with that, company becomes able to effectually design its processes by which at minimum
cost, maximum profits can be gained. Further, ASDA will enjoy the benefit of capacity
management that would prove to be helpful in order to manage the work systematically.
Apart from that, logistics and inventory management also becomes easy through performing
operations in a systematic and scheduled way (Wisner, 2016).
Operations manager in this company deals with the distribution, support and other
tasks that are non-development related which put a direct impact on the cost and quality.
Operations management always add value to the organisation through proper allocation and
management of resources. Business objectives cannot be achieved if firm is not giving due
emphasis on the proper operations management techniques. The departments in ASDA are
interconnected which are quite deep routed (Mahadevan, 2015). It is highly important for
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ASDA to maintain a rhythmic functioning inside organisation so that targets can be achieved
on time and in an effective manner which is only possible through operations management.
At the time when leaders and managers organise and manage different processes then, firms
come in position to detect the flaws in strategy easily. In addition to this, operations
management, accountability of leader and manager for different processes increases to correct
the errors.
In ASDA, to perform operations in more effectual manner, new technologies or
equipment can be introduced by leaders to make the work flow fast as well as smooth. If the
set aim and objectives of company are achieved then it proves that operations management is
efficient enough for the organisation. Under operations management, starting from the
allocation of resources till their effective and optimum utilisation, proper planning can be
done by the managers for all activities which are performed efficiently (Fernie and Sparks,
2014). Therefore, it is clear that for attaining the business objectives like giving utmost
satisfaction of customers with a value added product; operations management is highly
required in ASDA that is only possible through sincere and hard efforts of leaders as well as
managers.
P6. Impact of business environment factors on operational management and decision-making
of ASDA’s leaders and managers
Various issues are there in the business environment that put a direct impact on
operations management as well as leaders and manager’s judgments in ASDA. Among all,
the most important factor is corporate social responsibility. Company needs to perform its
CSR activities time to time as if they are not being performed, stakeholders of business would
get dissatisfied and thus, leaders and managers will require more efforts to keep the business
competitive in market (Seuring, 2013). However, if ASDA would perform its CSR activities
effectually, it will have a positive impact on operational management as well as on decision
making of leaders and managers. In addition to this, with performing CSR activities
effectually, society also gets attracted towards the firm and start purchasing its offered
products and services that leads firm to attain growth and success in the market for longer
span of time. Culture is another factor in business environment by which operational
management gets affected in a way that in accordance with the culture to which target
customers belong, products need to be provided by ASDA and only then, they will get
successful in the market. It can be said that according to customer’s culture, leaders and
managers are required to take decisions in the firm with respect to the operations (Hallinger,
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2013). Along with that, society also gets satisfied through getting products and services as per
their requirements and preferences which make the firm to gain higher profitability and
customer loyalty in the long run. This factor affects the business environment to a high extent
as success or failure of products offered highly depends on it. Values, ethics and
sustainability are also the factors in business environment that affect operational management
as well as decision making of leaders and managers. Company has to respect the values of
customers and should make efforts in order to perform all business activities in an ethical and
sustainable manner. It is important to maintain the relationship with stakeholders and meeting
their expectations so that entrepreneurship in firm can be encouraged, developed and
sustained (Gilmour, 2013). Here, stakeholders involve all people associated with the firm i.e.
customers, government, employees, society, etc. To stay in the competition for longer
duration, it is important for organization to follow ethics in their business along with
sustainability and need to respect the values of them.
CONCLUSION
It can be articulated from the above report that systematic and strategic approach for
having proper management in operations by ASDA is important. Leaders and managers in
organisation play a significant role in managing the operations in business and without their
efforts, attaining targets is not possible. However, it is important for them to adopt
appropriate leadership and management style. It has been assessed that various approaches
like situational and transformational leadership as well as management by objectives are
suitable to be adopted by ASDA in order to gain effective results. Apart from that, to have
high quality in operations, six sigma approach and total quality management along with just
in time inventory method would prove to be the best for organisation.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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