Leadership and Management Report: Analysis of ALDI's Operations

This report delves into the core concepts of leadership and management, using ALDI as a case study. It begins by comparing the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, highlighting their distinct responsibilities and how they contribute to organizational goals. The report then differentiates ...Read More

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1...........................................................................................................................................1
P1 Compare various roles and characteristics of a leader and manager.....................................1
M1 Differentiate between the role of a leader and function of a manager..................................3
D1 Different theories and approaches to leadership...................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2 Role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational.......................4
P3 Different theories and models of approach............................................................................5
M2 Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situations..........................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P4 Key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers............7
P5 Importance and value of operations management.................................................................8
M3 Leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management.....................9
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
P6 Factors within business environment that impact upon operational management and
decision-making..........................................................................................................................9
M4 Different factors affect the business environment..............................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
.......................................................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Operation and management are main factors of capability in firm. Operation management
refers to management area related with designing as well as controlling production process and
also redesign all business operations in manufacture of services and goods. It includes
responsibility of assuring that all business related operations are more efficient in context to
using few resources as effective and required in terms of meeting needs of consumers. This
present report is based on the ALDI business firm and it is a supermarket chain with more than
10000 stores in around 20 countries. It is one of the favourite American grocers. Under this given
report mention about the comparison among characteristics and roles of leader and manager. In
this, role of leader and functions of manager applied in various situational context. Different key
approaches related to operation management and role that managers and leaders play will be
discussed in present assignment. In this mention report also mention regarding value and
significance of the operation management and necessary role which managers play. The role of
leader and also manager functions apply in various citations will be discussed ibn mention
assignment. The factors with in business environment which effect on operation management as
well as decision making through managers and leaders will also be mentioned in report.
TASK 1
P1 Compare various roles and characteristics of a leader and manager
Management refers to a process of getting resources together in order to attain
organisational objectives in an effective or proper manner. Management works on minimize
resource wastage and enhance attainment by proper resources utilisation. It is hierarchical
responsibilities order as well as distribution of work to attain goals.
Manager is a person that design and also manage work of firm in a direction to achieve
set aims and goals of firm. In context to this, for successful achieving set aims, there is a need to
manager to create and establish effective policies and strategies and ado develop plan so that all
employees can work accordingly (Ageron, Gunasekaran and Spalanzani, 2012). This person
distributes on different levels in company in context to manage tasks in various departments.
Roles of a Manager is to Develop plans and policies. Under this, main role of manager is to
develop effective policies as well as plans so that firm can achieve its organisational target in an
effective or better manner. In order to this, before implementing business activities in future, it is
1

essential for ALDI to create better plan that direct its workforce for perform in proper direction.
Training is a main role of a manager to provide better training which can enhance abilities as
well as skills of staff members. Under this, manager evaluate performance of staff members to
determine gap between actual and also standard performance. Under Monitor and control,
manager monitor as well as control activities of staff members and guide them to perform all
activities and tasks in a proper manner (Benjaafar, Li, and Daskin, 2013). In addition to this,
manager is more liable to control as well as monitor all business operations of firm by offering
better quality of services or products through use of the available resources in a significant
manner.
Leaders are people which get work completed from staff members concern about aims of firm.
They play necessary role in increase motivation of team members by their better leadership and
communication skills. Their main aim is to inspire and influence staff members in context to
enhance their performance and productivity. The roles of a leader can be to represent a
firm. Leaders are main part of an organisation and they are representative. Leader represents
concern conferences, seminars, general meetings. Its major role is to interact rationale of firm to
public. Leaders are necessary in company and required at all levels in ALDI organisation. At top
level, it is necessary for doing all operations on business in developing effective policies as well
as plans (Childe, 2011).
At middle and tactical level, it is necessary for an interpretation as well as
implementation of plan in an effective manner which are formulated through top
management. Leader is manager that entertains along with invite support and also coordination
of employees. It can do through intelligence, experience, personality and maturity of leaders that
can give the positive
Characteristics of manager and leader of ALDI:
Focus is fist characteristic of manager and leaders. The major focus of leader is to attain
achieve target and aims which are set through top management. On the other hand, Focus of
manager on developing effective plans and policies so that employees can work towards attain
aims accordingly. In Approach to uncertainty, Leader is an individual that has proper
capabilities as well as skills in order to with with any challenges. Managers like to deal with any
2

risks and doing all activities safe and also achieve target in set time period. Responsibilities is
also characteristic and in this it is a responsibility of leader to encourage as well as inspire
employees (Drake and Spinler, 2013). There is a need to manager to develop effective channels
of communication by top, middle and tactical level. So that all staff members can communicate
with each other in better manner.
Similarities among leaders and managers
 Leaders and managers entail working with employees and guide them in a proper in a
proper manner.
 The managers and leaders develop foundation of company and also its fundamental
structure.
 The main concern of leaders and managers is to about allocation of the available
resources in better manner so that they both can use effectively.
M1 Differentiate between the role of a leader and function of a manager
Manager and leader both plays a necessary role in ALDI business firm and they both are
working for achieving the common aims of company with in particular period of time. The roles
of manager are providing training to employees, formulate effective policies, monitor and control
activities and many others. On the other hand, functions of leaders are required at every level,
guide employees, Solicits support, representative of company. In addition to this, it is necessary
that in manager soft and hard skills are necessary.
The roles leader is Develop plans and policies, require at all levels, guide team members
and many others. On the other hand, functions of manager are planning, organising, directing,
coordinating and controlling.
D1 Different theories and approaches to leadership
Under this, there are various kinds of leadership theories and these are contingency,
management, behavioural, participative and many others (Giegerich, 2010). On the other hand,
different approaches related to leadership are adaptive, autocratic, democratic, situational etc.
Among all these given approaches, ALDI organisation uses democratic and situational leadership
approaches. These are helpful in enhancing motivation level of staff members at workplace.
3

TASK 2
P2 Role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational
Under this, there are various functions and roles which require to performed through
leaders and managers of ALDI organisation in context to implement business operations and
activities in better manner so that goals can be attain in an effective way (Gimenez, Sierra and
Rodon, 2012). In addition to this, business environment is very complex in nature which conduct
some modifications quickly. In addition to this, it is necessary for leaders and managers to
contribute towards more efforts in order to deal with various conditions which are arise because
of changing environment.
The needs and demands of consumers are changing day by day and it impact on process
of decision making of ALDI company. Preferences and taste of consumers are changing
frequently because of sales and profit of ALDI may be impacted. It is necessary for manager to
include all changing aspects and produce goods according to demands of customers and product
should be of better quality. On the other hand, leader should increase working behaviour as well
as attitude of staff members and motivate them so that they can focus on manufacture products
according to customers. In situation of consumers, managers need to focus on maintain quality of
products and use advanced technology in order to connect with them. on the other hand, leaders
should guide employees to deal with employees and fulfil their needs.
Employees are regarded as most necessary asset of firm. All are working for achieving
aims of company in an effective or significant manner (Kang, 2010). In this, there is a need to
manager to provide them training so that their abilities and core competencies can be enhanced
and focus on attaining organisational objectives. In situation context of employees, Manager
should focus on resolve dispute among staff members in better manner. On the other hand,
leaders provide better direction to their team members so that they can perform their activities in
an easy or systematic manner. With the help of this all workers will understand culture of each
other and interact in positive manner.
Government execute some of the particular regulations and rules of an organisation. It is
a responsibility of manager to follow all rules in an effective manner. Changes in policies of
government can make some modifications in legislations as well as taxation policies which can
impact in business operations as well as profit level. It is essential for manager of ALDI should
need have effective knowledge about all legal rules and legislations and follow them in proper
4

manner at the time of conducting activities or business operations. There is a requirement of
leader to motivate its team members so that they can perform well and work under all legislation
which are applied t workplace. In condition of government, the role of manager is to conduct
business by follow all legislations, policies and rules of government in better manner. leaders
should motivate its staff members to follow them.
In today’s society it is a main responsibility of ALDI organisation to manufacture goods
on the basis of requirements as well as needs of consumers in an effective manner. It will be
helpful in increasing sales, profit and reputation of company at market place (Lee and et. al.,
2014). In situation of society, manager should need to assure that all business activities and
operations performed on the basis of norms, beliefs, values, rules which are developed through
society. Leaders should encourage team members to focus on needs of consumers and try to
satisfy them in systematic way.
P3 Different theories and models of approach
Under this, there are different models as well as theories of leadership those are necessary
in order to adopt through management of ALDI organisation. It will be helpful in attaining set
objectives and aims with in specific time period. In order to this, an execution of theories are
helpful in directing as well as motivation staff members in order to perform in a better and
effective manner by using available resources. In order to encourage employees, leadership
theories are helpful. There are some theories and models of leadership such as system
leadership. This theory treats firm as system. Under this firm interact employees with its
existing environment through method of outputs and inputs. It shows system which require to be
structures in context to maintain positive working environment in ALDI organisation. It is
helpful in resolve issues which can arise among staff members because to the cultural variations
(Marchington and et. al., 2016). With the help of using this theory, leaders and managers should
need to develop effective channel of distribution and from this all can interact with each other in
better manner. Through using this, all staff members can work in a better or effective
manner.
Furthermore, situational leadership theory is based on this leadership style. There is no
single style of leadership is better. In this, efficient leaders are those which are liable or adopting
their leadership style based on condition. According to this theory, effectiveness of leader is
contingent on ability to change in behaviour of management to level of subordinates. This
5

leadership theory is based on the leaders and followers. The leaders adopt unique style according
to various condition. Under this, style of leaders may modify to meet requirements of
others. Contingency leadership theory states that effectiveness and efficiency of leadership
based on condition and there are many various factors like for an instance task nature,
personality of leader etcetera. This theory claims that there are not any effective methods to
manage and organise corporation to make better decisions and lead an organisation (Qin,
Nembhard and Barnes II, 2015). There is a need to leader to include all changes which are
happened because of the changing environment and implement business related operations in an
effective manner.
Among all of these theories, management of ALDI organisation should use situational
leadership theory because it is based on the situation.
Modern theory of management is based on contingency and system approach. Under
this, main focus of manager on increasing performance level of staff members and helpful in
achieving success and development in the professional carrier. In addition to this, management
develop proper and effective communication channels so that they can interact with staff
members and main harmonious relationship with them. Classical theory of management is
related with enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of firm and staff members which depends on
practices of management. It implies that manager should focus on searching innovative as well
as new methods in order to finish given task which aid in earn more profit.
M2 Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situations
Contingency leadership theory’s strength aids in providing relevant data so that firm can
conduct its activities in a proper manner. Its weakness in nature is reactive not proactive
(Rastogi, 2010). In terms of situational leadership, its strength is being helpful in using
leadership style according to condition but the weaknesses are that, there is no more flexibility.
The strength of the system theory helps in taking business decisions related to firms. However,
the weakness is complex in nature and not use in any kind of practical situation. it is changing or
there is not consistency.
6

TASK 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers
Operation management is responsible in order to implement business related activities or
operations in better manner which will aids in attaining better results in significant way. There
are some approaches related to operation management mention below:
Six sigma- It refers to set of effective tools and techniques for the purpose of process
improvement. It is helpful in improving quality of process output through determine as well as
neglect defect causes and reduce variability in business and production process (Rohini and
Mallikarjun, 2011). Generally, it uses set of the methods of quality management, statistical
methods, empirical and develop special infrastructural of individuals. It is an effective tool to
reduce the errors and through this consumers will be sustain towards firm for long period of
time.
Total Quality management- It is an effective management system which depend on
principle. Under this it is necessary for every employee to maintain their high work standard. It is
a continuous procedure of eliminating as well as minimizing all errors in the process of
production, supply chain, improve customer experience and provide effective training to staff
members.
Kaizen- It refers to practice of the continuous improvement. It is a recognised worldwide
as necessary pillar of company to formulate the competitive strategy. It applies to the process
like for an instance logistics and buying which cross the organisational boundaries in supply
chain. Its main motive is to remove all wastage.
Just in time- It is management strategy which align the orders of raw material from
directly to suppliers with manufacture schedules (Ronnenberg, Graham and Mahmoodi, 2011).
ALDI organisation uses this approach to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage through
receiving of products.
Roles of managers and leaders
Planning- It is a basic step and there is a requirement to manager of ALDI organisation
to develop an effective plan schedule and provide blueprint of task with required details. With
the help of effective plan, all staff members can complete activities in a systematic manner.
7

Organising- Under this, manager requires to be in chronological manner and also be sure
about everything which is going on the basis of plan. Employees done every thing according to
the plan.
Directing- IN this, it is a responsibility of manager to guide or lead staff members in
conditions in context to neglect conflicts as well as delay in activities. In this manager
encourage, motivate, communication and guiding. It needs manager to assist, problem solve and
coach with staff members.
Coordinating- It is helpful bring all staff members together through forming better
relationship and make them more comfortable so that they can share their problems in proper
manner.
P5 Importance and value of operations management
Operation management refers to process which includes planning, organising,
controlling, managing and also supervising process of production (Shuxin, 2011). Its main
motive is to assure the timely delivery of goods and use raw materials in to finished goods. It
plays an essential role in run project in successful manner. It is helpful in remove any kind of
uncertainty from process of manufacturing at similar time period. Some importance of operation
management mention below:
Increase productivity: Operation management is helpful in eliminate all kind of wastage
as well as errors in order to finish given work. It aids in provide effective quality of goods to
consumers for fulfil demand of buyers in an effective manner.
Assure minimum wastages of resources: It assess in remove all kinds of barriers from
manufacturing process to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of operations of business. It is
helpful in using effective resources and give long term advantages to firm.
Enhance ingratiation profits: If ALDI organisation will use effective quality
management approach and make operations more effective then in that case company will earn
more profit and goodwill will be enhance in significant way.
Help in satisfy the needs of customers: The consumers of today's time period need better
quality of products which can satisfy demands of consumers in a significant manner (White,
2016). If customers will be satisfied from services and goods of ALDI organisation then from
this they will be loyal consumers of firm and also will be retain for long period of time.
8

Give long term benefits to organisation: ALDI organisation provide better quality of
goods at right time at the right place in order to make consumers loyal towards firm. ALDI is a
supermarket and it offers different services and goods at discounted and offered cost so that firm
can influence consumers in easy manner (Accomazzi and et. al., 2012). It is helpful in bring
more benefits to firm for long period of time.
Quality improvement- IN this present era, major focus of each customers on using
quality goods which can according to demands of consumers. ALDI organisation use advanced
and latest technology in production process to produce goods of better quality.
M3 Leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management
Leaders and mangers both are necessary part of an organisation and focus on achieving
tasks in an effective manner. Leaders encourage and guide their team members in order to
perform all activities in a systematic manner and achieve target with in set period of time. On the
other hand, managers prepare as well as execute effective policies and strategies in ALDI firm
and use of proper resources to generate more profit level (Ageron, Gunasekaran and Spalanzani,
2012). If employees will be motivated then they will work in better manner and will achieve
targets of company in an effective or better manner.
TASK 4
P6 Factors within business environment that impact upon operational management and decision-
making
Factors those are available in the business environment are segmented in different
categories and these are external and internal analysis. At the time of conduct business
operations, it is necessary for manager to analyse internal and external both factors in an
effective manner.
Internal factors- These type of factors are already available at workplace and firm can control
all these components in significant way. Some different internal factors given below:
Employees- They perform different jobs as well as responsibility in order to archive the
set aims with in given time period. Their main focus on increase productivity of an organisation.
Capable and skilled employees offer many advantages to firm and impact on decision making
process of firm.
9

Consumers- They are end users of products of firm. The tastes and needs of every
customers are different from each other. Any modification impact on the manufacture process of
ALDI firm.
External factors- These are not under control of firm. It is essential for manager to analyse this
factor. Some external factors are mention below:
Political: The policies of each country are different from each other to control actions and
decision of firm. It is a responsibility of ALDI organisation to follow policies and regulations of
every country before conduct business at international level (Childe, 2011).
Economic: In this, different factors like income level, inflation, deflation, interest rate,
tax rate and many other factors are included. It will impact on expansion related activities of
ALDI organisation.
Social: Different social norms, values of society come in this. It impact on activities as
well as decision-making of ALDI firm. In this, it is necessary that all norms and values should be
followed through ALDI firm to develop positive brand image.
Technological: Advancement of technology is necessary to make improvement in
production process. ALDI organisation update its technology so that it can produce goods
according to needs of consumers and also attract more people towards firm
M4 Different factors affect the business environment
In this, there are many elements which are exists or impact on business environment
under which firm operate its business and take better decisions in favour of firm (Giegerich,
2010). In addition to this, ALDI firm operate its business at large level so it is necessary for this
company to include all factors and analyse them to reduce their negative affects in a better
manner. Generally, there are two different factors which impact on on business environment and
these are internal and external.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above given report that managers and leaders both play a
necessary role in making business successful and take effective decision in favour of firm. In
addition to this, main focus of managers and leaders are achieving set aims of company with in a
given period of time. In this report studied about comparison of different characteristics and roles
of managers and leaders. Under this report, various models and theories of leadership approaches
10

has been discussed in this report. In given assignment studied regarding key approached related
to the operation management and role of managers and leaders which they play.
11

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Accomazzi, A and et. al., 2012. Telescope bibliographies: an essential component of archival
data management and operations. arXiv preprint arXiv:1206.6352.
Ageron, B., Gunasekaran, A. and Spalanzani, A., 2012. Sustainable supply management: An
empirical study. International Journal of Production Economics. 140(1). pp.168-182.
Benjaafar, S., Li, Y. and Daskin, M., 2013. Carbon footprint and the management of supply
chains: Insights from simple models. IEEE transactions on automation science and
engineering. 10(1). pp.99-116.
Childe, S.J., 2011. What are the hot topics in the management of operations?.
Drake, D.F. and Spinler, S., 2013. OM Forum—Sustainable Operations Management: An
Enduring Stream or a Passing Fancy?. Manufacturing & Service Operations
Management. 15(4). pp.689-700.
Giegerich, B., 2010. Chapter two: military and civilian capabilities for EU-led crisis-
management operations. Adelphi Paper. 50(414-415). pp.41-58.
Gimenez, C., Sierra, V. and Rodon, J., 2012. Sustainable operations: Their impact on the triple
bottom line. International Journal of Production Economics. 140(1). pp.149-159.
Kang, S. J., 2010. Management and Operation of Apartment Community Facilities and Post
Occupancy Evaluation-Focused on the R Apartments Complex in Daegu. Journal of the
Korean housing association. 21(4). pp.111-120.
Lee, C. K. H. and et. al., 2014. Application of intelligent data management in resource allocation
for effective operation of manufacturing systems. Journal of Manufacturing
Systems. 33(3). pp.412-422.
Marchington, M., and et. al., 2016. Human resource management at work. Kogan Page
Publishers.
Qin, R., Nembhard, D.A. and Barnes II, W.L., 2015. Workforce flexibility in operations
management. Surveys in Operations Research and Management Science. 20(1). pp.19-33.
Rastogi, M. K., 2010. Production and operation management. Laxmi Publications, Ltd..
Rohini, R. and Mallikarjun, J., 2011. Six sigma: Improving the quality of operation
theatre. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 25. pp.273-280.
Ronnenberg, S. K., Graham, M. E. and Mahmoodi, F., 2011. The important role of change
management in environmental management system implementation. International
Journal of Operations & Production Management. 31(6). pp.631-647.
Shuxin, A., 2011. The Management and Operation Mechanism of Overseas Think Tank and Its
Enlightenment to China [J].Contemporary Economy & Management.5. p.021.
White, P., 2016. Public transport: its planning, management and operation. Taylor & Francis.
Online
PESTLE Analysis. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.mbaskool.com/business-
concepts/marketing-and-strategy-terms/7249-pestle-analysis.html>.
12

13