Detailed Report on Leadership, Management and Operational Strategies

This report delves into the intricacies of leadership, management, and operational strategies within the context of Associated British Foods PLC (ABF PLC). It begins by differentiating the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, examining how their functions are applied in various business situations. The report explores different leadership and management theories, such as trait theory, behavioral theory, human relations theory, and chaos theory, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it analyzes key approaches to operational management, emphasizing their importance in achieving business objectives and evaluating factors within the business environment that impact operational decision-making. The report also assesses how leaders and managers can enhance operational efficiencies to successfully meet business objectives, considering factors affecting the business environment and the wider community. Finally, it offers a critical evaluation of the application of operations management and its impact on the broader business environment for the chosen organization, ABF PLC, providing valuable insights into effective leadership and management practices.

Management and
operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
a) Different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers...................................................1
b) How the role of leader and function of manager is applied in different situations ..............2
d) Difference between the role of a leader and function of manager by implication of various
theories........................................................................................................................................4
e) Assessment of strength and weaknesses of various approaches to situation within the work
environment.................................................................................................................................5
f) Critical analysis of different theories :....................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
a) Key approaches to operation management and the role of leaders and managers .................7
b) Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives : ..........7
c) Assessment of factors within the business environment that makes impact upon operational
management and decision making by leaders and managers .....................................................8
d) Evaluation of how leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational
management to successfully meet business objectives ..............................................................9
e) Factors affecting business environment and wider community..............................................9
f) Critically evaluate application of operations management and factors that impact on the
wider business environment for your organisation...................................................................10
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Management operations is the way to achieve predetermined goals and objectives of
organization(AbouRizk, 2010). It includes administration of business operations to develop an
entity and simultaneously providing customers what they want. This process starts from ordering
raw material and converting them into the finished goods. It ends when the goods are finally
purchased by customers. Profit maximization is the main objective of management operations. In
simple words, operation management deals with production, designing and distribution. In this
report, the way in which management operations ensure immense optimization of available
resources has been explained. Role of managers and leaders which they plays in an entity have
been discussed as well. Further, their characteristics and significance are also defined in a
detailed way. Various theories of management have been highlighted in the report along with the
way in which management team can implement these theories in managerial operations of cited
entity. All these concepts will be studied with reference to chosen organisation, that is,
Associated British food plc . It is British food processing and retailing company. Which has its
headquarter at London and its branches are situated in countries like Austria, Belgium and
Germany(Ageron, Gunasekaran and Spalanzani, 2012).
TASK 1
a) Different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers
Managers and leaders are those people who are responsible for activities from starting
has been explained the process of purchasing raw material till end of process by selling products
to customers. They are at every stage of organisation. Leaders and managers of Associated
British food plc needs to identify their roles so that they can give their best to accomplish the
requirement of those roles. Leaders of Associated British food plc needs to set goals and targets.
They search for the opportunities and find new and efficient way to achieve goals and objectives.
On the other hand, managers needs to maintain status of an organisation.
Managers make direct control over the way to achieve goals. It is easy to make
differentiation between a leader and a manager(Akkerman, Farahani and Grunow, 2010).
Leaders need to lead the subordinates but managers has a prime duty to complete the managerial
operations to accomplish the goals and objectives. But sometimes, it becomes hard to bring out
any difference because it may be possible that in an organisation, a person is playing the role of

both leader and manager. Both managers of Associated British food plc needs to ensure that
everything works in a planned way. Nothing goes out of the box to ensure the most effective
utilization of organizational resources. Managers usually focus on tasks and the work. They
prepare an effective plan to achieve the organisational objectives. Through budgeting, managers
manage the constraints of budgets(Alderton. and Saieva, 2013). Managers of Associated British
food plc needs to organise functions of supporting and proper utilization of organisational
resources. Further, they need to have control over operations to achieve the standards required
and objectives which they need to achieve. The next role which a manager plays is to make
coordination in projecting of tasks for the accomplishment of organisational objectives. Manager
of Associated British food plc needs to utilize effective resources in an effective manner.
Management of time needs to be in an effective manner. It is because of the reason that time is
the most important factor in a humans life. They both work simultaneously as making decisions
is not sufficient but important thing is to implement those decisions at the right moment of time.
leadership deals in focusing on long term vision and motivation of subordinates in extreme
situations. Inspiring them is also the work of leaders. Further, they deal with persuasion, team
work, building relationship, etc.
b) How the role of leader and function of manager is applied in different situations
Managers and leaders are having a huge significance in organisations success. As they
are working backed food mainly cake and cookies, many companies are working in this sector so
it is essential for them to make a proper competition with their competitors by enhancing their
products quality.
Leaders plays an important role to make a better strategy for an organisation, as ABF has
a huge market competition so in this situation it is required by them to make a better strategy by
which they can decrease their market competition. Leaders are having powers to make changes
in their strategy so they can analyse rivalry organisation and their features of their products and
services. By this, they can make a better change in their in products features to increase their
sales. Leaders plays an important role in those critical condition when organisation is facing
difficult situation from external factors. They can make a better change by motivating employees
which can help to them to make a better change in the company.
The company is various team and it is essential for cited organisation to make a proper
coordination in between team members. But conflicts can be occur in team members by

influencing their attitudes and behaviours. In this situation, managers can establish a personal co-
ordination in between them to retain productivity. Negotiation and communication are two
factors which majorly use by managers to decrease conflicts in between team members and this
is the main role of manager in organisation to continue business activities in any condition to
attain business objectives. Managers plays an important role in implementing the changes made
by the leaders in the actual conditions. They are having a huge experience of work in different
situations which can help to them to make a better change.
Application of role of leader in context of business:
 Leaders of Associated British food Plc mostly, motivates, supports and directs employees
of this organisation in order to attain all the desired goals and objectives of business
organisation.
 Another role of leader is to lead employees at the time when organisation is adopting new
tools and techniques in order to maximise the profit. Supporting and motivating along with giving suggestions to staff members of Associated
British food Plc so that their skills and knowledge can get enhanced and through this they
become more capable at workplace.
Application of functions of manager in context of business:
 Associated British food Plc's manager mostly develops a plan so that competitive
advantages can be gained at workplace. After developing a plan T&D programme can be
conducted so that skills of employees can get enhanced and through this only plans can
get executed in specific time of period.
 Staffing which is a function of manager plays an important role when it comes to
improve profitability along with productivity. Recruiting more talented employees
through which Associated British food Plc can hit their targets.
 Organising function of manager's of Associated British food Plc helps in developing
many strategies through which sales of products and services can be enhanced.
 Controlling process contains ample number of opportunities for manager so that
Associated British food Plc can grab good position in short period of time. Most
probably, controlling comes after when plan is being executed and through continuous
monitoring desired objectives can be attained.

d) Difference between the role of a leader and function of manager by implication of various
theories
There is a significant difference between leadership and management. As leadership
involves leading subordinates and in management, managers are concentrated over the
responsibility of things. Managers makes strategy and then they implement certain plans through
which organisational goals could be achieved. Management roles includes responsibilities
towards internal and external people of cited entity. Associated British food plc and its leaders
and managers needs to make a detailed analysis of rivals, customers, legal factors, suppliers and
internal parties of cited entity. The most significant fundamental overlap which exists between
management and leadership is that a good leadership includes responsibilities of management.
Often it can be seen that same persons are doing the job of both leader and manager. So it
become complex to identify the difference between the role and responsibilities of leaders and
managers(Heizer, Render and Munson, 2016). But as per leadership and management theories, it
can be clearly identified that there are some basic key points that can be taken as difference
between role of leadership and management. There are three factors which provides us the role
of a leader that he can play in Associated British food plc. These theories are mentioned below :
Role of Leaders
1. Trait Theory : trait theory of leadership identifies personal traits. Through it leaders can
be differentiated from managers. The very basic factor that makes difference between
managers and leaders is,”leaders are born, they cant be made”. A person who is a leader
possess the inborn leadership qualities. Whereas in case of managers its not like that
managers have managerial qualities which are inbuilt in them(Gimenez, Sierra and
Rodon, 2012.). Managers learns those managerial qualities from the situations which they
face.
Behavioural Theory : The behavioural theory of leadership criticises the above mentioned trait
theory. As per the researchers leadership can be termed as a set of behaviour. The behaviour can
be classified as the reaction which a person gives when a situation comes in front of him. It can
be said that leaders possesses a set of behaviour which has been developed in them while
experiencing various situations during the course of actions(Galindo and Batta, 2013.). Leaders
of Associated British food plc needs to develop their behaviour against various situations so that

in future when the market goes down, they can make their organisation profitable in that
environment also.
Function of Leaders
Human relation theory : Human relations are the most significant factors which influences
operations of business. Researchers have identified that productivity and development of an
entity can be increased only if the relation of management with public and other parties which
influences the operations of management, is strong. Hence as per this theory it can be identified
that leaders need to develop motivation among his subordinates. So that they can work much
efficiently. As well as they need to develop a behaviour among the employees to deal with
customers in a better and creative way(Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2013.). So that
Associated British food plc can impress them through its products and services.
Chaos Theory : In beginning chaos theory was a scientific principle. It describes the situations
which cant be predicted. As environment is dynamic in nature, because of that it gets really hard
to predict anything about it. So in this situation it is very crucial for an entity to have some basic
steps which can be taken in case of such uninvited circumstances. Chaos theory deals in these
factors. These circumstances develops an informal leader. Hence it can be concluded that chaos
theory reflects the duties and responsibilities of a leader in unexpected circumstances.
e) Assessment of strength and weaknesses of various approaches to situation within the work
environment
There are several strength of theories which makes them significant aspect of
management and leadership. But on the other hand there are also some disadvantages or
weaknesses which can be considered as drawback of these theories.
Trait Theory : The most significant strength of trait theory is the clarity of its concepts. It is
easily understandable(Dekker, Bloemhof and Mallidis, 2012). Hence Associated British food plc
can implement this theory very easily. As a result the goals can easily be achieved. But on the
other hand there is a drawback of this theory and this major drawback is it doesn't clarifies that
why should traits needs to be developed and how these traits can be developed.
Behavioural Theory : There are several advantages and disadvantages of behavioural theory. As
behavioural theory is scientific in nature hence it uses scientific methods of research. Which
makes it reliable. But on the other hand there are certain disadvantages of this theory. It has been

observed that it concentrates on the nurture side of nature(Cronin Jr and et. al., 2011). Further
some ethical issues were also raised against it, because of use of animals in research.
Human relation theory : This theory deals with the human relations so it develops the
behaviour of employees to deal with internal parties of cited entity further it helps in satisfaction
of customers. But there are several disadvantages of this theory like it overemphasize human
needs at expense of need for accomplishment of organizational task. Further it imposes dilemma
without solutions.
Chaos Theory : There are certain strengths of chaos theory like, it is widely applicable in
modern science and acceptable in technological era of 21st century. Research over something is
very useful for organisation(Closs, Speier and Meacham, 2011). Chaos theory is not simple as it
requires dynamic predictions, this is a drawback of this theory.
f) Critical analysis of different theories :
11 Situational Theory :situational leadership theory was actually created by, Dr. Paul Hersey
a professor author situational leader and Ken Blanchard. This model explains that a
leader needs to fit in every situations of the modern world. This theory argues that for
getting successful a leaders needs to be very acceptable. He should observe each and
every situation. And then he needs to analyse those situations. As the leaders needs to
find a creative and effective way to get out of every typical issues. For that purpose
situational analysis is necessary.11 Contingency Leadership Theory : This theory states that the leader and his effectiveness
is contingent in nature. That means its unpredictable in nature(Clausen and et. al., 2010).
It is organizational theory which claims that there is no best way to conduct the operation
of a cited entity or to lead it. A leader, who is contingent applies his own principles and
react in his own way to deal with the uninvited situations.
TASK 2
a) Key approaches to operation management and the role of leaders and managers
As ABF is highly influenced by market rivalries so it is essential for their leaders and
managers to make a better change in the organisation by which they can lead in their targeted
market. Operation management is mainly based on two approaches which are Kaizen and TQM,
explanation on these are given under below mentioned points:

KAIZEN: It is Japnese word and core meaning of this word is regular development in products.
many organisations are using this approach which helps to them to develop their products and
services regularly better. This approach can be used by company to enhance their productivity
and effectiveness for their customers. Leaders has to implement this approaches in charge which
can help to make their products and services more better as per their customers needs.
Total Quality Management: This is whole system which helps to a company to manage quality
in it's products and services. According to this approach each and very employees has to work
according standards. Managers of ABF have to make focus on their subordinates employees to
ensure of quality standards in their work. They are having several teams organisation which are
working to produce products as per market demands but it is also required for company to
provide quality. Managers has to make a strong supervision on their subordinates and mainly in
manufacturing and packaging products.
b) Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives :
Understanding the importance of operation management is the important aspect, in
management and operations. Operation management plays a significant role in development of
an organisation. International development of business has changed the concept of operation
management(Bozarth and Handfield, 2016). Department of operation management is equally
important as other department of an entity. Among various importance of operation management
some are mentioned below :
1. The task of operation management covers a wide area. It start with ordering the required
raw material and it continues till conversion of that raw material into finished goods.
2. Production department of Associated British food plc can get the required quantity of
raw material through operational management. So it means operational management
plays a significant role for production department.
3. Associated British food plc can produce maximum units of products through the help of
operation management.
4. Operation management is concentrated on successful completion of each and every
activity(Behrouzi and Wong, 2011).

c) Assessment of factors within the business environment that makes impact upon operational
management and decision making by leaders and managers
Some of the factors which influences and make significant impact over operational
management and decision making of leaders and managers are described below :
1. Board of directors : Board members makes a huge impact over operational
management. As they are secondary owners of business firm. And in operational aspect
they considered as the supreme head. They are the most senior persons of entity. Hence
board of directors of Associated British food plc puts an everlasting impact over
operational management.
2. Staff Members : staff members needs to make their target as per the capabilities they
have. They set their targets in a quantitative way because setting targets in quantitative
way helps them to achieve those targets easily. This process can only be done in case
proper training has been provided to them. So its the responsibility of operational
management staff to give them proper training so that they can get the target which they
wants to achieve(Heizer, Render and Munson, 2016). Associated British food plc have
different type of foods available as their products so they need different staff for such
products. And they need to get properly trained in preparing those products. So it can
seen that operation management needs to cover this training aspect which influences its
working.
3. Customers : customers are the other factor which influences operational management.
As operational management needs to accomplish the needs and requirement of customers.
To get the positive results out of business operation customer satisfaction is the most
important thing.
4. Morale Ethics : This concept clarifies that business personnels needs to give importance
to morale ethics. Because of the principle of sustainable development, which explains
that business firms are responsible towards society(Gimenez, Sierra and Rodon, 2012).
Because society has given it the license to exist so if the Associated British food plc will
not consider morale ethics then its license to exist in business environment may be
revoked.

d) Evaluation of how leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management
to successfully meet business objectives
Leaders and managers can make significant steps in operation management. Which helps them to
improve the management and its operations. Leaders plays a vital role in operation management
as it provides better way to conduct any operation. Better way can be referred as the way which
allows an entity to accomplish its targets and objectives more efficiently. As mentioned in the
trait theory that management depends on personal traits. Which means a leader can improve the
quality of business operations through its inborn quality. Managers has a job to draft better
strategies which helps them to achieve targeted share in target market(Galindo and Batta,
2013.). In case of recession, managers and leaders can make Associated British food plc survive
in market through the policies they have made to survive in such adverse situations.
e) Factors affecting business environment and wider community
There are certain factors which effects business operations, its environment and wider
community. These are mentioned below :
 Political : Political factor is the most significant factor which effects the operations of
business environment. When government frames any policies related to food industry
then Associated British food plc need to follow that policy. For an example: Change in
policies or laws like Health and Safety act or in tax payee laws may put both positive and
negative impact on working of business organisation.
 Economic : Economic factors influences business environment. Recession, inflation,
monetary and fiscal policy are some elements of economic factors which can make
immense impact over business environment. For an example: In 2007, when recession hit
the marketplace of United Kingdom, it raised the products prices and it also affected on
consumers pocket. This scenario affected productivity and profitability as well of
Associated British food Plc.
 Social : social factors are those factors which Associated British food plc needs to take
care. As if it has been ignored then the license of its existence may get revoked
(Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2013). For an example: If Associated British food Plc
expands its business at a whole new place that carries different cultures, it may be
possible that firm may face issues that are related to expansion of operation of this
organisation.

 Technological : As customers wants updated products hence Associated British food plc
needs to be updated with technology. For an example: Technology is carrying a rapid
changing nature, it is being analysed that if firm do not adopts updated technology then it
is may be possible that firm may face issues which is related to their productivity along
with profitability.
 Environmental : Associated British food plc needs to consider environment during the
production process. As causing damage to environment may lead to revocation of its
existence. For an example: Old chimneys at workstation may put impact on environment
therefore, it is required for Associated British Food Plc to keep on changing their
chimneys at workplace so that environment do not get affected much.
 Legal : Last and the most significant factor which influence management operation of
Associated British food plc is legal factors as management and leaders need to consider
legal policies and rules before production and distribution of its products (Dekker,
Bloemhof and Mallidis, 2012). For an example: Associated British Food Plc's managers
and leaders needs to provide flexible working hours to employees so that benefits can be
raised at workplace. Through this, motivation can be given to staff members.
f) Critically evaluate application of operations management and factors that impact on the wider
business environment for your organisation.
Operation management is the area in which company members can do the proper management so
that they can do qualitative work and on the basis of that they can do proper designing as well as
planning in the process of production and the manufacturing of the products. The staff members
of Associated British Food PLC have to do the proper changes according to the needs and wants
of consumers so that they can attain the goals and objectives(Cronin Jr and et. al., 2011). The
leader and manager of the business entity have to use the appropriate models as well as
approaches which helps in improving the productivity and proficiency so that they can obtain the
targets. Operations and management can be helpful in achieving the short term and long term
goals as they both are inter related with each other hence the completion of short term goal can
lead an organisation to achieve the second one.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned facts and the concepts mentioned in theories it has been clearly
concluded that leaders and managers plays a vital role in operational management. managers and

leaders are different from each other. They have different role to play in a cited entity.
Associated British Food PLC and its operational management needs to take care of various
factors of PESTEL analysis which helps them carry there operations smoothly.

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