Analysis of Leadership and Management Operations at M&S Ltd.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of management operations and leadership within Marks & Spencer (M&S) Ltd. It begins by defining the roles and characteristics of managers and leaders, contrasting their approaches to achieving organizational goals. The report then delves into the duties of managers and leaders in various situations, emphasizing flexibility, hierarchical communication, and integrative decision-making. It explores different leadership models, including trait, behavioral, situational, and contingency approaches, along with the functions of managers according to Mintzberg. The report also examines various approaches to operation management and the role of leaders in this context, highlighting the importance and values of operational management in achieving business objectives. Finally, it discusses factors impacting the business environment and decision-making processes, offering a holistic view of management and leadership in a real-world business setting.

Management operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Roles and characteristics of a manager and leader...........................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2. Duties of manager and leader in the various situation.....................................................3
P3. Various models and theories with regards to the system, situation and contingency
leadership................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P4. Different approaches of operation management and role of leader.................................6
P5 Importance and values of operational management in achieving business objectives.....7
TASK4.............................................................................................................................................9
P6 Factors that have an impact on business environment and decision making....................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Management operations refer to operate business functions and activities with the help of
management of company in such an effective manner that will help company in achieving
growth and success in the competitive market and earn huge profits. It includes operational
activities such as converting labour and raw material into services and products so as to increase
revenue of an organisation. Thus, management is held responsible to formulate an effective plan
in order to manage and control all problems that come in the process of operational activities.
Such issues are related with manufacturing plans size, approach of project management as well
as adopting advanced information technology scheme structure. Main purpose of preparing this
report is to provide the roles and responsibilities of manager and leader which contribute
valuable efforts in growth of an organisation (Abapour and et. al., 2015). Various leadership
styles and management approaches are also discussed in this report. Marks and Spencer, a
multinational company of UK which offers multiple luxurious products such as clothing, home
and food products is selected for the purpose of preparing this report.
TASK 1
P1. Roles and characteristics of a manager and leader
M&S Ltd. is a multinational UK based company which was established in the year 1884
by Thomas Spencer. It deals with offering luxurious food and home products as well as other
apparels. There are approx. 82609 employees who contribute their efforts in the growth of an
organisation. Apart from this, there are various departments in an organisation with a motive of
managing different fields of work in an effective manner. Every department has their own
managers and leaders who direct and motivate workers through adopting various practices and
programs so as to perform well and achieve desired goals of M&S Ltd. within pre-determined
period of time (Chotipanich and Issarasak, 2017).
Roles of management: As per John Kotter, management is an effective process which
performs several business functions such as planning, controlling and many other functions
through which they keep a complicated approach of person as well as technological process in a
smooth way.
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Leadership approach: It also plays an important activity in an organisation which helps
employees to deal with complex situations through providing guidance and proper direction to
them in order to perform according to the circumstances.
An individual who has an ability to lead team and has capability to influence the workers
to perform in an effective way is called as a leader. Along with that, the manager of company
also plays an important role in performing several business functions such as controlling,
managing and administrating with a motive of getting positive outcomes. In this report, I work as
an individual assistant (Expósito and et. al., 2016.. In this way, I observed several traits on the
handler. I attained different meeting with the clients of large banks. There are different roles and
characteristics of manager and leader which are as follows:
Basis Characteristics and roles of
leader
Characteristics and roles of
manager
Focus Main focus of leader is to
achieve desired targets through
guiding and motivating team
members.
Manager focuses on
formulating effective plans and
policies with a motive of
achieving competitive
advantages in the market.
Approach to uncertainty Leader has skills and abilities
to deal with complex situations
and also motivate team
members to perform well
according to the
circumstances.
Manager is also an important
part of an organisation who
has an ability of risk taking
through adopting various
effective methods.
Responsibilities Leader is one who is
responsible to inspire and
encourage several people to
achieve desired targets.
They are the one who perform
various business functions
such as planning, organising,
staffing, directing and
controlling.
Orientation Leaders are known as public
oriented through which they
Manager first sets the targets
that need to be achieved in
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can help employees in
achieving their personal as
well as professional goals.
near future and thereafter,
formulate plans and policies to
achieve them within pre-
determined time period.
The role of manager and leader can be identified through selecting different theories
which are described as below:
Leader’s roles
Trait theory: This concept determines the traits or qualities which come in an individual
from their birth with the help of which they can contribute more in achieving growth and success
of an organisation. There are various qualities like sociability, intelligence and determination
which help leader to execute work in an effective and efficient manner (Fen and et. al., 2016).
Behavioural theory: This concept determined the behaviour of leaders in different
situations so that they can use their leadership skills while working in complex environment.
Therefore, it is important for a leader to identify their skills and qualities they have so that they
can perform their delegated roles in an effective manner.
Manager’s functions: According to H. Mintzberg, there are several functions and theory of
manager which are described as below:
Theory of human relation: This theory provides importance of maintaining good
relations with employees who bring motivation and self-confidence among them. This will help
in improving the efficiency in work which directly help company in achieving desired objectives
within limited period of time.
Chaos theory: This theory determined the necessary changes and modifications required
to be done by manager in order to deal with different circumstances. Due to this, the managers
are mainly focused on changing environment so that they can prepare their employees to perform
in an effective way (Goel, 2017).
TASK 2
P2. Duties of manager and leader in the various situation
Manager and leader has different effective and efficient skills as well as abilities with the
help of which they can support an organisation to achieve desired goals and objectives. A
manager is one who formulates plans and policies for the welfare of an organisation whereas a
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leader is one who guides and motivates workers to perform as per the plans and policies
implemented by manager. Due to high competition, M&S faces difficult situation which is the
responsibility of both; manager and leader to solve such issues with the help of using their skills
and capabilities.
There are various situations which are as follows:
Flexibility: It mainly focuses on taking an effective decision in order to deal with
complex situations (Hatziargyriou, 2014). Thus it is important for manager to motivate their
workers to contribute their maximum efforts in achieving desired goals and objectives.
Hierarchical: Through this, the operation and management are easily communicated
with each other and transmit valuable information which will be useful in facing critical
situations.
Integrative: In this, the complete information and suggestions received from employees
and others are integrated so as to achieve the best possible outcomes for M&S.
The crucial decision taken by managers which are mentioned above are related with:
 To launch company in market after analysing the complex environment existing in
market
 Formulating plans and strategies so as to cope with customer's needs and demands
 Recruiting skilled and qualified candidates for the position in company so that they can
give their valuable efforts in controlling business operations
 Manager needs to focus on analysing complex environment so that they can get ready
with effective tools and techniques in order to deal with them in an efficient manner Conducting training and development programmes in order to increase motivation and
confidence level of employees while performing in uncertainty (Hitka and et. al., 2018).
Role of leader:
Thinker: To find out new and innovative ways and methods in order to bring efficiency
in performance of M&S.
Communicate: An individual is become a good leader only when he create a platform
where leader and employees are communicate with each other regarding all issues and problems.
Decision maker: It is required to formulate an effective decision in order to deal with
complex situation so as to achieve desired target.
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Team builder: It is important for leader to first identify skills and capabilities of
employees and allocate them in team in order to get maximum possible outcome. This will help
in getting maximum possible outcomes.
Hence, leadership approach is essentially required which is helpful in dealing with complex
situations through motivating and directing team members towards achieving desired goals and
objectives (Johnstone, 2016).
P3. Various models and theories with regards to the system, situation and contingency leadership
The importance of manager and leader are determined through different approaches and
models which direct and guide the company to focus on achieving desired goals and objectives
in limited period of time. It consist of two methods which are defined as below:
Traditional leadership: It is one of the important method of leadership which
communicates the roles and responsibilities of an individual on the basis of their previous
performance.
Modern leadership: It is determine the changes required to fulfil customer's needs and
demands so as to generate huge sales figure. Thus the leader must have skills and quality to
identify the taste and preference of targeted customers and accordingly motivate employees
through giving them efficient techniques in order to perform well.
Situational approaches: This approach indicates that every leader should follow different
leadership style on the basis of different situation and condition arises at workplace. It means
single style of leadership style in not useful to deal with every situation. This leader or manager
must have skills and qualities to judge the situation first and accordingly implement suitable style
of leadership.
System leadership: This leadership theory is useful in resolving issues and problems
through following systematic procedure so as to avoid conflicts among leaders and its team
mates. It directly make positive impact on the productivity and performance of company (Li and
et. al., 2017).
Contingency leadership: This theory is clearly specified that leader or manager need to
adopt new and innovative ideas in order to execute business operations in contingent working
environment. It means single procedure or method is not useful everything as due to contingency
the leader need to analyse the environment first and accordingly implement new methods and
techniques in order to deal with them.
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Strengths:
Self motivated: Management behaviour helps in identifying the likes and dislikes of
employees due to which they can perform well in complex environment.
Accountable: The leader or manger are wholly liable and accountable for any generate
outcomes comes while performing business activities. They are held responsible to resolve
problems and deviations if any which restricts employees to perform better (Lindström and et.
al., 2015).
Weaknesses
Manipulation of decision: Sometimes due to complexity, the decision formulated earlier
may be changed which creates confusion among members of an organisation and brings
demotivation among them.
Hearing: The major problem in the approach of leadership is due to indecent list which
may exist in the enterprise.
Therefore it can clearly said from above that leader is considered as an important person
of an organisation which contributes their maximum efforts in making an effective decision and
motivating members in order to achieve desired goals and objectives. THE M&S is best example
to be taken in order to explain management and leadership theory (Lindström, Källström and
Kyösti, 2017).
TASK 3
P4. Different approaches of operation management and role of leader
Operation management: It refers to the process of managing and monitoring business
operation of an organisation in order to bring positive outcomes. Thus it can be also used by
M&S company which is helpful to manage available resources and techniques in such an
effective manner that will bring maximum efficiency in production process. This will help
company in producing good quality products through which they can attract large number of
customers. There are different steps which need to be followed by company in the process of
operation management system:
Transformational resources: This include the activities in which raw materials, material
information, facilities and staff members are used in producing quality products and services for
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the company. Converting resources into such useful way that will easily attract lrage number of
customers
Production of output: This is the stage at which suitable planning and effective strategies
related to adding features to the product which maximises the level of satisfaction of customers.
As the taste and preferences of the customers changes rapidly due to which manager need to
consider all facts and accordingly guide its members to implement changes while producing
quality product (Liu and Liu,, 2016).
Customers: This is the last step at which the company finally deliver their quality goods
and services to their targeted customers. The manager also required to collect feedbacks and
suggestions form the customers on their products so that they can implement changes
accordingly in future products. Thus customers plays an important role in the success or failure
of an organisation therefore needs and demands need to be carefully analysed.
Following are the main examples of operation system:
For example: M&S Ltd. Company which deals in producing food products due to which
the managers of company need to contact with farmers for getting food material with a motive of
transforming them into final products through suing an effective equipments and deliver it to to
the customers with the help of their employees.
Thus, manager also play a crucial role in the process of operation management through
performing different roles and responsibilities which are as follows:
 The manager is only person in an organisation who is liable to set target which need to be
achieved by the company in order to gain competitive advantage in competitive market
world.
 Implementing an effective strategies and policies which direct the members to perform
well.
P5 Importance and values of operational management in achieving business objectives
Operational management is one of the essential element of any company and helps
organisation to work in a proper way (Mohammadi, Soleymani and Mozafari, 2014). They
manages functions like planning, leading and controlling the business operations. For obtaining
all these factors form a re using many latest tools and techniques in order to work effectively.
This assist them to give better goods and services to their customers. Department of operational
management tries to provide funds to their company so that they can hire huge manpower and
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appropriate materials which is required for making final products. Marks and Spencer is a big
multinational company that manufactures clothes, household products and many more. For this
company managers and leaders tries to handle the situation in an appropriate way like minimize
the production cost, make use of proper resources and raw materials. This will gradually
increases the sales and productivity of the organisation. Some of the importance of operational
management are mentioned below:
Controlling and distribution of system: Operational management helps a firm in
designing and controlling of production process. They assist company in forecasting their needs
of staffs in particular department, managing sales and marketing of any organisation.
Controlling system: Under this company collect information from different resources
regarding finance, human and physical in order to design new business strategies. Marks and
Spencer has utilised this method for controlling methods so as to minimise errors so that they can
take corrective measures in achieving their goals and objectives. Controlling system is used on a
regular basis in order to reduce the cost effect and increase quality products. Continuous
monitoring of activities can help organisation to determine what all changes are required for
company's betterment (Nassiri and et. al., 2016).
Distribution system: All the activities like distribution of services, handling of clients and
making new strategies and policies which a company can implement. Marks and Spencer is
operating its business in wide range and for this they are have hired eligible candidates who can
handle the process very well. By providing effective services to their customers M&S have
achieved the best distribution system and have gain strong consumer satisfaction.
Converting raw material into final products: For giving excellent goods and services to
their customers, managers should make sure that employees are using the resources in a proper
way which are available to them. Marks and Spencer have maintained a good relations with their
suppliers as they are the one who provide them raw materials (Parisio, Rikos and Glielmo,
2016). Thus converting raw material into finished goods without wasting any resources help in
bringing maximum output to company and due to this, they are able to provide quality products
to their targeted customers.
Maximization of Profit: Every company work in order to gain profit as much as they can.
Marks and Spencer have implemented new tools and technologies for manufacturing products
and by this they are getting maximum profits. M&S are making fresh policies and strategies
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which are unique in nature and from this they able to sustain superior position in market area.
Other than this company should hire eligible candidates who can help them in business
operations by giving them innovative ideas. Organisation should utilise these strategies for
giving quality products as per the needs and wants of the customers. Through this process sales
will gradually increase by providing customer's satisfactions. Marks and Spencer has adopted all
these policies so a to gain a strong brand image at market area as compared to others. As the
profit increases they tries to to established more and more number of stores so that they can
generate maximum profits. There are many marketing steps which have been adopted by Marks
and Spencer for increasing their profit which are advertisement, alterations in existing products,
creative and attractive orders.
Maximum use of resources: Marks and Spencer are optimising its resources in a proper
way and saving times and cost as well. They encourage their employees in such a way that they
can work effectively and enhance their profitability and market values (Wang and et. al., 2016).
Company should make sure that they are utilising resources in such a way that wastage can be
eliminated. Under this they make proper use of time and resources so that they can manufacture
ample amount of products in limited period of time. For this, training must require to provide
their employees so as to utilise available resources in an optimum manner. In order to convert
raw material into final products it is necessary that company utilise all the resources so that they
can produce goods which are superior in quality. This will helps company to gain the loyalty of
their consumers, through which company will improve their brand image in front of their
customers.
TASK4
P6 Factors that have an impact on business environment and decision making
For spreading any business in large number it is necessary that department of operational
management work properly. There are many reasons by which the business environment can be
affected so it is prime duty of superiors to carry out the action in appropriate manner. Thus, it is
one of the prominent role of leaders and managers to look out for all the possible outcomes
before making any decisions because there may be some factors which can effect business
operations directly or indirectly in terms of external and internal (White, 2016).
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