Analysis of Leadership and Management in Business Operations: A Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management within the context of business operations. It begins by differentiating between the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, highlighting their respective responsibilities and contributions to organizational success, using Marks and Spencer as a case study. The report then explores the specific roles of leaders, emphasizing the importance of clarity and execution, and details the functions of managers, as defined by Fayol, including planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. Furthermore, the report delves into various leadership theories and models, such as system leadership, contingency leadership, and situational leadership, examining their applications and effectiveness in different organizational contexts. Finally, the report also explores the key outside factors which can affect operations management.

MANAGEMENT
AND OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Differences and similarities between a leaders and manager considering their roles and
characteristic...............................................................................................................................1
P2 The role of a leader and functions of a manager apply in different organisational context...4
P3 Different theories and models of approach ...........................................................................5
P4 Different approaches to operations management...................................................................1
P5 Importance of operations management in business...............................................................3
P6. The key outside factors that can have an effect on the operations management.................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6
.........................................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Management and operations is an area of controlling, managing and planning of
operations. It includes responsibilities which ensures that business operations are efficient and
systematically managed. It is concerned with the whole process of management. In this, the
leaders and manager plays an important role in attaining success and growth of company. This
report is carried out in context of UK based company Marks and Spencer (Aliahmadi, Sadjadi
and Jafari-Eskandari, 2011). It is a British multinational retailer renowned brand which famous
for its luxury food items. The company is operated by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. In
this report, similarities and differences between leaders and managers are explained by
considering their roles and characteristic. There are also some managerial functions of manager
which helps company to execute their operations. In addition to this, leadership theories such as
contingency and situational are also discussed in this project. Lastly, some key factors which
can affect operations in management which are also discussed under this project.
TASK 1
P1 Differences and similarities between a leaders and manager considering their roles and
characteristic
Leader: A leader is an individual who leads the whole organisation. They guides or
directs the employees and managers of company. They provides clear vision of aims and
objectives of organisation to managers so that they can perform their activities with aim of
achieving them.
Manager: A manager is an individual who works under a leader. They follows the
instructions of leaders and senior authority of business enterprise (Wu and Chen, 2012). They
also provides training and knowledge to employees which lead them to work effectively and
systematically.
There are some roles and responsibilities of leader which is essential for Marks and
Spencer to attain goals are as follows:
Roles
 Build trust: The first important role of a leader is that they build trust in organisation
between manager and employees which helps them to work together. In context of Marks

and Spencer, leader of company shares their opinion and ideas with employees which
helps them to develop trust and know mindset of staff members.
 Create vision: Leaders also create vision of company which is important to carry out
operations (Witt, Brooke, and Buckley, 2013). In Marks and Spencer, they provide a
clear vision to managers and staff members which helps them to perform their tasks
accordingly.
Characteristics
 Communication: Proper communication skills helps leaders to transfer information
easily and effectively. It is also crucial for Marks and Spencer to have leader with proper
communication skills so that they can communicate with their employees and can solve
their issues.
 Positive attitude: It is crucial for a leader of company to have a positive attitude towards
business. This will help organisation to create positive environment among employees
and manager.
There are some roles and characteristic of a manger which is essential for Marks and Spencer to
carry out their functions which are as follows:
Roles
 Interpersonal roles: Managers plays a vital role in achieving goals and objectives of
company (Harding, 2012). Managers have interpersonal roles in which they provide all
relevant information to their staff members and provides them training relating to
projects. It is also important for manager of Marks and Spencer to have such roles and
ability to make networks with internal and external people of company.
 Decisional roles: According to these roles, the mangers of company have to take certain
decision which helps company in enhancing their overall performance. Sometimes they
have to take decisions from entrepreneur point of view or as a negotiator. In Marks and
Spencer, it is also crucial for manager to have ability to take decisional roles in
organisation.
Characteristics
 Knowledge: The crucial characteristic or trait of a manager of company is knowledge.
To perform activities properly and effectively, it is important for a manager to have
proper knowledge about project on which they are working. In reference of Marks and

Spencer, proper knowledge of projects and operations is important for manager to
perform activities and achieving goals.
 Confidence: It is one of an important characteristic of a manager which helps them to
deal with every problem without fear and hesitation (Xiaohu, Wei and Bihong, 2013). In
Marks and Spencer, a manager should have confidence while proving training to
employees and taking any decisions of organisation.
Similarities between a leader and a manager
Leader
Leaders are an important part of Marks and Spencer which helps in achieving growth and
success of business. They guides and directs employees of Marks and Spencer and managers
about the project. The main objective of a leader in Marks and Spencer is to lead the whole
organisation and achieve goals in allotted time frame (Hugos, 2018).
Manager
In Marks and Spencer, the manager of are also essential which helps in attaining goals
and objectives of organisation. They provide training session to their employees so that they can
deal with situations easily. In context of Marks and Spencer, the main objective of a manager is
to the whole working of organisation with aim of reaching targets in specific time.
Differences between a manager and a leader
Basis of comparison Manager Leader
Traits The manager of Marks and
Spencer has trait of time
management which helps them
to manage all working of
company. They provide
training to employees which
assist them to perform their
tasks easily.
In Marks and Spencer, the
leader have trait of inspiring
others which assist them to
maintains coordination with
staff members. They motivate
and encourages employees to
perform well in their tasks.
Roles and responsibilities The managers of company
plays an essential role in
decision making process. It is
The leaders of Marks and
Spencer also perform their
responsibility by providing

their responsibility to provide
relevant information to their
employees.
clear vision of their objectives.
This assists staff members to
complete their tasks timely.
Authority and power In Marks and Spencer, the
manager also have power and
authority of making decision
and assign projects to their
employees.
The authority of a leader is that
they directs the whole
organisation and create
policies regarding company.
P2 Role of a leader and functions of a manager apply in different organisational context
Leaders and managers are the keys to achieve success and growth of organisation. It is
important for a business enterprise to have professional managers and leaders which helps
company to reach their targets in allotted time frame (Moeini, Afshar and Afshar, 2011). In
context of Marks and Spencer, both are essential for company in managing and directing whole
organisation. In this, there are some roles of a leader as follows:
 Clarity: It is an important role of a leader which helps company to achieve their set
goals. The leaders should have clarity about their objectives an vision so that they can
easing direct staff members in organisation. In case of Marks and Spencer, it is crucial for
company to have leaders with clear vision and goals which results in getting better
outcomes and results.
 Execution: The leaders of company should have ability and capability to execute
operation of organisation properly. Proper execution of plans will assist company and
employees to accomplish their functions. In Marks and Spencer it is also important for
leaders to execute programmes systematically.
Function of manager according to Fayol
Managers are also known as decision makers of organisation as they have authority to
make decisions regarding companies operation's. They plays significant function in organisation
in achieving success. In Marks and Spencer, managers assists employees in enhancing their
performance and growth for future opportunities. In this context, there are five managerial
functions given by Henry Fayol are discussed under the following statement:

 Planning: It refers to execution or drawing actions of plans to carry out goals in effective
manner. According to this function, it is important to have active participation all
members of organisation. In order to accomplish goals in allotted time frame, it is
important for a manager to create a proper plan before performing any task. In context of
Marks and Spencer, planning is also considered by manager of company which helps
them to make their working process effective.
 Organising: The important function in organisation is organising business operations
systematically (Rushton, Croucher and Baker, 2014). A business enterprise can achieve
growth and success only when its functions are well-organised. The manager of Marks
and Spencer also focuses on organisation to run their operations smoothly. There should
be sufficient resources for executing functions in a systematic way. They organise their
functions in such a way which helps them to achieve their goals and tasks in allotted time
frame.
 Commanding: Proper commanding and instructions will help employees to understand
objectives of company properly. In context of Marks and Spencer, the manager of
organisation also communicates and gives proper commands to their employees
regarding assigned projects. Proper commanding leads employees to perform their
activities and accomplishing goals.
 Coordinating: It is also termed as an important managerial function in organisation.
There must be proper coordination between staff members which helps them to work
together in organisation. The manager of Marks and Spencer also looks after this and
creates positivity in company environment which results in motivation or maintaining
discipline in company.
 Controlling: After gone through with all functions this is also essential managerial
functions. According to this function, the manager of Marks and Spencer compare results
with performance and control risks if occurs during operations. This helps them to reduce
risk and increase revenues and turnover.
P3 Different theories and models of approach
In this modern era, the leaders of organisation uses some theories and models of approach
which helps them to achieve their set targets and perform activities properly (Trojnarska and

Ciepłucha, 2011). In context of Marks and Spencer, the company also uses leadership theories to
execute their plans which are as follows:
 System leadership: According to this theory, the leader of company can perform their
tasks systematically. By this, they can understand the behavior of employees towards
organization. They takes actions and create plans accordingly with enhances overall
performance of company. In context of Marks and Spencer, the leader uses this theory
which enable them to create conditions by which members can productively perform their
task at all levels. For example, leader of company assigned a task to employees and tell
them to done in a specific time frame. In this situation, leader looks after the performance
of employee and capability towards task.
 Contingency leadership: This theory is given by Fiedler which emphasis on
effectiveness of leader matching to their style with right situational context. This helps
them to deal with all challenges and issue arises in enterprise (SHAO and WANG, 2013).
According to this approach, behavior of staff employees cannot be modified or
influenced. It is a predictive model which evaluates to all situations in organization. In
case of Marks and Spencer, the company also uses this theory which assists them to
create leadership profile which matches their styles. For example, situation of fast
changing technology. In this leader has to guide employees regarding new technology
and solve their issues if arises.
 Situational leadership: This theory is developed by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul
Hersey. It refers to model which is based upon the relationship between leaders and
followers to analyses each situation. In this, the leader directs and guides staff members
who are working in organization. This model is also used by Marks and Spencer which
helps them to make decision and deals with different situations in an effective manner.
This strategy also motivates leaders and asset them to choose leadership style which is
best suited to their goals and circumstances. For example, situation of making decisions.
This leadership is applied when a leader has to make decisions regarding projects and
tasks. They have to make decisions in such a way which helps them to improve overall
performance of company.

P4 Different approaches to operations management.
Operations management is a name given to a process that is concerned with effectively
controlling production process and business operations in an efficient way. It involves certain
amount of basic responsibilities such as ensuring that business works and functions smoothly as
per standards set. Two important terms that are taken into consideration are optimum and
efficient utilisation of resources and also meeting customer's requirements to best standards
possible. There are various approaches that can be taken into consideration while adopting
operations management strategies:
Just in time approach: Just in time approach is a very commonly used technique that
helps in inventory management in Marks and Spencer. It is a type of technique which uses lean
methodology to help in increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Just in time approach helps in
lowering or reducing cost of inventory holding, reduces dead stock in Marks and Spencer and
also helps to improve cash flow position in a company. In this approach, owners of Marks and
Spencer require very high accuracy in analysing future demand.
Total quality management: Total quality management is a management approach which
aims at achieving success in long run by providing enough customer satisfaction through goods
and services. Total quality management is a team effort and involves participation and support
from all employees for improving quality of processes, products ,services and organisational
culture in which employees of Marks and Spencer work (Benjaafar and Daskin, 2013). There are
eight main elements of total quality management namely process centered, integrated system,
strategic approach and so on. Main focus of this approach is to keep improving performance of
Marks and Spencer on a continuous basis.
Kaizen approach: Kaizen approach is a name given to a process that focusses on constant
improvement. It is a process in which new and innovative changes are implemented continuously
for improving quality of goods and services and also efficiency of employees of Marks and
Spencer. Kaizen approach focusses on human resource the most as according to this approach,
employees are considered as best people who are capable of identifying place for improvement
as they continuously come in contact with various processes going on in a business concern.
Kaizen has no specified limits and is able to operate at both levels, individual as well as group
level.

Roles played by leaders and managers of Marks and Spencer are also explained below;
Role played by Leaders Required at all levels: Leadership is an all pervasive function in an organisation . At top
level, leaders help in getting support and co-operation from all employees for formulation
of important policies and procedures.
Representative of an organisation: Leaders are often treated as representatives of any business
concern they are working in as they have to perform function of representing their company and
department at seminars, conferences and other important meetings. He also helps to
communicate policies of his business concern to outside public like investors and so on (Childe,
2011).
 Solicits support: A leader is also sometimes a leader and helps in inviting support and co-
operation of his juniors and followers. This action can be performed by his personality,
intelligence, convincing skills , maturity and experience. By doing he creates willingness
to work in minds of his subordinates.
Role played by Store Managers
 Primary and most basic role of a manager is ensuring smooth and effective functioning of
every department and group of employees under him. For this, managers many times
follow and formulate various policies and functions.
 According to employers of Marks and Spencer , managers should be skilled enough that
they are able to interview, hire and train new employees and also check their skills if they
are suitable for company and role assigned or not.
Managers perform function of setting goals and objectives for Marks and Spencer. Goals can
be of two types long term as well as short term depending upon production process and
functions of an organisation. It also helps in ensuring and improving longevity and growth of a
business concern (Drake and Spinler, 2013).
These are some roles and functions that store manager of Marks and Spencer will have to
perform for ensuring growth and longevity of business. It can also be useful in determination of
quality products as well as timely delivery of goods and services to its customers on timely basis
and as per needs and requirements laid down by customers.
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P5 Importance of operations management in business.
Operations management is an ongoing process which is a combination of many ongoing
processes like planning, managing, controlling and supervision of various production processes.
Main aim of operations manager of Marks and Spencer is to ensure that products and services are
timely delivered to customers. Operations management is an important process and its
importance is explained as under:
Reduction of wastage costs: Operations management helps Marks and Spencer to
analyse and evaluate amount of wastage occurring in production or manufacturing of various
goods and services and further find ways and methods by which it can be reduced. For this
operations manager adopts new and innovative methods to decrease amount of wastage.
Managers in this function ensure that subordinates do not overuse or waste any resources that
can be used for production.
Improve overall productivity: Operations management is chiefly concerned to improve
overall productivity and efficiency of Marks and Spencer. Productivity is evaluated by finding
ratio of input divided by ratio of output. It is treated as a measure of efficiency of manager as
well as employees working in Marks and Spencer. Main focus of this process is on using
available resources efficiently which further helps in improving overall productivity and working
(Griffin, 2013). Leaders' duty is to ensure that employees level of morale and confidence is
usually boosted that they help in improving overall productivity.
Management of various business activities: Operations management involves
management of various different activities which occur in an organisation on a timely basis and
also makes contribution in manufacturing products to meet and relate within customer's needs
and requirements. Operations management acts as lifeblood in Marks and Spencer as it is major
controlling authority for entire operations process. Also, it is believed that if products
manufactured are as per requirements specified by customer they tend to be sold rapidly.
Management of all business activities is a tedious process and involves high amount of efforts
from manager's end to efficiently control all business activities.
Optimum utilisation of resources: Operations management is a process which ensures
optimum utilisation of resources which in turn leads to enormous amount of profits for an
organisation. Efforts of employees of Marks and Spencer and various other resources like raw
materials are usually used in an efficient manner and converted into goods and services as per
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needs of organisation (Parisio and Glielmo, 2013). Operations management plays a very
important role in Marks and Spencer and its working as it handles many major issues like design,
operations and maintenance of system used for production and delivery of goods and services.
There has to be a harmonious balance between leaders and managers so that reources are used in
their best possible way.
Equal management for every industry: Operations management is a process which
believes on following similar management techniques for every function or industry irrespective
of their nature of working and operations. Major elements of this process include planning,
organising, staffing, controlling etc. Operations management is an obligatory process for Marks
and Spencer as it helps them to management their daily activities in an effective way. By using
this process, managers of Marks and Spencer are able to utilise its resources very efficiently
namely labour, raw materials, monetary funds and other important resources. Leaders and
managers should ensure equal growth and support to every employee without any bias so that
they can efficiently manage every industry and further help it grow.
These are ways and methods which managers of Marks and Spencer use to improve its
organisational growth and market share in competitive market. It also helps in improving brand
image of a company and thereby resulting in higher profitability.
P6. The key outside factors that can have an effect on the operations management.
Operations management is basically an ongoing process which deals with various
functions of a business concern namely planning, organizing and supervision. It undertakes
production, manufacturing and services providing activities in an organisation (Ham, Hitomi,
and Yoshida, 2012). It is a delivery focussed activity which aims at turning inputs into outputs in
an efficient and timely manner. Marks and Spencer is a major British multinational retailer
which has its headquarters in Westminster, London. Major external factors that affect operations
management in Marks and Spencer is as follows:
Natural and man made disasters: Natural and man made disasters like floods, cyclones
etc, are out of control reach of operations managers and owners of Marks and Spencer.
Whenever any such calamity occurs in environment, management and suppliers find it difficult
to supply their goods and services. Marks and Spencer should ensure developing disaster
proofing plans to prevent from any major mishappenings (Karnani, 2011).
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Commodities and natural resources: Every business concern which deals in production
or delivering services face a huge impact from this factor. Many raw materials get finished in a
very short span of time and hence companies require to spend funds again and again. Prices of
raw materials many times do not remain same and keep fluctuating with market situation. For
example, Marks and Spencer needs to clearly monitor prices of raw materials on a regular basis
and accordingly maintain raw material requirements.
Government policies: Government policies and legal environment play a very vital role
in every organisation's working whether it may be small or large. Marks and Spencer can get
help of state rank lists for being in an business friendly environment. Every business concern
should always follow rules and laws and also operate within set guidelines.
All these factors and policies affect decision making of store manager of Marks and Spencer in
following ways:
Provide training about disasters and natural calamities: As it is discussed that natural
disasters and man made disasters are outside control of managers and owners , so it is essential
that they take certain preventive measures to decrease losses. Manager of Marks and Spencer
should provide proper training to its employees about how to work in such situations and also
prepare disaster proofing plans for same.
Analyse market situations: Store manager of Marks and Spencer should always keep a
check on market situations and current market trends. It helps managers to maintain flow of raw
materials in a business concern and also changing market prices frequently do not affect
profitability rate of business (Hoi, Wu and Zhang, 2013). Also, a proper flow of resources
prevails in Marks and Spencer.
Ensuring proper working of organisation: Managers of Marks and Spencer ensure that
they work efficiently and follow all basic rules and laws stated by changing government policies.
Following set guidelines helps Marks and Spencer to generate good amount of profits in
competitive market.
These are some basic responsibilities that a store manager of Marks and Spencer needs to
accomplish to achieve continuous profits and help business concern to survive in all critical
situations.
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CONCLUSION
As per above mentioned project, it has been concluded that operations management plays
a very essential role in each and every management organisation to reduce wastage and perform
manufacturing and delivery of goods and services effectively and efficiently. It is a function
which involves all macro and micro organisational factors that affect any business concern in
manufacturing of goods and services and their timely delivery also. According to this report,
there are various ways in which operational management can be used in an business concern. As
per this report, Also, there are some external factors which affect decision of store managers.
Also how these factors are related to decision making and their relativity with all other
departments of an organisation have been mentioned in this report.
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