Management and Operations: Roles, Theories, and Approaches

This document discusses the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, theories and models of approach, and key approaches to operations management. It also explores the importance of leaders and managers in achieving business objectives. The content is relevant to the subject of management and operations.

Unit 4 – Management
and Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
Define and compare various roles & characteristics of a leader as well as manager................3
examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational
contexts.......................................................................................................................................5
Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................5
Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers
play. ............................................................................................................................................6
Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives...9
Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers.........................................................................10
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................13
Books and Journals...................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
In business sector, management staff play important role in achieving growth as well as
development. Management and operations is the process in which they are concerned with
transforming or converting processed materials into finished goods. Main aim of this report is to
understand the concept of management & operations and examine their impact on business.
TESCO, a multinational corporation headquartered in UK. The entity deals in variety of
supermarkets, hypermarkets, retailers etc. This report comprises of characteristics of leader and
manager, role of leader & function of manager, different theories & models, key operations to
management, importance of value of operations management and factors that affect business
environment that effect operational management (Burns, 2018).
Define and compare various roles & characteristics of a leader as well as manager.
Managers: A manager is a person responsible for motivating, supervising and directing staff
members for progress of the business. In addition to this, manager's lead all the departments,
function & employees in an effective manner. The main task of managers is to develop appropriate
and relevant strategies so that they can perform well at the marketplace (Bozarth, 2016).
Leaders: Leaders are those person who have the capability to get their work done from staff
members considering the objectives of organisation. In addition to this, leaders instruct and
influencing employees in order to attain organisational objectives within given time period. The
main objective of leaders is to enhance the productivity level of employees by motivating them in
an effective manner (Burns, 2018).
Difference between managers & leaders
Leaders and managers are undertaken as interchangeable but perform different functions
within an organisation. Managers set the objectives of according to the mission and vision and after
this leaders communicate such vision to the staff members and motivate them in such a manner that
they follow guidelines given by leaders in attaining objectives.
Managers Leaders
 Managers set the objectives of an
organisation and also communicate all
the policies as well as rules to the
leaders of company.
Leaders work on the objectives set by
managers and communicate all the policies to
employees in an effective manner.
 It is analysed that managers provide
direction or instruction to the groups
prevailing in the company
On the other hand, leaders instructing teams
with an aim to attain objectives of the company
.

 One of the important role of managers
is to plan and manager all the resources
in an efficient manner.
Leaders motivate or influence staff members to
work with full potential in achieving
objectives.
 Managers develop effective strategies
and ideas for the improvement of
company.
Leaders execute those activities as well as
ideas in an appropriate manner.
Tesco, a British company that offer high quality grocery and home essential in more than 13
countries globally. The higher authorities of company is effective and talented that the strategies
build by them leads to enhancement of productivity and performance of the organisation. It is
analysed that its managers developed the standards for performing task and on the other hand,
leaders communicate those skills to employees in an effectual manner that directly leads to
completion of work as per the standards and timely manner. It is determine that this differentiated
roles of leaders and managers results into growth and success of company in an effective and best
manner (Sabbaghtorkan, 2020).
Functions of managers and roles of leader within an organisation
Planning: It is consider as one of the significant function of manager of Tesco that is
planning and setting objectives with an aim to enhance sales and revenue level of organisation. It is
analysed that the strategies developed by managers of Tesco consist of KAIZEN that aid in
continuous improvement and enhancement of performance of the organisation. If it is taking about
the role of leader of Tesco is to effectively and appropriately communicate such roles which are set
by managers so that objectives and desired goals are achieve on timely manner.
Organising: The higher authorities of Tesco utilize all the resources in such a manner that
results into fulfilment of their desired goals. In addition to this, the leader's role is to properly
allocate resources along with motivating staff members so that they can optimally use given
resources which in turn leads to attainment of positive and best results.
Directing: Managers assign the task to the staff members of Tesco and on the other side
leaders perform the role of developing teams and giving them instruction about accomplishment of
activities.
Staffing: It is analysed that the managers of Tesco hire effective and talented staff members
and assign task to them as per skills and competencies of employees. Leaders keep on influencing
and motivating employees so that they can use their skills and work with full zeal towards achieving
objectives of organisation.
Coordinating: Manager of Tesco coordinate all the functions such as production, finance,

research of the company. The leader's role here is to coordinating all task and activities so that it can
implement in an effective way.
Controlling: Development of strategies and implementation of such strategies respectively
by manager and leaders are monitored as well as analyse by managers. On the other hand, leaders
analyse the overall outcome and performance of staff members with the set standards that is
developed by higher authorities of Tesco.
Examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational
contexts.
The role of leaders & functions of managers make subordinates work towards the right
direction that leads to attainment of objectives within stipulated time period. In the present time,
Tesco is facing situation that is increase in the price of raw material and decline in the demand of
products as well. In this particular situation, the role of leader and function of manager is to develop
effective strategy related to promotion of products & services attractively so that demand and sales
of goods as well as services is increase at marketplace. Herein, the contemporary theory of
management can be used by Tesco so that they can deal with the raising of cost of raw materials and
decline of demand as well. In addition to this, the managers can focus on selecting suppliers who
can offer raw material at lower prices so that cost of production is declined in an effective manner.
Further, leaders can motivate or influence staff members to focus on creating awareness of brand
and adopt new technologies that help in dealing with such issue in an effective manner. The
managers can develop good relation with suppliers and can give guidelines to marketing team for
implement promotional activities as well. The leaders can instruct team members to implement
activities in a systematic manner and analyse their performance level so that improvement take
place in an appropriate way. This combine role of leaders and functions of managers help company
to deal with this situation and improve the productivity and performance of organisation (Belvedere
and Grando, 2017).
In, multitasking operations and situations it is possible for both managers and leaders to act
different from in every situation such as they uses they their style in according to the occur of
situations. Furthermore, in situation of financial problems they can use their managerial &
leadership skills in correct way by proper analysis and considerations.
Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.
Leadership have important role in enterprise as they help in increasing the efficiency level of
employees. It is important for an leader to use appropriate form of leadership theory or style so that

goals and objectives are achieved in proper manner. There various types of leadership theory like
situational, contingency and system leadership theory (Lockwood and Euler, 2016). Situational
leadership is defined as theory in which it specifies that there is no single best use of style as it rely
on different situation or task. In this theory,leader use the style which is best suitable for followers.
It is best suitable for achieving complex problems and issues. This management and operation
department of TESCO focus on this leadership to analyse the faced situation so that better results
are achieved.
Further one is system leadership in which it states that organisation is large body rather
than a specific individual in which it comprises of various subsystems. In these subsystems it
includes work team or group, facilities individual, departments etc. This theory believes that entity
success depends upon Synergy, interconnections and communications. In relevance with TESCO,
they use this system leadership when there is need of completion the multitasking project. The
manager of firm make ensure that this theory is used with proper manner so that objectives are
achieved with proper considerations. It has also seen that with help of this leadership it is easy to
make make decision regrading the work related context area. Another one is contingency
leadership in which it states that there is no best leadership style and success of organisation rely on
leader, situation & followers. This mainly focuses on contingent upon several situational factors
involving leader style, capabilities, behaviour of followers. Other believed factor of this theory is
that this is based on basis that individual with different capabilities can deliver much better results
in their related field.
The style of system leadership helps Tesco to solve their issues because it assist them in
improvement of their operations in multi tasking situations. This style of leadership help them
effectively as they have been manageable in improving their operations in critical situations in most
efficient way.
The above discussed theories are used by organisation depending upon their requirement &
decisions making process. So, when selecting these leadership styles appropriate considerations are
to be carried out for better results (Bozarth and Handfield, 2016).
Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers play.
In management, methods are necessary to be used so that correct decisions making is being
done. Through use of these approaches, it is easy to deal with situations in and according to which
final decisions are made. In relevance with chosen entity, there are various types of approaches
which are used by management and are mentioned below-

Approaches Explanation
Just In Time
It is method in which it is mainly concerned with process of
production. With help of this method, inventory is reduced &
efficiency level is increased at higher scale. In relevance with TESCO,
they use this method which help them saving cost of business. It is a
beneficial strategy which is adopted by firm at wider scale. Through
use JIT, waste reduction is being done in business which also leads to
saving of money for better development (Slack and Brandon-Jones,
2018).
Strength-
 Main strength of this approach is that it increases company's
overall efficiency at higher level.
Weakness-
 Main weakness is that it require smart tactics to use this
method in management.
TQM
This method is elaborated as total quality management in which it
focuses on reliability as well as quality of the input and output. TQM
is an effective strategy which is useful for managing the quality &
price of the product. Moreover, it ensure that output with better quality
is achieved. In reference with selected entity, they uses TQM in such
a way that appropriate results are accomplished. It increases the
goodwill of firm as they provide high quality of products in market.
This also leads to improvement in customer satisfaction level with
deep focus. Moreover, it assist in end users loyalty as well as increases
their retention period. This is beneficial for both business &
enterprises.
Strength
 Its main strength is that it helps in improving the quality of
work by increasing reliability (Meredith and Shafer, 2019).
Weakness
 It is difficult in achieving the commitment of providing better
quality.
Lean Production It is another method which is adopted by selected entity, as in this it
specifies assist in achieving of output by reducing wastage which

results in increased productivity. Through this lean production, it is
easier to use resources in efficient way. It is mostly used for
manufacturing activities and is used at larger scale by firm at global
level. With use of lean production, as waste is reduced it leads to
better increased sustainability period of business for longer period of
time. Through this, quality of a product is also increased at higher
level which leads to better efficiency.
Strength
 By using appropriate use of resources, wastage of materials is
reduced.
Weakness
 This method is is beneficial but a problem might cause a
conflict to the whole process of management.
Role of leader-
 In relevance TESCO, leader of company in which main role is to examine the needs &
desire of people as well as customers, encourage employees to achieve goals. Through this
role of analyst, leader is able to understand followers point of views and their performance is
also analysed.
 The leader of company work with persistence to enhance the productivity of subordinates at
higher level. With this role, output are achieved in most efficient way.
 As a leader has to focused towards encouraging employees so that common desired goals
are accomplished within a period of time. For example- This role of leader is applied to
change management context as leader assist employees to adjust according to market trends
so that problems do occur during management activities.
 Then another role is that a leaders act as philosopher and guide to followers as they guides
& access their thoughts. Also, they help employees towards their work role, responsibilities,
etc.
 Also, they implement strategy for business so that more new opportunities are being
explored in correct manner. With this, they are able to enhance business operations at rapid
scale.
 Leader also act as a innovator in business as they make new changes and deliver new ideas
to expand the business operations. As a innovator they are responsible for developing a

change in organisation and influencing others also to accept the change without any facing
any issues (vanov, Tsipoulanidis and Schönberger, 2017).
Role of manager
 Managers are backbone of entity as they perform role such as managing every resources in
management to get the work done.
 Another role is to analyse as well as examine the work progress, project schedule are
running in time or given deadline or not.
 Further role is to make ensure that right candidates are placed according to their skills set
and level of knowledge. For example- Manager role is applied to situational leadership
theory as they assign task or role to employee on the basis of situation & skill set of
candidate.
 Manager act as multi-task performers who manages many different task at single aspect.
With this role, they maintain the uniformity of working at workplace.
 Further role is that they act as negotiator between two business parties or within a particular
firm. They manages all decision making process between employees & superiors. It results
in maintaining of positive relationship in-between the business departments.
 Thus, after analysing above matter it is seen that approaches to operation management are
needed to be adopted so that results are achieved properly ( Lee and Tang, 2018).
Therefore, various approaches have been discussed & then role of manager as well as
leaders is explained briefly. It has examined several types of roles are performed by both manager
and leaders according to their level of knowledge. With these roles, difference between both leaders
and managers have been also determined. So, it has become important for these two fulfil their roles
inmost efficient manner. Further, by examining of strength and weakness of all stated approaches, it
is seen that these methods can be used by entity in most appropriate way.
Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.
In enterprise, operation management has crucial role in development of activities and
achieving objectives. It is beneficial for entity, as because it assist in managing, controlling,
supervising goods or raw materials within the business (Filimonau and Delysia, 2019). In relevance
TESCO, manager & leader of company make assure that operations management carry out their
work in effective way. The importance & value of operations management is mentioned below-
Increase revenue- Operation management is important as it help in increasing profit/sales

ratio of business & also they determine all the cost related to it. When profit is increased business is
able to expand their activities at wider scale. It also results in developing, accessing more new
better opportunities. In reference with chosen firm, they have been increasing their revenue scale
with rapid speed which has changed their management structure.
Customer satisfaction- Another importance of OM is that it help company to provide
customer with total satisfaction so that entity's goodwill remain in market. This is done through
delivering quality of product to customers so that they are satisfied in proper manner. In context
with chosen entity, they deliver products according to the needs and demands of end users.
Reduced operating cost- Then, importance of operation management is that it help in
reducing operating cost of firm at which is done by using of correct number of product according to
requirement, using of resources at optimum level & reducing wastage in production process. It is
most important benefit of OM which is accessed by firm.
Increases sale- With help of OM, business is able to increase their sales ratio at higher level
by conducting a detailed research about field and use of new technologies which help in accessing
of opportunities also. Moreover, it assist in enhancing the capability of entity to gain competitive
advantage in market.
Therefore, from above specified matter it is analysed that OM is essential part of business
which is needed to be carried out in appropriate manner. It is essential to use operation management
in correct way so that common objectives are achieved. With above explained basis, analysis has
been regarding the importance of operation management.
Analyse elements within business environment that effect upon operational management and
decision-making by leaders and managers.
In enterprise, there are many factors which have a impact on operational management &
decision making by leaders leaders and managers. It is essential to examine that these factors are
necessary which are needed to be adopted by firm. In the present competitive environment, large
number of business entities emphasising on the requirements of maintaining ethics, values as well
as sustainability within the organization so that they can enhance their relationship with users.
Along with this, there main aim is to provide satisfaction to the customers by adopting each and
every ethical standards in an effective manner (Lee, 2018). TESCO is an organisation which
operates its functionality at the competitive marketplace. For gaining competitive advantage it is
said that managers adopt CSR activities in an effective manner which usually plays very essential
role in the growth and development of an organisation.

Corporate social responsibility- This is most important factor which affects their business
at wider scale. It is defined as integration of social and economical by business with aim of to
contribute to society and community. CSR have a big impact on environment of firm because
decisions have to be taken according to the rules & regulations of society. This affects Tesco as the
expectations of society and community have changed which forces entity to carry out their
operations accordingly.
Culture- It is another factor which affects Tesco, as in firm there are various types of people
from different culture, with difference in opinions. So, with this element it creates a big effect on
business environment of business at larger scale. It has been identified that the relationship among
the functions of management as well as leadership styles is that it have the capabilities to influence
corporate social responsibility within the company. The managers of TESCO adopt each and every
policies and strategies by considering all the factors which can influence the social responsibility of
the business entity towards the society. All these policies are related with environment protection,
high quality products and services within affordable price, satisfaction of customers and many
more. For this, the role of manager and higher authorities is to communicate all the policies to the
staff members as per the needs and requirements. It has also been analysed that the leaders of
TESCO ensure that plans as well as policies need to communicate with employees in an effective
manner. This as a result will help in inspiring and influencing the performance of workers as per
their strategies.
Apart from this, it has also been identified that the external environment elements of TESCO
highly affect the overall operational management. There are two main approaches which are six
sigma and total quality management approach which assist in enhancing the overall performance of
employees and quality of products in an appropriate manner. These are the factors which can highly
influence the operational management activities along with the decision making process of both
managers and leaders. In addition to this, Corporate social responsibility is defined as process of
company to integrate with social & environmental factors which they includes in their business
operations Wamba and Queiroz, 2020).This factor has deep impact in operational management and
decision making of leaders as well as managers as entities need to use their business practices in
economical way according to which decisions are made directly affecting operational management
of TESCO. Culture is another factor affecting business environment as in entity there are many
types of culture like, power, task, role, etc. according to which there are employees behave in entity.
In relevance with Tesco, they follows role culture in their management.

CONCLUSION
After examining of above report, it is seen that management & operation is wider concept
which is needed to be understood in proper way. So, discussions have been made about leadership
theories, comparison of roles & characteristics of leaders & managers, role of leaders and function
of manager and many more. With the aid of above mention information, it is said that both
management as well as leadership plays very essential role in the business entity. It is said that
managers and leaders have their different work and functionality within the business entity which
aid them to attain their objectives in an effective manner. Both management practices as well as
leadership styles perform their operations in order to accomplish their business goals and objectives.
Along with this, it has also been examined with the assistance of report that decision making
process of managers and leaders within the organisation help in improving the process of
production of the business entity. Along with this, it also help in reducing the cost of production
along with maintaining the quality of products in an effective manner.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Burns, 2018. Port management and operations. CRC press.
Bozarth, 2016. Introduction to operations and supply chain management. Pearson.
Slack, 2018. Operations and process management: principles and practice for strategic impact.
Pearson UK.
Meredith, 2019. Operations and supply chain management for MBAs. John Wiley & Sons.
Ivanov, 2017. Global supply chain and operations management. A decision-oriented introduction to
the creation of value, 2.
Lee, 2018. Socially and environmentally responsible value chain innovations: New operations
management research opportunities. Management Science, 64(3), pp.983-996.
Filimonau, 2019. Food waste management in hospitality operations: A critical review. Tourism
management, 71, pp.234-245.
Lee, 2018. A review of applications of genetic algorithms in operations management. Engineering
Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 76, pp.1-12.
Lockwood, 2016. Transportation systems management & operations workforce development:
Recruitment, retention, and career development. Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE
Journal, 86(8), p.15.
Wamba, 2020. Blockchain in the operations and supply chain management: Benefits, challenges
and future research opportunities.
Sabbaghtorkan, 2020. Prepositioning of assets and supplies in disaster operations management:
Review and research gap identification. European Journal of Operational Research, 284(1),
pp.1-19.
Belvedere, 2017. Sustainable operations and supply chain management. John Wiley & Sons.