BOKOMO FOODS Limited: Leadership, Management and Operations Report

This report analyzes leadership and management practices within BOKOMO FOODS Limited, a UK-based cereal manufacturer. It explores the distinct roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, differentiating their responsibilities and approaches. The report examines various leadership theories, including trait theory, managerial grid theory, and contingency theory, evaluating their applications in different operational scenarios. It also delves into key approaches to operations management, such as Taylor's scientific management and Fayol's administrative theory, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the report discusses the impact of leadership styles and operational strategies on efficiency, conflict resolution, and overall business performance, providing a comprehensive overview of effective leadership and management in a manufacturing context.

MANAGEMENT
AND OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
(a) Roles and characteristics of a leader and manager.................................................................3
(b) Examining the of role of leader and manager........................................................................5
(c) Theories and model of leadership..........................................................................................6
(d) Analysing and differentiating between role of a leader and manager....................................7
(e) Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situation within work environment....8
(f) Critical evaluation of different theories and approaches to leadership in the given context. .8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
(a) Key approaches to operations management...........................................................................9
(b) Importance and value of operations management................................................................11
(c) Factors impacting operations management..........................................................................12
(d) Evaluating the way in which leaders and managers can improve efficiency of operations
management...............................................................................................................................12
(e) Impact of different factors on business environment and wider community.......................13
(f) Critical applications of different factors in operations management....................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
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INTRODUCTION
Managing operations and functional activities in the enterprise is a critical and complex
function and it is imperative to adopt a systematic and strategic approach for executing the
desired operation. Operational functions are executed for creating products and services that are
offered by an organization (Fernie and Sparks, 2014). Major functions including planning,
coordinating, controlling, organizing and scheduling and all the activities are part of the
Operations management. It is needed that all functions should be performed and executed by
making systematic strategies and implementing them.
Present report is based on BOKOMO FOODS limited which is UK’s leading cereal
maker company and offers own label and branded manufacture and packaging services for top
retailing companies of the world (About food at Bokomo limited, 2017). Organization is
committed for ensuring quality, freshness and sustainability as well as adopting innovative
methods for producing food products. Various products that are offered by the enterprise include
Muesli, Granola, Porridge and Multi grain flakes (Bokomo limited, 2017). High quality and
healthy cereal products are manufactured and delivered by the enterprise and innovative brand
new recipes are offered to the buyers. Products are offered in direct market to the consumers,
retailers, caterers and discounters.
Present report describes about important roles and characteristics of good leader and
theories and models of leadership that can be applied have also been described in the report.
Moreover, approaches of operations management and roles played by leader under this have
been mentioned. Furthermore, importance and value of operations management have been
defined under this report.
TASK 1
(a) Roles and characteristics of a leader and manager
BOKOMO FOODS limited is a leading cereal manufacturing company of UK that has its
own brand labels. All the staff members gives their mutual support for executing necessary
functions of the entity and it supports in accomplishing desired goals and set targets of the
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enterprise. Leaders and managers who are working in the entity play a significant and crucial
role in completing the assigned task and all the imperative operational activities.
Leader :- They provide guidance and directions to the followers towards accomplishment of
required goals. Leader influence, motivate and enable followers to work for achieving success
and growth of the organization.
Manager :- they are responsible for controlling and instructing the work and staff of the
organization. Manager plan, organize and control different activities that are performed in the
enterprise.
Role and characteristics of a leader and a manager are as described:-
LEADER MANAGER
Leaders working in the organization are people
oriented and they work for providing
motivation to staff members so that they can
complete their assigned work (Galliers and
Leidner, 2014).
Managers in the enterprise are production
oriented and their major focus is to complete
the functions
They delegate authority and specific roles are
given to the team members. Power to take
decisions are also given to the workers and
they are involved in the action plan forming
process
Managers delegate responsibility and specific
task and job roles are assigned to the
subordinates.
Leaders develop skills, capabilities and
knowledge of followers
Managers maintain existing competence of
followers
Leaders uses innovative ideas and concepts for
completing a specific project
They work as an administrator and control
operational activities that are performed in the
entity (Hassan, Mahsud and Prussia, 2013)
Leaders originate an idea and develop mission
and vision and on the basis of that, planning is
carried out to complete a goal.
Managers imitate the subordinates about what
they need to do and specific deadlines are
given for performing a specific task.
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Leaders challenges the status-Quo Managers accept the Status-Quo
They work by developing long term vision and
strategies and action plans are formed on the
basis of targets set in the entity.
Managers set short term targets and they give
directions to the followers for completing the
target.
Leader makes action plans for completing a
work in due time interval and strategies are
formed for mitigating the negative impact of
risks.
They formulate strategies and budgets are also
formed so that finance should be allocated for
carrying out desired functions effectively.
It is assertive that leaders should be accepted
by the followers
Managers should be appointed by the top
management
They take initiative for involving mutual
support of followers for completing the set
goals and targets.
Managers direct and give instructions to the
subordinates for completing the assigned work
Commitment is seek by the leader. Managers seek control on all the activities that
are being performed.
Leaders use personal power. They use positional power for guiding the
juniors
However, there are some similarities that exist between leaders and managers. Both
provide mission and vision to the subordinates and guide them for accomplishing the goals of the
enterprise. Both are responsible for motivating and influencing the followers so that they can
achieve the goals of the enterprise. Leaders and managers frames action plan and set long term
and short term objectives of the enterprise.
(b) Examining the of role of leader and manager
BOKOMO FOODS limited executes its desired business operations and positive efforts
are given by the leader and manager for handling different business situations in entity.
Sometimes, critical and complex situations are witnessed in the enterprise and it aids in
executing business functions in an effective way. Leadership is an art of influencing followers
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towards achievement of a specific goal and it supports in gaining overall objectives. Different
situations that are being faced in the enterprise are as described:-
Situation 1:- Conflict among staff members are created and due to those overall
operational activities of BOKOMO FOODS limited enterprise were affected. It is required that
proper strategies and approaches should be used for resolving the issues that are being faced in
the enterprise. Leaders and managers tries their best possible efforts for solving the issues and it
has supported in reducing negative impact of conflict situations that were being faced in the
enterprise. Autocratic leadership style was adopted and all the staff members were given clear
instructions for not involving in grievance and conflict situation. In autocratic leadership style,
all the power to take decision remains with the leader and one person takes decision for whole
group and all the individuals at work place (Haslam and Ellemers, 2014). In this leadership style,
followers have high degree of dependency on the leader. Use of this leadership style supports in
resolving the conflicts that were being faced by the enterprise.
Situation 2:- BOKOMO FOODS limited is a leading cereal manufacturing company of
UK and recently company faced issues due to decrease in sales. Overall financial revenues and
profitability of enterprise were affected due to it. It was required that effective measures should
be taken for resolving the issue so that performance of enterprise can be improved. Democratic
leadership style was followed under this and all the staff members were invited in an open
discussion session for giving suggestions and innovative methods for enhancing sales and
revenues of the entity (Hallinger, 2013). Decision making process takes place in a group and all
cooperation of group members is taken for ensuring their positive participation.
(c) Theories and model of leadership
Theories of leadership defines about various techniques and methods that can be used for
providing directions and instructions to subordinates. Different types of leadership theories are as
follows:-
TRAIT THEORY: - This theory focuses on individual characteristics of successful
leaders. According to this theory, leaders possess a set of traits that differentiates them from the
other followers (Hogg and Terry, 2014). Some traits that are found in successful leaders include
creativity, high tolerance, intelligence and capability to influence other followers.
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THE MANAGERIAL GRID THEORY :- The theory was given by Black and Moton
and according to this theory, a graphical representation of two dimension views of leadership
styles is used which includes concern for people and concern for production. 5 basic styles of
leadership have been mentioned under this and leaders can adopt any of them for directing the
subordinates.
CONTINGENCY THEORY: - According to this theory, behaviour of a leader depends
upon a specific situation and complexity and critical issues related with a specific situation
determines the leadership style. Situational leadership theory concentrates on task behaviour of a
leader. According to this theory, it is required that followers should be mature in performing
their tasks.
(d) Analysing and differentiating between role of a leader and manager
Leaders and managers play different types of roles and characteristics. Features of the
roles played by them differ from each other. Some significant roles that are played by the leaders
and managers are as described:-
Taylor's theory of scientific management: - According to this theory, major emphasis is
given on maximizing capacity and competence of workers by enhancing the productivity.
According to this approach, careful selection and training of every task needs to be done (Winter
and Knemeyer, 2013). Moreover, proper remuneration is required to be given for every task and
activity that is being performed. Managers of BOKOMO FOODS limited are accountable for
doing equal division of work and responsibilities among subordinates. They are accountable for
providing opportunities to workers for achieving their goals and financial rewards. Manager is
responsible for planning, coordinating, controlling, organizing and monitoring the overall
operational activities of enterprise.
Fayol's Administrative theory: - According to this theory, there are five major functions
of management which includes planning, organizing, command, coordination and control.
Managers are responsible for doing division of work and giving authorities and rights to the staff
members. They are also accountable for giving orders and commands for ensuring effective and
efficient operations and it is also required that managers should rely on the initiatives taken by
subordinates.
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Task or relation oriented approach: - According to this approach, leaders in BOKOMO
FOODS limited should focus on tasks and activities that are needed to be performed in the
enterprise. It supports in completing the required goals and also aids in enhancing the
performance standards of enterprise. Moreover, moral and motivation level of staff members also
increase and they perform their assigned work and responsibilities effectively. Leaders
emphasises on work facilitation as well as on specific roles and tasks that are allocated to staff
members (Hallinger, 2013). Major objective is to complete the production related activities and
step by step action plans are formulated for achieving a specific goal.
(e) Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situation within work environment
BOKOMO FOODS limited is a leading food manufacturing company of UK that delivers
high quality healthy food products for its buyers. Various approaches are used for completing the
operational activities of enterprise and it aids in executing business functions in an effective way.
Various approaches that are used in the corporation and their strengths and weaknesses are as
described:-
Task oriented approach: - This approach focuses on completing the production related
activities by involving positive support of staff members and major emphasis is given on
completing essential tasks and jobs (Gurman and Kniskern, 2014). Goals are achieved in a
structured manner by making use of this approach and step by step plans are formed which aids
in completing the desired business activities in a strategic way. However, this approach does not
focus on developing positive and strong relations with the staff members (Myers, 2013).
Situational leadership approach: - This approach is effective in resolving an issue or
any complex business situation being faced by the enterprise. Better decisions are taken in a
specific situation which help in managing the desired operations effectually (Hassan, Mahsud
and Prussia, 2013). However, it is difficult to handle some situations and sometimes, this
approach fails in solving the issues being faced in the specific business situation at BOKOMO
FOODS limited. However, it is vital that proper plans should be formed for allocating tasks and
responsibilities to the staff members.
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(f) Critical evaluation of different theories and approaches to leadership in the given context
Various theories and approaches that are used by the managers and leaders of BOKOMO
FOODS limited supports in completing operational functions in an effective way. It is assertive
that proper directions and instructions should be given to junior staff members and allocation of
job and work are also required to be done effectively so that all activities will be performed as
per the desired manner. Task oriented leadership approach supports in completing all the
functions in a systematic manner (Hassan, Mahsud and Prussia, 2013). By making use of this
approach, specific job roles and works are allocated to staff members and it supports in
accomplishing the daily activities.
In addition to this, situational leadership approach is also followed and decisions are
taken by the leaders for handling a specific situation and taking decisions for resolving the issues
that are associated with a particular situation. Moreover, transformational leadership approach is
also followed under which major emphasis is given on developing competencies and capabilities
of staff members and it also aids in making positive improvements in the skills and capabilities
of employees so that quality of job performed by them can be improved. All the leadership
approaches that have been used in BOKOMO FOODS limited have proved to be effective in
accomplishing the desired goals and functions of entity in an effective and advanced manner. All
the subordinates are given with orders and instructions for completing a specific work and job as
well as it has also helped in clarifying the job duties to employees (Haslam, Van Knippenberg
and Ellemers, 2014). Participative leadership approach supports in making involvement of staff
members in decision making and action plan formulation process that helps in gaining positive
ideas for making improvements in the overall performance of organization.
TASK 2
(a) Key approaches to operations management
Operations management is a significant concept that is being used for planning,
organizing, scheduling, controlling and executing required business functions in BOKOMO
FOODS limited. Many approaches of operations management are used in the entity and it
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supports in carrying out daily activities effectually. Diverse range of approaches that are used in
the entity are mentioned as:-
Lean production: - It is a systematic and organized approach for eliminating waste from
the operational activities which helps in reducing the overall operational and financial cost for
carrying out the business activities in an effectual manner (Fernie and Sparks, 2014). Five major
principles of lean management includes defining value for customers, making the process flow
smooth, pulling from the buyers and heading towards perfection. It is also needed that specific
belief should be designed from the standpoint of customers and it is also needed that all steps in
the value stream will be assessed (Galliers and Leidner, 2014).
Under this approach, flows are created and values are developed so that goods and
commodities can be delivered to the customers. They are given with an option for pulling the
product from value stream. Focus is also given for seeking perfection and it is done by
identifying the value streams. Unnecessary steps are eliminated for example in BOKOMO food
there are many steps are involved in the manufacturing activities which needs to be followed.
Lean manufacturing approach has supported for reducing the unnecessary and extra practices
from the manufacturing process. It supports in reducing wastage from the manufacturing
activities performed in the entity. It aids in carrying out and executing business functions in an
effective and advanced way. There are five major goals of lean production system which
includes improving the quality of products and services so that big market share can be achieved
and products and services can be offered in the large market areas (Gilmour, 2013). In addition
to these, wastes are eliminated that helps in reducing time for executing the operational activities.
It also helps for achieving cost reduction and gaining consumer satisfaction.
Six sigma: - It is a business strategy used for identifying and removing defects from the
production and manufacturing process that are performed in the business. In addition to this,
statistical measures are taken for evaluating the process and smooth flow of operational process
is ensured by making use of this approach (Gómez-Expósito, Conejo and Cañizares, 2016).
DMAIC method is used in Six-Sigma which aids in controlling the operational process of
BOKOMO FOODS limited. Top management authorities, executives and people working at
managerial level are accountable for implementing strategies of Six Sigma in the entity. Bokomo
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food limited makes use of six sigma approaches. Under six sigma some essential and necessary
steps are as mentioned :-
Define :- Problem are defined and statement of problems is developed.
Measure :- action plan is developed for collecting the data and it is ensured that data is
collected from authentic and reliable sources.
Analyse :- Close examination of processes is done and causes of the problem are verified.
Improve :- Brainstorming sessions are organized for identifying solutions for a specific
problem.
Control :- existing processes are continually improved by making use of lean principle
approaches. New knowledges are applied to other processes of the organization.
Total quality management: - This method is a prominent and key approach being used for
making positive and continuous improvements in the performance of organization (Seuring,
2013). Data, facts, information and figures are properly used for making modifications in the
existing business procedures which supports in identifying the new ways for enhancing current
performance of organization. This approach is also similar to six sigma as it focuses on quality in
the entire process and overall organization.
Just in time inventory management: - This is also a key approach of operational
management which supports in reducing the flow time for collecting raw material and carrying
out manufacturing activities (Slack, 2015). It also supports in completing all the operational
activities in an effective way that supports in reducing the storage cost for storing raw material
and other equipment required for starting manufacturing activities in the entity. All materials are
purchased at the time when they are required and aids in saving the overall investment cost of
company for manufacturing cereal products (Slack, Brandon-Jones and Johnston, 2013).
Leaders and managers can implement all the approaches of operations management.
Training and development program can be organized by them for imparting necessary skills and
capabilities to the subordinates so that they can perform their assigned task in effective manner.
In addition to that proper monitoring of approaches of operations management can also be done
by leaders and managers so that effective measures can be taken by them for rectifying the weak
performing areas.
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(b) Importance and value of operations management
Operational management is a systematic and strategic approach that aids in controlling
the operations of business. It becomes easier for managing finance, human resource, material
cost, production and manufacturing activities along with transportation, purchasing and
procurement related functions (Stadtler, 2015). BOKOMO FOODS limited offers superior
quality healthy cereal products to consumers and operational management approaches support in
achieving the desired goals of entity in a successful manner.
Approaches like Six-Sigma, Just in time inventory (JIT) and Total quality management
supports in executing operational functions of the enterprise properly. Lean production
management helps in completing the manufacturing activities within proper time. Lean
production aids in removing wastage and unnecessary processes from the existing practices
being carried out in the enterprise. In addition to this, six sigma supports in removing defects
from the existing manufacturing and other functional activities as well as smooth flow of
operational functions is ensured through the same (Slack, 2015).
Flow of material, information, financial revenues and human resource becomes easier.
Along with that, all the action plans are executed in an effective way. Operational management
also supports in planning, coordinating, controlling, managing and monitoring the business
functions. Furthermore, long and short term objectives such as enhancing sales of products,
increasing revenues and profitability can be achieved effectually that will support in meeting the
consumer needs and expectations by offering healthy and high quality products. Moreover,
operations management provides competitive advantage to business as well as strength for
staying ahead with the competitors (Fernie and Sparks, 2014). Apart from that, various functions
that are performed under operation management including purchasing raw material,
manufacturing activities, capacity management, procurement and purchasing functions as well as
logistics and inventory management along with scheduling and planning of business activities
are done in an effective way.
(c) Factors impacting operations management
Operational management activities in BOKOMO FOODS limited gets affected due to
diverse range of factors which are external and internal both. It is also needed that appropriate
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