Management and Operations: Leadership Roles in Tesco Supermarkets

This report delves into the concepts of management and operations, focusing on how raw materials are transformed into productive outputs, ultimately impacting profitability and market share. The report uses Tesco, a major UK supermarket, as a case study, analyzing the roles and functions of l...Read More

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................1
P1 Define and compare different roles and characteristics of leader and manager....................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2 Examine examples of role of leaders and functions of managers in different situational
context ........................................................................................................................................4
P3 Different theories and models of approach including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency leadership........................................................................................5
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................8
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role that leaders and managers play..........8
P5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.............9
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................10
P6 Factors within business environment that impact on the operational management and
decision making by leaders and managers................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Management and operations refers to an effective process that is concern with the
convertibility of the inputs and raw materials into the productive output and finished goods. This
concept helps in gaining the high profitability and productivity so that firm will gain high market
share within their long term survival. In this organisation is working for analysing the needs and
demands of customers and work on fulfilling their needs so that customers feel satisfied with
purchase of the company products and services. Operation management helps in modifying the
offerings by continuous development according to the trends follow in market that gives the
efficacy results to the business firm. This report is based on the retail supermarket which is
Tesco that is one of the largest British Supermarket Groceries company in UK. It deals in
varieties of products such as clothing, food, financial services, home ware, beauty products etc.
so that customers get everything at one place at reasonable pricing. This report involves the roles
and functions of the leader and manager in different situations so that work can be done
successfully and efficiently. Along with the management within the company it also involves the
various approaches of operation management that will impacted by the business environment and
it will affect the decision making of the organisation(Ferguson and et. al., 2017).
TASK 1
P1 Define and compare different roles and characteristics of leader and manager
Manager- A manager is the person who can control and manage all the activities within the
organisation for getting the higher results and profits for longer sustainability. In Business firm
manager can take all the responsibilities so that working in the operations can be done in
appropriate way. In terms of Tesco a manager can perform all the duty and responsibility by
managing and controlling the staff in an effective way to maintain the flexibility within
organisation(Burns, 2018).
Leader- An individual person who has the power of influence other people effectively and
efficiently for gaining the high outcomes is refers to as leader. In case of Tesco, a leader is the
person who directs and encourage the people with their effective leadership style in different
situation so that goals can be attained on specified period of time.
Role of leader
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 Develops the team strength- It is an effective role of a leader because this helps in
examine the strength and weaknesses of the team mates so that effective training would
be provided to the subordinates to enhance their strength and work on their weaknesses.
In Tesco, leader can analyse the team strength so that task can be done effectively and it
also helps in capturing the areas of opportunities to improve the sales and profits.
 Visionary- A leader of a firm is required to implement the role of their visionary attitude
so that they can guide their employees that efficiently light up the path of goal for
achieving the targets within set time frame. In case of Tesco, Leader can play a role of
making plans as per the vision to attain the overall aim of the organisation(Chevalier and
et. al., 2015).
Characteristics of leader
 Effective communication- It is one of the best feature of a leader that reflects the clear
and understanding communication in conveying the orders and guidelines to team
members in proficient manner. In Tesco, this draws the positive impact on overall
activities of organisation so that company will sustained with high proficient results in
marketplace.
 Humility- Confidence is playing an effective characteristics of a leader because it helps
in encouraging the employees towards developing their own personal skills that helps in
completing the objectives in effective way. In Tesco, this humility shows the grateful
results by motivating subordinates towards the goal achievement.
Role of manager
 Interpersonal role- This role of manager includes the several skills such as presentation
skill, observation skill, figurehead skill etc. This interpersonal skill is adopted by
manager in Tesco for controlling the various functions according to the circumstances
within the business venture(Nakagawa, NEC Corp, 2015).
 Decisional role- In this role manager of the firm is working like a fire fighter that
provides the solutions to the problems by taking effective decision for attracting the large
base of customers. In Tesco this decisional role helps in handling the disturbance by
taking the appropriate decision on the accomplishing the objectives.
Characteristics of manager
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 Time management skill- It is an effective skill of a manager as time is very precious to
everyone and to manage it very important because it helps in managing the task in
productive and efficient manner. In Tesco this skill helps the manager to encourage their
subordinates to work effectively on time.
 Technical skills- Having this skill in a manager reflects the ability to perform a task with
resources, techniques, procedures and tool and many more. In this manager also have the
good knowledge regarding computers, finance etc. so that they can handle the overall
stock within the Tesco. Due to this customers cannot face the issue of shortage of stick
that they need(Roda and Macchi, 2016).
Difference between manager and leader
Basis Manager Leader
Role Manager is performing a role
of making effective decision
so that set outcomes can be
received by the company.
A leader can play a role of
directing their team mates by
clearly explains the vision so
that they work productively
and efficiently.
Characteristics In this manager has high time
management skills who can
manage and organize all the
plans with proper time so that
task can be done smoothly.
In this a leader can
communicate effectively with
their subordinates and show
the confidence in them so that
team members done their task
in effective manner.
Theories Managers can involves the
behavioural and bureaucratic
theory of management.
Leaders within organisation
can involves system,
situational and contingency
theory of leadership.
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TASK 2
P2 Examine examples of role of leaders and functions of managers in different situational
context
At the time of performing the activities within the organisation managers and leaders can
face the issues at that time company need the best leader and manager who can lead and manage
the situation in proficient way. In context of Tesco, they can face the two situation and in this
function of manager and role of a leader can be elaborated below(Adebiyi, Oyatoye and Amole,
2016)).
Situation 1. New product launch
In this situation Tesco can launched the new offering for their customers and at this time
enterprise may pass some policies and guidelines for successful launching the product into the
market that will satisfy the customer needs. In this leader and manager play their role and
function to get perfect results that can be shown below:
Functions of a manager
 In this manager can hire the new applicant that have high experience and knowledge to
manage the production process and marketing process so that company will get
satisfactory results into the marketplace(Reid and Sanders, 2019).
 In this manager can perform the function of apprising the employees on timely manner so
that connectivity of workers can be maintained with their work that helps in attracting the
customers so that firm will get higher profit.
Roles of a leader
 In this situation leader can research the whole market so that launching would be
successful and it also helps in conveying the clear vision to the team mates so that they
work appropriately without much wastage.
 A leader in new launching of product play a role of guiding the employees so that
maximum results to be gained and by including minimum inputs in producing the goods.
Situation 2. Crises management
Crises situation refers to that situation in which company can face the major difficulties
regarding with maintaining the relations with their different stakeholders. This also become a
major threat at the time of earning profits. At this time leader can play the effective role and
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manager can perform their function so that crisis can be resolved by the company within limited
time frame(Khanna, 2015).
Functions of a manager
 In this manager of Tesco can perform a function of taking decisions regarding the crises
and make a transparency between the different stakeholders helps solving the situation in
an appropriate way.
 At the situation related to crises management manager of Tesco can perform a
management and organisation function so that task can be managed and organised in
systematic manner.
Roles of a leader
 In this situation leaders can play the role of effective communicator in which they listen
the employee problems and provided them effective solution so that conflicts would be
reduced.
 In this leaders play a humility role where they can show their confidence in their taking
decision so that employees get attracted towards it and it helps in solving the crises that
will affect the business profits and revenues(Smith and et. al., 2015).
P3 Different theories and models of approach including situational leadership, system leadership
and contingency leadership
The condition within the business can be changes continuously and to deal within every
situation company can adopts the various leadership approaches such as system, situational and
contingency etc. theory of leadership style that can be elaborated below.
Situational leadership- It refers to that system in which a leader and a manager of a company
can adjust the style of their leadership according to the situation arise within the business firm. In
this leaders can change their style of influencing or providing pathways to their employees as per
the demands. This style is most suitable for the leaders because it is flexible and effective as
because in this changes are done correctly. In this leader of a Tesco can manage the situation as
per the situation occurs. This approach can be divided into the various dimensions that can be
shown below(Siryani, Mazzuchi and Sarkani, 2015).
 Telling- In this leaders can take the effective decisions and communicate it within all the
departments in an understanding way.
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 Selling- In this dimensions leaders can share their vision and encourage team mates so
that they can perform their task effectively.
 Delegating- This aspect is more effective but the time consuming because in this leader
gives the right to their employees in decision making process because it helps in boosting
the members morale in appropriate way.
 Participating- In this style of leadership employees of Tesco can share their views and
issues to their leaders so that company will get unique ideas and gain high revenues with
longer sustainability.
System leadership- It refers to that set of capacities and skills that an individual person or
organisation can use to attain the purpose of objectives within the organisation. It refers to that
situation in which leader can create the condition at all level for the employees so that they work
to the full potential. This style of leadership is very effective and helpful to the Tesco leader due
to this discipline and superiority can be maintained within the organisation. In this various
department can be managed by the leaders like finance, marketing and many more. Because of
this communication is attractive within inter department and due to this misunderstanding can be
removed(Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018).
Fiedler's Contingency leadership- This style of leadership is stated as effective and attractive
in different situations. As it is based on three aspects i.e. working structure, employee
relationship and the power of leader. In context of Tesco, if this style of leadership is adopted by
a leader that is can manage the work in organised way due to this performance of employees
would be improved and high results can be enjoyed by them.
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Strength and weaknesses of various leadership styles
Leadership approaches Strength Weaknesses
Contingency This theory is dynamic in
nature. In this participation of
employees within decision
making process help in feeling
values so that they work
productively.
The major weaknesses of
contingency theory is that it is
rigid in nature and to handle
this high professional skill
candidate can be needed.
Situational This style of leadership is
maintaining the healthy and
friendly relationship at
working place so that accurate
direction can be find by them.
It can ignore the long term
objectives within the Tesco
because their decision are not
up to date due to poor
research.
System It helps in gaining the overall
objectives of the business.
It can enhance the conflicts
within employees due to this
goals cannot be reached on
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time.
TASK 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role that leaders and managers play
In each and every organisation various opportunities can be arises and to fulfils it
company need to work on them. At this time more wastage can be faced due to this more
operating cost would be considered. For eliminating the wastage and enhancing productivity
Tesco can follow the various principles of operation management that can shown below.
SIX Sigma- It refers to a set of technique that is used for improving the activities on continuous
basis. It can be proposed by the Bill Smith in 1986. It is the best way to identify the opportunities
in which defects can be minimised by 3.4 mistakes in per million orders. In terms of Tesco this
helps in improving the quality and performance so that task can be attained. This can be based
on various five aspects that can shown below(Gibson and Parkman, 2018).
 D- It is the primary aspect in which problem can be defined within the project.
 M- It helps in measuring the various terms that is related with current process.
 A- In this company can examine the data to identify mistakes within the task.
 I- It reflects the improving of the activities so that defects can be minimised.
 C- For controlling the activity so that goals can be achieved profitably.
Lean principle- It refers to that principle of operation management in which company can
highly focused on removing the waste so that task related to customer satisfaction can be
achieved. This application of operation management is helpful for cutting the mistakes that are
not required and a kind of wastage. By adopting this Tesco can increase their productivity and
offers the high quality products to the customers that helps in satisfying their needs and wants.
Total Quality management- It refers to that principle of management which is used by the
business enterprise so that they can feel high success by satisfying customers needs and wants. In
this approach Tesco employees get involved in enhancing the performance, products, culture and
services in which they are working. In this leaders can give the right to their employees so that
they can show their involvement at workplace and due to this continuous improvement can be
done so that quality would be enhanced and mistakes can be removed(Meredith and Shafer,
2019).
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In this both leaders and managers can play an essential role that can be shown below.
 Provides direction- In this case leaders of the organisation can directs their team mates
and assigned the responsibilities so that task can be done accurately. In case of the
Tesco, manager can take high responsibility to directs their subordinates so that they can
done improvements in an appropriate manner.
 Bringing quality initiatives- In an organisation important role can be implemented by
the leader and manager this helps in managing the overall quality within production
process. In this high quality can be managed because of getting higher goals within the
marketplace. At this time leader of the Tesco can take initiative to enhance the
performance of their followers for attaining the overall standards related to quality.
P5 Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives
Operation management refers to that process which is used to plan, supervise and
controls the production and manufacturing process. In supermarket sector, operations
management assure that proper arrangement of the stock and goods can be maintained and it can
be deliver to the customers on timely manner. In this Tesco can focus on eliminating waste in
delivering and producing the products. It involves various aspects that elaborated below(Dekker
and et. al., 2018).
 Planning- In this aspect manager of the Tesco can plan the task and execute the same for
gaining high strategies to achieving the overall objectives in effective way. In context of
Tesco, effective plan can be made to reflects the clear path for the employees for
achieving the objectives.
 Organising- In this business manager can organize all the functions so that they can
supervise in a best manner. This helps the employees of Tesco to get encouraged towards
the systematic work and in this manager can control the activities by taking various
measures within the business firm.
 Directing- In this aspect Tesco manager can directs the task in an effective manner and
delegate the responsibilities as per the skills and abilities. This reflects the positive impact
of the directing the activities within the company.
 Controlling- At this level manager of Tesco can take corrective actions so that
productive outcome can be gained by the business firm. In this manager of the business
firm can measures their own performance this helps in gaining high profitable results.
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In context of Tesco company can use the TQM principle, so that they can remove the
defects and wastage in their process of producing and manufacturing. Due to this customer can
satisfy the needs and wants and achieve the goals of high market share i.e. 20% so that it will
sustain in the marketplace for a longer period of time. It also helps in reducing the operating cost
of the organisation by eliminating the wastage in the production and delivery process(Ivanov,
Tsipoulanidis and Schönberger, 2017).
Objectives of the Tesco organisation:
 Grow the market share by satisfying the needs and wants of the customers.
 Boosting profitability by reducing the wastage within the production and delivery
process.
 Increasing the overall sales by attracting the large base of customers.
 Examine market opportunities to longer survival of the firm into the marketplace.
TASK 4
P6 Factors within business environment that impact on the operational management and decision
making by leaders and managers
In the process of operational management company can focus on taking effective
decision making but it is to be effective by the various factors of business environment that can
be elaborated below.
 CSR- It refers to that aspect which is related to the economic, social and environmental
factors that will create the impact on the societal benefits. In case of Tesco, both
managers and leaders are considered in it to follow the business practices by adopting
proper code of conducts in an appropriate way. It includes the situation related to
environment so that they can be benefited by the organisation. In this Tesco can recycling
the wastage of industry, focus on green accounting and many more. Due to this company
can focus on eliminating the defects to adopts the lean principles so that quality of the
activities can be maintained. This helps in attracting the high base of customers so that
firm will gain higher profits and revenues(Heizer, 2016).
 Sustainability- Businesses may work in the industry for maintaining their longer
sustainability within the marketplace. In context of the Tesco managers Are willing to do
their work for longer survival and for their they can research the market so that they
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cl;early understand the market trends and produced the goods and services according to
that. In this leaders can directs their team members according to their vision so that they
work effectively and attend the customers which is more important to sustain in the
business industry. At this proper decision can be work properly.
 Ethics- This term is reflects as that in which business enterprise can be working in an
effective way by attending their customers and various other members who connected
with the company in an effective and transparency way. In case of Tesco, ethics are
highly prioritised and due to this they can maintain their high image in the marketplace.
In this organisation can follow the core and thumb rule of following the ethical practices
so that they can effectively gain the higher profits. This good ethics helps in retaining the
customers and employees for a longer period of time(Mahadevan, 2015).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it is to be concluded that Operations and management is playing a
prominent role within the retail organisation because it helps in satisfying the needs of the
customers by eliminating the wastage within the producing and operating goods and services. In
this leaders and managers play an effective role for the achievement of the task in a desired way.
At this leadership approaches helps in completing and attaining the objectives with successful
manner. These both helps in providing the direction and motivating the team mates so the
employees are working appropriately and this helps in reflecting by retaining the customers for a
longer period of time. In this operation management various approaches like JIT, TQM, Six
sigma helps in removing the wastage and enhance the productivity.
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REFERENCES
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research and complexity science (No. EI2018-25).
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machines. U.S. Patent 9,578,017.
Gibson, P. and Parkman, R., 2018. Cruise operations management: Hospitality perspectives.
Routledge.
Heizer, J., 2016. Operations management, 11/e. Pearson Education India.
Ivanov, D., Tsipoulanidis, A. and Schönberger, J., 2017. Global supply chain and operations
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Wiley & Sons.
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