Approaches to Operations Management and the Role of Leaders and Managers

This document discusses the key approaches to operations management and the role of leaders and managers in implementing them. It explores lean management and total quality management as effective approaches for Uber. The document also highlights the importance of providing direction and guidance to employees for successful operations.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager....3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts..................................................................................................5
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency....................................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P4 Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play.........................................................................................................................8
P5 Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives..............................................................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision making by leaders and managers...............................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Management is a process of smooth functioning of the organisation with the help of
implementing and implicating number of practices and performing different functions suitable
and necessary for the organisation. The operations of the company are those fundamental
processes which leads the company towards success by completing their assigned duties and
roles (Adebanjo, and et. al., 2016). The report is developed on Uber Technologies Inc. which is
known as Uber and offers services like vehicle for hire, food delivery, package deliveries and
many other. Uber was founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco and California,
United States. The project will be covering different management and operations concepts
holding evaluation and critical discussion on strategies and theories adopted by managers and
leaders for smooth functioning of business and their teams. The management functions and
leaders role in different practices are examined and lastly factors are assessed who influence
business decision making and impact upon the operational management of Uber.
TASK 1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
Operations and Management are two connected processes as the actions and initiatives
taken by the management of the organisations and different managers or leaders of teams are for
smooth functioning of the operations and completing their tasks in time and contribute to the
major objective of the organisation. Uber of is an American organisation which has its presence
in international potential markets (Ahmad and Hossain, 2019). The company has number of
departments and holding the responsibilities on manager and leaders.
MANAGEMENT:
Management is a process which is concern with harnessing physical, financial, human
and all the other resources of the company in the most efficient and effective manner to attain
organisational goals. The management of the company involves number of fundamental
principles like Planning, Organising, Directing and Controlling. In recent years another principle
added to the list is Monitoring.
MANAGERS:
A manager is an individual who is responsible for effective control and administration of
the organisation and its functions present on separate structures and levels of company. A

manager is responsible for certain results which are required to be attained by their teams and the
group of staff member for whom they are accountable (Blanding, 2020).
LEADERSHIP:
A leadership is a phenomena or an act which is focused on leading people and teams in a
manner which keeps people motivated and encourage them to work with their maximum
potentials and abilities. Leadership practice is an approach which is adopted by leaders by which
they create a inspiring vision and guide people in the right path.
LEADERS:
A leader is an individual who manages the team, lead them the right direction, make
appropriate commands and focus on making people work with their utmost potentials willingly
and for supporting the teams objectives and ultimately organisational objectives.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ROLE OF A MANAGERS AND LEADERS:
BASIS ROLE OF MANAGES ROLE OF LEADERS
Setting mission and
objectives of the company/
Setting team goals
A key role of a manager is to
establish overall organisational
mission and objectives by
engaging with top
management of Uber.
On the contrary the role of
leader is to engage with their
team and set team objectives
for accomplishing given tasks
and adding value to overall
goals of Uber.
Training employees/ Guiding
employees
The management role is of
keeping staff and engaged
employees updated with the
knowledge and skill sets
according to the changes
taking place in the industry in
which Uber is dealing.
On the other hand, the role of
leader at the same time is to
guide staff to work
innovatively and to bring
changes in the work practices
by increasing their
performance and creativity
standards.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MANAGERS AND
LEADERS:

BASIS CHARACTERISTICS OF
MANAGES
CHARACTERISTICS OF
LEADERS
Represents the whole
organisation/ Represents the
team
The first and most basic
characteristic of the manager is
they represents and work in a
manner for Uber. They make
their decisions and practices
work in regards for the whole
organisational functioning
(Chaudhuri, and et. al., 2018).
The leaders of a team in Uber
is more employee centric and
work and perform their role by
being concerned for their team
members before others and
even organisation. The
decision making is made in
favour of the members and
then turn towards Uber.
Avoidance/ Innovation One key characteristic of a
manager is they are avoiders
by nature. That is while
working the managers in Uber
work by using all tried and
tested techniques and
processes.
On the other hand, a leader is
an innovator by nature. Hence,
they work in the most
innovative manner by bringing
up creativity in team and
encouraging staff to work with
new concepts and develop new
perspective of working
(Civelek, 2017).
TASK 2
P2 Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.
Leaders and Managers holds separate roles and function in business while working for
and within an organisation. There are number for unique practices which are applied by leader
and managers while working and rendering their services to their respective workplace. Uber is a
dealing in a highly competitive market where its strategies and KPI's are enabling firm to stay in
the leading position. There are number of situation through which the company go through on
regular basis and the management have to make arrangements accordingly for managing them

(Davtalab, 2017). Certain roles of leaders and functions of managers of Uber depending on
separate situations are elaborated below:
SITUATION 1: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Conflict is an act of disagreement developed amongst people with unique perceptions and
perspectives. Conflict can be easily developed in companies as people involved in the
organisations belongs to diversified places and hold their separate experiences, behaviours,
cultural habits, attitudes and behaviours which develops them as a professional individual.
Hence, Uber is an international organisation and it has diversified workforce which expose it to
ease conflict development.
Role of leaders:
A leader holds characteristic of an innovator and their role is of making staff work with
their full potentials. While doing so conflict generation is ease and obvious. The role leader will
be playing is of and effective communicator developing strong channels for people to
communicate well and neglect the chances of conflict development (Kerzner, 2017).
Functions of managers:
The managerial function in Uber for managing the conflicting situation is to monitor and
investigate for searching the root cause and developing controlling measures which are holding
long term effects.
SITUATION 2: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Product development means change and evolution of company with their product
portfolios and work systems. Uber is a dedicated organisation towards advancing research and
introducing new technologies for propelling in the industry and the marketplace. Hence, the
management and leaders have significant functions as well as roles to play while bringing change
and developing new offerings.
Role of leaders:
A biggest role which will be played by the leader while introducing the new product and
its development is of building clarity amongst members and rendering them appropriate
information. The role specifically played by the leader is of a communicator and of a guide for
keeping people informed and encourage them (Ramasamy, and et. al., 2017)
Functions of managers:

As per the situation of product development in Uber the management function which is
played by the managers is of planning, organising, directing and controlling. The mangers will
be involved with top level management for developing effective plans in order to seek high
profitable opportunities for product development and implement them in order to make the best
of the available opportunity for the company.
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.
There are different kind of leadership approaches which can be followed by the
organisation in order to improve its day to day functioning by managing different kind of
situations. In context of this uber is performing its function at global level where organisation use
different kind of leadership styles and theories which help the management in achieving the
results according to a particular situation. These are discussed below:
Situation leadership
Situation leadership theory can be defined as in theory which is used by the manager and leader
within the organisation in direction to supporting the employees in different situations (Samà,
and et. al., 2017). This situation and theory is useful to the organisation in managing external
environment factors where organisation can make sure that each and every factor will be used in
appropriate way for staff under this theory organisation identified number of characteristics
between different individual which are required to perform the functions. There are some
characteristics of this theory which are discussed below:
 Flexibility: Flexibility is the main character of this theory under which organisation used
to implement appropriate system where leader and manager can bring flexibility. This is
related to using the external environment factor where over driver can work 24 hours in a
day for organisational profitability.
 Directivity: This is that part of the leadership theory which is related to providing the
direction to different individuals which is guided by leaders and managers. It is important
in organisation to achieve the goal where uber use successful directing of employees in
order to improve their function and enhance the working by building the interest of
worker within organisation (Schiller, and et. al., 2016).
 Controlling: Controlling is important factor under the situation leadership. This is related
to managing the employees in an appropriate manner where management and leadership

within over can control the employees by providing them training and development. This
will help organisation in improving its function as well as achieving the goals and
objectives in an appropriate way.
Systematic leadership
This is that theory of leadership which enable the manager and leader within the
organisation to improve the functions by successful in developing different capabilities and skills
of employees. This theory is helpful to the organisation in retaining the employees as well as
providing the appropriate training and development opportunities so that they can perform under
different situations and manage the functions according to the requirement of a particular
situation for this theory is also helpful in motivating the employees and providing appropriate
structure to the firm.
Contingency theory
According to this theory of leadership it refers that there are a number of ways which can be used
by the lead and a manager in order to handle different situations within an organisation. This
theory directly relates the functions of manager and leader within the organisation where they
can stand for a particular situation and perform their function according to that situation. In
accordance with the current market situation of uber under the covid-19 pandemic it is identified
that organisation has to use appropriate system where the contingency leadership theory will be
implemented in accordance with the organisational functions. There are a number of precautions
which has to be taken by the employees of uber in order to provide satisfactory services to the
customer and managing the norms of social distancing (Spiegel and Assad, 2017).
TASK 3
P4 Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers
play.
There are several approaches to operation management for which the leaders and the
managers of the organization plays a different roles and responsibilities. In the same manner
Uber can also implements certain approaches of operation management which are value adding
to the objectives of the company. Some of the approaches which can by taken into consideration
by Uber are as under:-

Lean management: Lean management is that part of organisational production system which is
used by the firm in order to enhance the quality of services which it provides to the customers.
This always focuses on improving the organisational function as well as reduces the wastage so
that form can perform its function in an effective manner (Stevens, 2016). The lean management
techniques has their great impact on organisational functioning as well as transportation and
logistics which will improve the efficiency of firm and manage the function in according to the
needs and requirements for staff in context of over organisation is using functions which help in
training the staff and eliminating various kind of mistakes which are related to gaining positive
feedback from the customer. There are a number of different functions which can be used by the
organisation in order to achieve different business objectives. Some of these are discussed
below:
 Provide direction: Providing direction is a first function which has to be performed by
the organisation in order to improve its function and achieve the results in an appropriate
manner. Under this system leader within the over used to provide appropriate direction to
different individuals so that organisation can perform its functions as well as manage the
performance of different individual. This system is useful to the organisation in guiding
the employees in accordance with the requirements. This also enhance employee
engagement at workplace where organisation can improve its functioning and achieve
appropriate system-
Total Quality Management- total quality management can be defined as a function which is
related to the long-term success of organisation in order to improving the customer satisfaction
within the market for staff under total quality management system it include number of features
which are related to improving the process products services and culture of the organisation so
that it can perform its function and achieve better results. It is a continuous process which
includes identification of different decisions as well as maintaining an appropriate environment
where organisation can enhance the participation of employees (Vanalle, and et. al., 2017). Total
quality management is also important for organisation in order to perform the function and
achieve the business objectives while performing these business functions. Uber is a global
performing organisation where it is used to implement total quality management in its functions.
This system is helpful to the organisation in ensuring the efficient participation of employees
within the organisational function as well as maintaining appropriate decision making system.

This provide training to different individual and context of time management skills and various
other skills which can be utilised according to the requirements. This is also provide and gateway
to the organisation in order to enhance its profitability and manage the productivity according to
the requirements.
P5 Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.
Operations Management is a combination of internal departments of the organization
such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Payroll, etc. which supports in smooth
functioning in the process of making final product and to earn profits for the company. All such
departments coordinate each other and gives a flawless process.
 Finance:- Finance department deals with analysing the funds of the organization and
supports other department in their smooth functioning.
 Marketing:- The department focuses on advertising the company work, name and its
brand to the public to target more and more customers in order to gain higher profits.
Importance of operations management:-
 Productivity:- Company achieves productivity by using operation management in the
organization which is a huge important factor. For example Finance department manages,
all the finances and the capital of Uber which provides liquidity to the company leads to
increase in productivity of the organization.
 Reduction in Operating Cost:- With the help of increasing productivity the cost of
operating in Uber reduces to the some extend which leaves the company to increase their
profit margin. Hence Uber enjoys higher profits, which escalate the company's goodwill
and makes the company's operational performance and management more stronger
(Waters, 2019).
 Customer Satisfaction:- Marketing management in Uber enable the company and its
services before and after sales satisfies and solves all queries of customers and fulfils
their requirement which allows its customers to feel connected with the organization,
ultimately enhances the customer retention and engagement in the firm.
 Effective Utilization of the Resources:- Resources for every company is an important
part and is indivisible from the organization. Uber by satisfying its customer needs and
queries manages its resources in such a way which helps in effective and efficient
utilization of the resources, strengthens the workings of the company.

TASK 4
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision making by leaders and managers.
Few environmental factors affecting Uber's operation management and decision making
are as follows:
Corporate Social Responsibility- It is about being accountable for activities and practices
affecting the community, society and environment.
A strong CSR can impact the business operations as: Boost Employee Retention- A key to successful business operations is to improve
employee's working lives. It results in higher retention ratio and will help in recruitment
initiatives.
 Enhance Reputation and Attract Talent- A well communicated and strong CSR attracts
best available talent, also it improves company's reputation and position it as an ethical
and responsible organisation.
Impact of CSR on Decision Making:
Creates Culture of Engagement- Uber creates a positive attitude towards its operations
and align them with its employees which leads to improved decision making.
Values- It ensures that the employees are working towards the same goal as that of company.
They helps in creating purpose, develop a sense of commitment and improve team cohesion.
Impact of Values on Business Operations:
 It helps in managing the employees in a better ways based on their believes and priorities.
 It also helps in developing the business on fundamentals like honesty and integrity which
helps in building a strong and trustful relationships among employees and other
stakeholders.
Impact of Values on Decision Making:
Value creates a powerful framework in decision making process. It is also known as
guiding principle as it guides employees on how the job is to be done and the way of interacting
with customers, colleagues and partners, etc (Young,, 2016)

CONCLUSION
From the above report it is concluded that operations and operations management are two
important and essential work practices which creates the fundamental steps for organisation to
attain is objectives and lead towards success. The term management refers to effective running of
business by making potential use of all the resources available. Operations management involves
number of practices and theories such as just in time approach, total quality management and
kaizen. All the approaches enable the managers and leaders to play their role within the
organisation with the most effective and successive manner. There are certain leadership
approaches as well which assist the leaders in rendering services to the company by keeping staff
encouraged and highly engaged in the operations.

REFERENCES
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