Operations and Management: Roles of Leaders and Managers Report

This report delves into the core concepts of operations management, examining the distinct roles and characteristics of leaders and managers within an organizational context, with Marks & Spencer Ltd. as a case study. It defines and compares the responsibilities of leaders and managers, evaluating different leadership theories like situational, system, and contingency models. The report explores how these leadership theories are applied in various situational contexts, providing examples of conflict management and employee training. It also discusses the key formulations of operations management and the significance of these roles in achieving business objectives. Furthermore, it assesses the factors within the business environment that impact operational management and decision-making, including the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.

Operations and
Management

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager........1
Comparing roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager:................................................2
M1 Difference between role of a leader and a manager.............................................................3
D1 Critical analysis and evaluation of different theories of leadership. ....................................3
P2. Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.......................................................................................................3
P3. Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................4
M2 Strengths and weaknesses linked with different situational approach.................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4. Explain the key formulation to operations management and the role of leaders and
managers play in the organization...............................................................................................5
P5. Explain the significance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives ....................................................................................................................................6
M3 Techniques which can improve the efficiency of operational management.........................7
D2 Evaluation of the application of operation management that impact wider business
environmental..............................................................................................................................7
P6- Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers with special reference to the
chosen scenario...........................................................................................................................8
M4 Influence of internal elements on the business environment................................................8
CONCLUSIONS..............................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Business practices that are been performed in an organisation to create the highest
level of efficiency are known as operations management. This management involves various
elements such as planning, organising, coordinating and monitoring all the resources that are
required in the formation of the products and services of an entity. In order to manage the
operations, both leaders and managers are needed. This study reveals the various roles and
responsibilities that should be played by them. Further, in order to select the best suited
theory of leadership, numerous models are proposed which are studies in this report. In
addition to this, importance of operational management is also explained in this learning to
attain the organisational goals.
Marks & Spencer Ltd. is selected in order to attain the effective knowledge regarding
the management of operations. It is UK's leading retailer group with its high-quality
products.
TASK 1
P1. Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
A leader is person who leads people, it could by any group of people. A leader has the
ability and authority to tell a group of people what to do and what not to do. Simply stating a
leader is any person who has followers. The main role of a leader is to govern the actions of
his/her followers (Andreasson, 2016).
Roles and Characteristics of a leader:
 Representative of the organisation: While being a representative of the organisation, a
leader's role is to communicate what business his/her organisation is doing and how it
is doing to the outside people and to the potential investors in various seminars,
conferences and general meetings.
 Motivating Employees: A leader's main role is to motivate his/her followers. In an
organisation a leader has to constantly motivate his subordinates in order to get the
work done (Anthony and et.al., 2016).
 Flexibility: It is one of the characteristics of a leader. Being flexible means, a leader
has to anticipate every reaction of an action. Because not everything goes by the plan.
Sometimes, things can go wrong because of various factors such as, government
forces, natural disasters, sudden strikes in the market and many more.
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 Responsible: A leader has to be responsible for every thing he says or does. If
anything goes wrong he has to accept the blame because the leader is solely
responsible for everything.
A manager is more focussed towards organisation's management and planning. A
manager plays an integral part in the organisation by systematically organising and
coordinating things in an efficient way (Cullen-Lester and et.al., 2017).
Roles and Characteristics of a Manager:
 Interpersonal roles: A manager has social, ceremonial and legal responsibilities.
Interpersonal roles also includes figure-head quality which means he/she is expected
to be a source of motivation. People look at them as a person with great authority and
as a figure head.
 Informational role: Informational role includes monitoring the process, dissemination
of the strategies and plan to the colleagues and team, and being a spokesperson (Day,
2016).
 Decisional roles: A manager should have the characteristics of an entrepreneur,
resource allocator, disturbance handler and a negotiator.
Comparing roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager:
Basis of comparison Leader Manager
1. Creating vision and goals. Leaders are responsible for
creating vision.
Manager's role is to create
achievable objectives and
goals
2. Being a change agent or
maintain the status quo.
Innovation is the main tool of
leaders, therefore they form
the change agent in an
organisation (Hill and Bartol,
2016).
Managers are more
comfortable in doing what
they have been doing. So they
maintain the status quo of the
organisation.
3. Risk takers. Leaders have the quality and
patience of taking risk. They
are born fighters.
Managers works to minimise
any risk. They work to avoid
or control any risk.
4. Building relationships or Leaders are more focussed on Managers are more focussed
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building systems and
processes.
people, they believe in
bonding with people.
on the structure which is
necessary to achieve goals
and objectives.
M1 Difference between role of a leader and a manager.
Some major differences between the roles and responsibilities of leader and a manger
involves:
1. A leaders tries to attain trust of the employees whereas a manger seeks to control them.
2. The role of a leader is to influence the team members, in contrary to this a manger possess
a quality to rule them.
3. Leaders are the one who creates and guides the way of achieving goals. Whereas,
managers made policies and formats which are implemented in workplace.
D1 Critical analysis and evaluation of different theories of leadership.
There are different leadership theories which will bring effectualness in the operations
management. The vital among them in present context are systems leadership and
contingency theory. Both these leadership theories in combined form will help in
understanding the perspectives of different stakeholders and then making decisions in
different situations depending upon the requirements of those stakeholders.
P2. Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts
The role of a leader is very different from the role of a manager in any situational
context. For instance, while providing training to the employees if any problem occurs, then
it is sort differently by a manager and by a leader (Kim and et.al., 2017). For example, if any
employee is not comfortable with the timing of the training session, then the manager's point
of view would be to some how convince that employee to manage his time and attend the
training. Where as a leader would first listen to the problem of the employee and then try to
understand the situation he/she is going through. A leader will always give priority to the
people not to the system or the organisation, like in this situation the leader will find out
different solutions regarding the training of that employee, even if it includes to change his
schedule if no other way is possible.
Another example can be seen regarding conflict management, supposing a conflict
arises between two employees of M&S, for instance both of them are having a conflict on
performance appraisal given to them, one of them has received higher appraisal than the other
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(LePine and et.al., 2016). Since the amount of work done by both the employee is same but
one of them has taken more than the allotted leaves. Since the organisation's policy is very
clear about performance appraisal, there would be no change in it. However, the conflict has
to be solved, a manager only listen to the facts and state his judgement that whatever is done
by the management was right and there would no change in the decision of performance
appraisal give by the organisation.
While a leader would always first listen to their problems and then analyse the facts
stated by them (Liao and et.al., 2017). He will first do the inspection of the situation and
analyse every fact by himself, and after analysing he will talk to both of them regarding their
conflict, if the conflict is still not solved then he will take a decision by himself in the interest
of both of them.
P3. Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency
While considering M&S, the managers and leaders in the organisation apply these
theories and models as describes below:
1. Situational Leadership: Situational leadership is used on the basis of the maturity level
of the followers. It refers to the broad approach adopted by the leaders. The leadership
style is based on his personality, experiences, his own beliefs and the situation at the
time. It is also an adaptive leadership style (Shao, 2016). This strategy encourages
leaders to adopt a leadership style by weighing all the variables in their work place
and choose the leadership style which best suits the situation. The key element of
situational leadership is adaptability. Leaders must be able to adapt different
leadership styles in different situations.
2. System leadership: It is defined as an improvement model which is based on an
understanding of the organisation as a system which uses Organisational
Development approach to make improvements in both leadership and the
organisation. This approach helps the leader and a manager to translate his awareness
of the complexity of the organisation and the intensity with which it interacts with the
external environment. This approach is also a relationship between those who aspire
to lead and those who choose to follow (Su, 2016). Leadership forms an interpersonal
relation between the leader and the follower based on some mutual understanding. A
system is defined as the collection of interlinked parts that function as a whole to
accomplish common goals and objectives. Sometimes a system approach to
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leadership is also known as a holistic approach and in the situation of high complexity
and uncertainty, leaders at any organisational position optimise the organisation to
create high performance.
M2 Strengths and weaknesses linked with different situational approach.
In order to effectively manage the different situational approach it is necessary to
determine the strengths and weaknesses associated with it. For described situational contexts
they are as follows:
 Training: Trained and skilled employees are the most important and effective factor of
an organisation. M&S possess highly trained employees which will directly impact
upon the business value of the entity. The cost associated in conducting these training
programs is the only drawback.
 Conflict management- M&S has effectual techniques to manges the issues that arises
between the employees. This management enhance the performance of individual
workers who are working there. The weakness of this element is to manage long
records of each person.
TASK 2
P4. Explain the key formulation to operations management and the role of leaders and
managers play in the organization
It can be define as all those business functions that execute the activities of planning,
organising, leading and controlling the resources needed to production of the companies
goods and services, in orders creating value.
An operations manager fills a pivotal role in a business, government or other
organization. The precise tasks of an operations' manager depend in large part upon the
nature and size of the organization, needs a wide range of business and interpersonal skills to
succeed (Hill and Bartol, 2016). In general, an operations manager plans, oversees and
smooths communication.
Managers plays an very important role in managing and operating the organization
with effectively grown in the profit margin. Its play leading role in managing both raw
material and personnel. Supervision of stocks, purchasing and supplies is central to the job.
Their management of the supply chain other resources helps minimize costs of production.
They analysis the sales reports and financial statement to find-out path to maximize results.
Marks & Spencer pick significant time and resources to developing its leaders and
nurturing its talent. This approach brings a huge success to the company as well as in
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witnessing significant change in the way that people behave as a result of investing in its
employees and the way that they challenge problems within the organisation (Shao and Hu,
2016).
Operations leaders required good communicating and interpersonal skills to help the
different parts of an company and work in team. Their job includes creating a positive culture
where the work can get done. They resolve the disputes between management and workers of
the organization. Operations managers cooperate in high-level decision making with other top
executives of an organization, such as the president, chief financial officer and chief
executive (Day and Sammons, 2016).
Leader play important role in goal setting and achieving them in the organizations. Its
helps in motivating the employee's and convenience to working in a team or achieve the
target of the company for growth. They gives opportunities to all the employee's for discuss
their views and opinion about the any problems regarding to the working.
P5. Explain the significance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives
Marks and Spencer is (M&S) founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas
Spencer is largest retail industry of UK with 730 stores in their Home location and 361 in 40
different countries around the world. The company famous in the sector of luxury clothing
and food products. Their operation management department working with effective and
efficiency manner for achieving the business (Suarez, 2016).
Operation is the part of the as company, which is concerned with transformation of a
range of inputs into the needed outputs having the quality level. In present time operations
management is seen in completely different forms, it is seen as set of activities which
carefully plans, organized forms, and controls the company operations.
The manufacturing industry had to take care of more number of processes and
operations starting from purchasing raw material till the goods are sold and also in various of
the cases after sales assistance was also considered hance, creating the beliefs that the
operation management is important to manufacturing industry (Wang and et.al., 2016).
M&S designed three ranges this are The perfect or classical range, The autograph
range , The per Una range. This categories of clothing article and accessories as defined by
store management of the company. This are discussed below:-
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The perfect and classic range:- in this range includes the classical and stylish cloths
for high level of customers and targets customers. The product in this category are such that
they focus on being oriented towards comfort, long lasting style. The company manufacturing
the cloths as per the customers needs and wants. Their operations management given
important role in this production of cloths design and quality.
The autograph range:- In this range include clothing articles that are stylish and
fashioned of top design. These cloths belong to the latest market trends. Its design and
fashion change according to the customer demands (Anthony and et.al., 2016). These
products of M&S are unique and different from other competitors of markets. This range of
the company young customer more prefers and purchased from the company.
The per una range:- The per una range is designed to be in the category not only
fashionable but also provided at a very competitive prices. The articles generally designed in
limited editions. In this range the operations department of the company is given very
important role and they produce cloths according to the customers body sizes and proper
attention given to all details and short processing time from the designer table to the hands of
the customer.
M3 Techniques which can improve the efficiency of operational management.
It is essential for M&S to possess effective techniques to improve the operational
management. Some of them are explained further:
 By effective planning of all the future process that are going to take place.
 By aiming on the modification of the product rather than development of a new one,
which will aid in reducing inventory cost.
D2 Evaluation of the application of operation management that impact wider business
environmental
Application of operation management within entity is very beneficial for them. This
implementation involves a better communication level between different functional unit
which will help in maintaining transparency of the operations. Further, management of
human resource will assist in the effective allocation of the resources. Besides this, HRM will
also enable the efficiency in performance by boosting skills via trainings.
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P6- Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers with special reference to
the chosen scenario
Every business organisation carries out some operations for successful working of
their business. It is the responsibility of every manager to keep a close aye on the working of
these operations (Cullen-Lester and et.al., 2017). For accomplishing such purpose the
manager appoints leaders who controls and coordinate every activity. M&S one of the
leading retail shop in UK carries out the business operations in some steps they are:
Designing- The process of designing starts from development of the products. After
the product is developed the next step involved is the looking or the appearance of that
product. M&S retailing company designs its products in such a way that it covers a major
part in the market of the similar selling products (Hill and Bartol, 2016). The management
and the leaders should design the product in such a way so that it can attract a large number
of customers.
Planning- This term includes the ways in which management is going to make the
best use of the available resources in order to gain maximum profit. Both manager and leader
should make such policies and strategies which could help them in meeting sudden changes
in business world.
Both manager and leader should contribute for smooth functioning of an organization
so that the enterprise can earn all the benefits over their competitors (LePine and et.al., 2016).
Roles and responsibility of manager
Leadership- A manager should be a good leader. He should direct his subordinates towards
the accomplishment of organisations goal.
Delegation- The manager should delegate some of the least important work to their
subordinate and should encourage them by offering rewards for their good work.
External environment that affects the decision making ability of manager and leaders
are:
Government policies- Many business decisions are largely affected by the changing policies
of the government so the manager and leader should make flexible policies for their business
entity (Liao and et.al., 2017).
M4 Influence of internal elements on the business environment.
Internal factors within an organisation highly impacts upon the overall business
management. In case if the communication level between the departments is not strong then it
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may harm the transparency of the actions that are being performed in the entity. Further, if in
case there are less or unskilled employees in the business concern then they will harm the
effectiveness of the inventories that are being prepared in the organisation.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to understand the different methods that can assist in gaining the
effectiveness in the operations of the organisation, this report is performed. This study
includes the roles and responsibilities that must be played by the leaders and managers in
order to attain the effective management of the operations. Besides this, in order to acquire
the knowledge of effective leadership, various theories and models are also evaluated in this
learning. Further, the importance and value of the operational management in achieving the
goals of business is stated in this learning. This assignment also covers the impact of internal
elements of structure on its business environment.
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