Management and Operations in Waitrose

This assignment discusses the roles and characteristics of a manager and a leader in Waitrose, the application of different theories and concepts in different situations, and the key approaches to operations management in the company.

Unit 4 – Management and Operations
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................2
P1 Defining and comparing different traits and roles of a manager and a leader..................2
M1 Analysis and differentiation between leader role and function of manager by applying
range of concepts....................................................................................................................5
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................5
P2 Function of a manager and role of a leader applied in context of different situations......5
P3 Application of varied theories and concepts of approach.................................................6
M2 Strengths & weaknesses of approaches applied within work environment.....................7
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................8
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role that managers & leaders play with it
................................................................................................................................................8
P5 Significance and value of operations management in achieving objectives of company10
M3 Managers and leaders can improve operational management efficiencies....................10
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................11
P6 Factors within business environment that affect decision making by manager and leaders
as well as operational management......................................................................................11
M4 Elements that affect wider community and business environment................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
Management and operations are two different, but most important elements of an
company. Effective management help to control and manage operational activities within
companies. In recent time, both operational practices and administration are important for growth
and success of a business firm. Management is defined as procedure and art of managing
workers and actions within a organization. On the other side, operations means as one of the
main functions in a firm along with supply chains, human resources, marketing etc. The current
assignment will be based on Waitrose, which falls under list of leading supermarkets in the UK.
In this assignment roles & characteristics of leader and manager will be defined and compared. It
will explain leader role and manager function in different situations and will also justify varied
theories. Furthermore, this study will define operations management importance in achieving
business objectives and will also clarify factors accessible within business environment that may
impact operational management & decision making by managers and leaders.
LO 1
P1 Defining and comparing different traits and roles of a manager and a leader
Overview of company and its management structure-
Waitrose is one of the leading brands of the British supermarkets; they provide range of
groceries products to local people in UK (Tench and Topić, 2017). With their aim organization
grow its business in effective manner, they want to develop convenience supermarket where
people can experience better services and get products with an emphasis on freshness and
quality. Chosen company effectively manage their business operations and performance with
appropriate management structure.
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Figure 1 Waitrose & Partners
(Source: Management structure of Waitrose, 2020)
Waitrose follow functional organizational or management structure, which is quite
beneficial for them in term of managing their functions and operations in systematic manner. It
permits workers to focus on their role and responsibilities and encourages specialization. This
structure aid employees and team members feel self determined. On the other hand, it can be said
that this management structure can obscures procedures and tactics for varied items or markets in
firm.
Define manager and leader-
A leader is someone who can see how worker’s performance and their productivity can
be improved and who rallies individual to move towards that better vision (Mohiuddin, 2017).
A manager is a person and experience holders who is totally accountable for a part of
ventures or company, it may include supervising and controlling a team of workers.
Roles and characteristics of leader-
 Leader play significant role in Waitrose as they make effective communication with staff
in order to solve their issues that may impact performance.
 The role of leader is to direct and guide all workers in supermarket to get their work done
on timely manner.
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 The most important characteristic of leader is influencer, he or she as leader is a great
influencer, they able to influence other people to work even better than last few months
or years in Waitrose.
Traits and roles of manager-
 Along with leader, manager also plays their vital role in company as they help to carry
out excellent planning and budgeting for supermarket (Reina and et.al., 2018).
 Other role of manager in organization is to create plans and tactics after analysis
situations.
 The main quality or characteristic of manager it that they can help to develop effective
plans for employee careers.
Compare characteristics and roles of leaders and managers-
Comparison basis Leader Manager
Roles  In Waitrose the role of
leader is quite different
from manager. For
example, leader directly
communicates with
existing and new
applicants at workplace
that aid to solve any issue
or conflict in effective
manner.
 Another role of leader in
firm is to provide
appropriate directions to
staff, which makes
individual able to
accomplish their work in
systematic and effective
manner.
 On the other hand,
manager role at
supermarket is to solve
employee’s issues by
developing plans and
strategies. They do not
communicate and interact
directly to workers.
Manager takes
information about
workplace environment
through leader.
 Manager role as compare
to leader is more difficult
and challenging. They has
to manage each task and
activity in company, for
which he or she make
appropriate ways or
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strategies.
Characteristics  Leader is known as
influencer, they influence
each people or workers at
workplace to work
effectively and
productively. It is one of
the biggest and best
characteristics of leader.
 Manager trait is different
from leader. They
influence people by
making plan for
performance appraisal and
career development, which
is quite beneficial for
candidates in term of
increasing productivity.
M1 Analysis and differentiation between leader role and function of manager by applying range
of concepts
It can be analysed that leaders in Waitrose play important roles such as motivate workers,
solve their issues, encourage them to work hard etc. which is quite beneficial and helpful in term
of increasing sales and productivity level than competitors. Through situational leadership
theory, leadership or leader roles at workplace are clearly and effectively analysed. According to
this concept, leader role is to handle any situation in organization by taking right decision which
is possible when they can analyse overall conditions as it makes him or her capable to obtain
desire outcomes (Liao and et.al., 2017).
Function of manager is also examining through applying contingency management
approach. This model claims that there is no best option to lead firm, to make decision or to
organize management activities. It indicates that manager function is to find out what exactly is
causing any conflict and then make plan to overcome it. Classical management and
contemporary theories are also used to define and differentiate role of leader and functions of
manager in company. As it define clear understanding of manager functions and leaders
leadership.
LO 2
P2 Function of a manager and role of a leader applied in context of different situations
Situation 1- Change management -
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This situation is defined as approaches and manners in which Waitrose describes and
implements modification within their external and internal procedures in order to grow their
business (Rosenbaum, More and Steane, 2018). Implementation of new technology is one of the
best examples of change management, which is necessary to successfully work in today’s
competitive environment. At this situation, role of leader can be applied. They appropriately
guide all workers and communicate with them to direct how employees can work with the latest
technologies at workplace, which is very beneficial and useful for them in term of increasing
their productivity and performance. Leader in context of this situation, can also use situational
leadership approach that is quite helpful for them.
In this condition, managerial functions can be applied in order to handle everything in
effective manner. The main function of manager is planning, without making effective plan they
could not be able to implement the best technologies at workplace. With this function manager
can meet Waitrose objective and aim and create convenience place where buyers can shop
without facing any issue. They can make plan to enhance skills of workers, which allow them to
work with technologies.
Situation 2- Performance management
It is an ongoing procedure of communication between workers and supervisor that occurs
throughout year, in support of completing strategic objectives of Waitrose. Performance
management is one of the most important operations and practices of company (Mone, London
and Mone, 2018). It affects overall productivity and profitability of supermarket. In this situation
role of leader is applied that can manage everything in context of organizational benefits. Leader
by implementing a better tactic for their system, allow workers to stay on track with their
personal aims as well as business.
Manager function is to develop effective strategic such as rewards and compensation that
help to manage staff performance. These two elements of performance management would work
even better than other components and make manager able to retain workers for longer period of
time. Manager with this function can play vital role in supermarket as they can increase
employee engagement in productivity and other operation of Waitrose. By providing
compensation and rewards, manager can improve performance of each applicant and manage it
according to their plans. Here, management and leaders can use contingency and situational
leadership approach because it makes them able to deal with above two situations.
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P3 Application of varied theories and concepts of approach
In context of above two situations, leadership roles and functions of management have
been applied in effective manner. But it can be developed effectively in organization through
varied concepts of management from traditional to modern like contingency management theory.
Situation leadership theory-
It is a tactic that designates a leader leadership style to a given condition based on number
of elements (Thompson and Glasø, 2018). This theory is effectively applied in above situation,
where leader try to handle situations and manager effort to manage performance of workers. This
concept guide leaders to choose the right action for right person or situation, which allow them to
get desired results. For example, Leader in change management situation can analyse needs of
workers and business as well. Then communicate with manager to implement the latest
technology or replace existing one with new. This theory works on assumption that most
efficient leadership style change from situation to situations, which is important for business
growth.
System leadership concept-
Another concept leader can apply in performance and change management situation is
system leadership that can help them to overcome situations in effective manner (Beehner,
2019). It is a set of capacities and skills that leader can utilise to catalyze, support and enable
procedure of technology implementation as change in Waitrose that can affect employees
performance and business as well in positive manner. This theory combines collaborative
leadership, systems and coalition building insight to mobilize innovation as well as action across
a wide, decentralized network. It is well suited to complex situations and performance & change
management are that one that needs collective action. Complex systems insights, advocacy
strategies and leadership skills are the three different elements of system leadership theory that
help leader to manage above two different situations.
Contingency management theory-
It is considered as organizational concept that claims that there is no way to make
decisions, organize venture and other things (Sayegh and et.al., 2017). It can be applied in
performance management and change management situations to guide manager who they can
overcome these things and get positive outcomes. By following the key features of this theory,
manager can effectively enhance and manage performance of staff and implement new
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technology at workplace. It caters insight into Waitrose adaptability to external and internal
environment. Contingency management theory help manager to understand complex and
difficult conditions in business to operate under varied environmental conditions in systematic
manner. It can help firm and its management to provide different solutions that can handle
situations successfully.
M2 Strengths & weaknesses of approaches applied within work environment
Basis Contingency theory System leadership Situation leadership
theory
Strengths The best thing about this
concept is that it allowing
a leader to select different
leadership styles as per the
situations. It does not
expect that leader is
effective in dealing and
managing with all kind of
circumstances in
Waitrose.
Strength of this theory is
that it can be used in
business work practices
and posses greater
benefits to workers as
well as supermarket. It
concentrates on different
dimensions of
management and
achieving individual and
overall aims of business.
Situational leadership
in context of above
two situations are
quite beneficial as it
concentrate on solving
current situation and
problem.
Weaknesses One of its weaknesses is
that this theory does not
clearly explain why
individual is more
effective leader in some
situations but not in others
within Waitrose.
Weak point of this theory
is that it may not be
always lead to delays in
judgment.
Weakness of this
concept is that is
focuses on achieving
current needs more
than long term, which
is not suitable for
business success.
LO 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role that managers & leaders play with it
Waitrose operation is to sell grocery items to target consumers; they cater quality and
fresh fruits and other food products to people. Production and supply chain procedure included to
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produce and provide quality goods to local people. Key inputs that required to cater and supply
all grocery items to buyers are includes management attempts, human resource etc.
Roles and accountabilities of manager in those functions-
Manager role is to make a list of required raw materials according to needs that help to
produce quality thing for potential customers in effective manner. He or she is responsible to
analyse current needs of production department.
Leader role in those functions-
In context of production and supply chain functions, leader role is to guide workers to
work appropriately without making any mistakes that can affect objectives and aim of
supermarket. Leader can do things and think differently in regards to above two situations, they
can provide training for performance management and communicate to employees for
understanding their needs.
Lean production-
This approach tells about the best approaches to be used by manager or leader to get
output according to their needs (Dennis, 2017). Outputs is being affected by different element,
one of the most essential components that can manager utilized in order to get desired results is
to reduce wastage by utilizing resources accordant to their capacity and potential.
Total quality management-
It is an approach or procedure that can aid manager in planning for long term period to
get excellent success. This approach helps in maintaining quality of products along with its price
offered by Waitrose supermarket (van Kemenade and Hardjono, 2019).
Just in time-
This method of operations management helps manager by concentrating on procedure of
production. It is to be completed on time with set aims and targets. Just in time approach can aid
in obtaining desire outcomes set earlier in planning function of manager. With the help of
eliminating wastages of assets and utilizing them to their full potential, procedure can become
just in time.
Continuous improvement-
Another operations management approach manager and leader can consider in order
increasing productivity and profitability of Waitrose is continuous improvement. This approach
is also known as Kaizen that seeks to improve every procedure in supermarket by focusing on
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enhancing practice and performance that generate value for shoppers while removing as many
unnecessary things as possible.
Roles played by manager and leader in Waitrose to apply key operational approaches-
In regards to apply all above operational approaches within Waitrose, leader and manager
play their roles in effective manner. For instance, to apply lean production approach at workplace
leader support and contribute by analysing needs of resources and reduce things that are not
necessary for production function.
Here, manager can play vital role in determining sources and types of waster within
Waitrose. As per method of lean production, it is accountability of manger to create and then
implement appropriate tactics to deal with and eliminate each category of waste.
P5 Significance and value of operations management in achieving objectives of company
Operations management within Waitrose is quite essential as it help effectively and
efficiently company to manage, control and supervise products and workers. In recent time, it is
critical for growth and success of supermarket.
Moreover, it can be said that operations management is also vital in transforming raw
materials into final items by reducing waste to greatest possible extent. In today’s competitive
environment, operation management has become mandatory for Waitrose as it help to manage
day to day operations and tasks seamlessly.
This concept is valuable for firm because it aid supermarket to assure that each item is
delivered to consumers on time. Value of this term within company is that it helps in carrying out
the most effective utilization of different assets such as workers, raw materials, finance etc.
Planning is recognized as a important function in operations management and its value is that it
support in carrying out smooth and easy flow of all operations in long term run.
It can be said that operational efficiency can be improved within chosen company when
manager use appropriate leadership and management approaches. By using situational leadership
and other methods manager can improve operational efficiencies, which makes them able to
achieve set business objectives effectively.
M3 Managers and leaders can improve operational management efficiencies
It can be analysed that by implementing modern management approaches and techniques
that are intended to improve operations management efficiency, reduce workers stress and
enhance quality of meeting, manager can obtain desire outcomes.
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Leader within Waitrose can increase and enhanced operational efficiencies in effective
manner that successfully meet supermarket objectives by following further things. They can
provide training to existing and new applicants hired in supermarket to achieve objective of
company and to gain competitive advantages for them. It is one of the best ways; leader can use
to increase operations management efficiency.
LO 4
P6 Factors within business environment that affect decision making by manager and leaders as
well as operational management
Corporate social responsibility-
It is one of the external factors that affect decision making process of manager and leader
and operational management activities. For instance, CSR practices drive management towards
taking action and making plan to reduce their carbon foot print, which is quite beneficial for
company in term of building their strong brand image at global level.
Business ethics-
It is the main external factor that affects current decision making process and tactics of
manager regarding operations management. Business ethics and standards guide manager to
takes action in context of workers and other stakeholder’s benefits, without cheating them and
making any mistakes.
Stakeholders-
Changing need of each stakeholder put negative impact on manager decision and
operations management activities. For instance, when people drive towards purchasing organic
food items instead of other one, it put negative impact on decision of manager as it need to make
all arrangement according to change and trends in market.
Recommendations-
 Manager must conduct a market research to known which trends is currently running and
what people like to purchase.
 Leaders should guide workers to effectively communicate with customers and effort to
identify their needs which makes them able to arrange every things accordingly.
M4 Elements that affect wider community and business environment
CSR, stakeholder’s needs and business ethics are considered as external factors that
affect business environment and wider community in positive manner when leader and manager
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take right actions. For example, leader must encourage workers to take part in and contribute to
make business activities more sustainable which allow building positive brand image in market.
In recent time, government and consumers put pressure on companies to reduce their carbon foot
print that directly affecting both areas. Waitrose business environment due to this factor affect
positively because they already contribute towards environmental sustainability and hire number
of local people to improve their livings standards even better.
CONCLUSION
By summing up above discussion, it has been concluded that manager and leader are
playing important and crucial role in Waitrose supermarket. They both contribute to achieve
objective and aims of company by using varied approaches of operations management.
Furthermore, it has been summarized that leader and manager by taking appropriate actions
improving and increasing operational efficiencies that provide several benefits to firm in term of
increasing their sales, revenue growth and profit margin than its competitors. By making plan for
sustainable business practices manager effectively overcome factors that impact on decision
making.
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REFERENCES
Book and Journals
Beehner, C.G., 2019. System Leadership for Sustainability. Routledge.
Dennis, P., 2017. Lean Production simplified: A plain-language guide to the world's most
powerful production system. Crc press.
Liao, C and et.al., 2017. Idiosyncratic deals and individual effectiveness: The moderating role of
leader-member exchange differentiation. The Leadership Quarterly. 28(3). pp.438-450.
Mohiuddin, Z.A., 2017. Influence of Leadership Style on Employees performance: Evidence
from Literatures. Journal of Marketing & Management. 8(1).
Mone, E.M., London, M. and Mone, E.M., 2018. Employee engagement through effective
performance management: A practical guide for managers. Routledge.
Reina, C.S and et.al., 2018. Quitting the boss? The role of manager influence tactics and
employee emotional engagement in voluntary turnover. Journal of leadership &
organizational studies. 25(1). pp.5-18.
Rosenbaum, D., More, E. and Steane, P., 2018. Planned organisational change
management. Journal of Organizational Change Management.
Sayegh, C.S. and et.al., 2017. Follow-up treatment effects of contingency management and
motivational interviewing on substance use: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Addictive
Behaviors. 31(4). p.403.
Tench, R. and Topić, M., 2017. Evaluating CSR, Sustainability, and Sourcing within the UK
Supermarket Industry. CSR, Sustainability, and Leadership. 5. p.100.
Thompson, G. and Glasø, L., 2018. Situational leadership theory: a test from a leader-follower
congruence approach. Leadership & Organization Development Journal.
van Kemenade, E. and Hardjono, T.W., 2019. Twenty-first century total quality management:
the emergence paradigm. The TQM Journal.
Online
Management structure of Waitrose. 2020. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.theofficialboard.com/org-chart/waitrose-partners>
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