Tesco PLC: Analysis of Leadership, Management, and Operations

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership, management, and operations within Tesco PLC. It begins by differentiating between the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, examining the functions of a manager according to Fayol's principles. The report then delves into various leadership styles, including situational, systems, and contingency approaches. Task 2 explores key approaches to operations management, such as Total Quality Management, Just in Time, Six Sigma, Lean Production, and queuing theory, and their applications within Tesco stores. The report also discusses the roles of a store manager, the value of operations management in achieving business objectives, and the impact of the business environment on operational decision-making. Overall, the report offers a detailed examination of the managerial and operational aspects of Tesco, providing insights into effective leadership and management strategies.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
(A) Differences and similarities between a leader and manager by consider their roles and
characteristics..............................................................................................................................1
(B) Functions of manager according to Fayol.............................................................................3
(C) Situational leadership, systems leadership and contingency leadership...............................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
(1) Key approaches of operations management and its application in store of Tesco Plc..........5
(2) Roles of store manager..........................................................................................................6
(3)Value and importance of operations management in achieving business objectives............7
(4) Factors within business environment which affect the operational management ...............8
(5) Impact of factors on decision making process of store manager...........................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
.......................................................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Management and operations refers to the administration of business practices in order to
bring highest level of efficiency possible within an organisation. It is related with the activities
including conversion of materials and labours into finished products that can be sell to the
targeted customers and maximise profit of an organisation. For this, the management is held
responsible to perform its roles and responsibilities in more effective and efficient manner that
will company in achieving huge sales and revenue. The present assignment is based on Tesco Plc
which is one of the largest supermarket retailer of UK engaging in providing wide range of
groceries products. The project discusses roles and characteristic of leaders and managers,
theories and models of approaches along with their strengths and weaknesses, analysis of
external factors etc.
TASK 1
(A) Differences and similarities between a leader and manager by consider their roles and
characteristics
Definition of Manager: It is an individual who is liable to manage and monitor the
performance level of employees at workplace with a clear objective of executing business
operations more effectively and brings maximum profits to company (Balasubramaniam and et.
al., 2016)..
Definition of leader: Leader is an individual who has an ability to get work done from
others in more effective and efficient manner by providing them suitable guidance and
motivation which indirectly support in increasing their efficiency level as well.
Comparison of leaders and managers
Basis Manager Leader
Traits Manager is having various
traits such as Forge vision,
visionary, Emphatic etc. which
brings employees together to
achieve organisational goals.
Leader is goal oriented who
follows vision of manager.
Along with this, they act as
motivator who brings
employees into confidence to
work hard and provide
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maximum results.
Roles and responsibilities Managers is responsible to
manage and execute business
functions and activities that
will bring profitable outcomes
to company in near future.
Leaders act as a motivator
whose main focus is to
increase the performance level
and contribution of employees
towards organisational goals
either through adopting
motivational programs or
leadership styles.
Authority and power Manager has power to make
suitable planning and policies
for betterment of both
employees as well as an
organisation. For example,
incentive programs which
enhances the efficiency of
employees as well as
productivity of organisation.
Leaders has power to control
over the performance level of
employees by following all the
guidelines and policies framed
by the managers.
Similarities between leader and manager
Managers and leaders both plays a significant role in the growth and success of an
organisation through performing different roles and responsibilities but apart from this, there are
having some similarities among their characteristics. For example, manager gives priority people
over organisational goals whereas leaders also prefer employees' performance first. It can be
further understood as under:
 Leader has an ability to inspire others which is common in managers as they formulate
plans and policies for employees and bring motivation to work hard.
 Both leaders and managers have concerned about maintaining health working
environment as it directly makes positive impact on the working behaviour and
satisfaction level of employees at workplace (Cordray and et. al., 2015).
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 Main objective of both leaders and managers is achieve organisational goals within
predetermined time period through managing and motivating employees to perform in
right direction.
(B) Functions of manager according to Fayol
Manager plays an important role in the growth and success of Tesco Plc by perform its
several managerial functions described by Henry Fayol which are given as under:
Planning: It is primary function that to be performed by manager with an objective of
directing employees to perform according to the achievement of organisational goals and
objectives. Furthermore, manager of Tesco Plc also responsible to prepare backup plans so that if
main plan doesn't bring expected outcomes then such backup will be taken into consideration.
Organising: Under this, managers arrange resources such as manpower, funds,
equipments etc. so as to execute predetermined plans in an expected way. For this, utilisation of
resources are also have a responsibility of manager which gives profitable result to company in
near future.
Commanding: Managers are required to direct employees and monitor performance
level of employees in order to identify whether the employees performed in right direction or
not. They also command employees through implementing various plans and policies for
workforce for better performance (Grahn, Johansson and McKelvey, 2014).
Control: Managers should control the business operations in order to reduce wastge of
resources which indirectly makes positive impact on the sales and profitability of company.
Controlling the activities of employees by manager easily identifies the deviations which restrict
their workforce to perform and accordingly provide corrective measures to improve the same.
Coordination: It is important among workforce of Tesco Plc to coordinate with each
other in order to provide mutual support for the achievement of organisational and objectives.
For this, managers play a vital role through bringing transparency in communication so that
every employee can easily interact with others without any hesitations.
All such functions should be performed by the managers of Tesco Plc in order to gain
maximum performance level and contribution from their workforce towards organisational goals
and objectives.
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(C) Situational leadership, systems leadership and contingency leadership
Leaders also play an important and crucial role in the growth and development of
employees as well as an organisation by performing various functions such as application of
motivational techniques, leadership styles, training and development practices etc. Thus, leaders
of Tesco Plc is considered as a valuable part of an organisation through bringing motivation and
confidence among employees to work hard and perform better to support in achievement of
organisational goals and objectives (Leadership Styles, 2018). It get adequate support by various
leadership styles which are described as under:
Situational theory of leadership: It is considered as an effective style of leadership
which changes according to the situations arises at workplace. It means that leader act towards
particular situations after analysing the various aspects arises in that situation. For this, leaders
must have an analytical skills which assist them in choosing an appropriate leadership style
according to the requirement of situations. Such leadership approach is more task oriented. An
individual can be a good leader if having flexibility in working as well as having appropriate
knowledge to identify and analyse the influencing factors so that an effective decisions can be
made which further results in achieving desired results to company. The main characteristics of
leadership style is that it can be changed according to the situations arises while executing of
business activities. Because of this, it is also known as adjusting style of leader (Grant, Wong
and Trautrims, 2017).
Contingency approach of leadership: It is another approach of leadership which
emphasises on both personality of leader as well as situation in which leader perform. Leader is
the one who remain liable to maintain health relations among employees so that combined efforts
can be gained towards achievement of desired target. Under this theory, the leaders can go for
two leadership styles which includes people oriented and task oriented. Leader have an ability to
deal with the contingent situations that may arises in near future so that it prevents organisation
from any losses or damages. With the help of this approach, leaders of M&S can take better
decisions by considering features of situations and employee's abilities.
System leadership: Under this approach, the leaders treat an organisation as a system
which is related with man made or natural components. The main characteristic of this theory is
to provide an opportunity to identify, understand and analyse about the situations of company.
According to such theory, organisation is combination of workers, equipments, informations,
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fixed resources etc. It direct employees to perform in systematic way by following guidelines
made by leaders after analysing the situations. It help in maintaining health environment at
workplace which ensure completion of business activities in profitable way. With the help of
application of such approach, leaders of Tesco Plc can utilise available resources in an optimum
manner (Hugos, 2018).
All these are the major approaches of leadership which can be selected by leaders of
Tesco Plc in order to deal with the situations arises at workplace, Contingency is considered as
most appropriate leadership style as it has been applicable to all kinds of organisation. This
enable leader to examine the important elements and take better decisions due to which the
leaders of Tesco Plc adopt such leadership style in order to perform well.
TASK 2
(1) Key approaches of operations management and its application in store of Tesco Plc
Operations management is considered as an important part of organisation due to
carrying out crucial business activities which starts with manufacturing of quality products and
end with final sale to the targeted customers. Here, managers and leaders play equally important
role in growth and success of an organisation by executing various approaches of operations
management which are determined as under:
Total quality management: This approach mainly focuses on the fact which states that
providing quality to customers brings maximum return to company in form of customer's loyalty,
brand image etc. Therefore, it will be more useful for Tesco Plc to adopt in order to achieve huge
customer strength and brand loyalty through serving customers with best quality.
Just in time: It is an approach which states that an organisation must required to maintain
its inventory at all time due to meeting customers demands and requirements on time so that the
firm can gain trust and loyalty from their targeted people. For this, Tesco Plc should have good
supply chain network which will be agreed to supply them resources whenever company
required (Karnani, 2011).
Six sigma: It mainly emphasis on enhancing quality related with operation management
by eliminating errors and defects, saving time and reducing cost. It assist Tesco Plc to maximise
the operation system which makes them more capable to offer its products and services at an
affordable with best quality.
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Lean production: It is a systematic approach which directs the operation management to
minimise the wastage under production process as well as reducing manual efforts so that quality
of products as well as working of employees can be maintained. Further, this help management
in creating a health work environment which increases productivity of company as well.
Queuing theory: This approach is based on mathematical analysis of waiting lines. It is
more effective to adopt such approach in order to predict the queue lengths and waiting time.
Thus, the management of Tesco Plc can adopt such approach so as to make easy for the
employees to deal with customers at the time of serving. It ensures customers to get products on
time by estimating the time required to be invest while delivering (Luo, Meier and Oberholzer-
Gee, 2012).
Continuous improvement: This is the another effective approach which directs the
company to make continuous improve changes in their business functions so that the cost of
operations can be reduced over a period of time. The main motive of company is to minimise the
wastage by enhancing processes and activities. This approach mainly emphasis on five principles
which includes order, standardise, sustain, shine and sort. By application of such approach, the
management of Tesco Plc can develop a team work which brings innovations to company.
(2) Roles of store manager
Store manager is an important job role within an organisation who gives valuable support
in maintaining adequate level of inventory to meet customer's needs and requirements. The roles
and responsibilities performed by store manager are described as under:
Prepare budget: The primary role of store manage is to create a budget by receiving
support from the finance division in order to execute business operations more effectively and
efficiently. Preparation of budget enhances the business efficiency which help in attracting large
number of customers.
Create and maintain positive working environment: Manager is the one who put their
maximum efforts in managing working environment at store which brings motivation among
workers to serve customers more effectively (Marchington and et. al., 2016).
Selection and recruitment: Another role of store manager is to recruit and select skilled
candidates which can successfully able to deal with customers of different backgrounds in more
convincing manner.
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Cost minimisation: The management gives their maximum efforts in reducing cost of
operation. For this, manager motivates workers to reduce wastage of resources and ensure
optimisation of limited resources so as to give better outcome.
Achieve set sales target: Store manager is the one who encourage employees to perform
well and adopt an effective strategies so that the company can attain its set sales objectives.
All such roles and responsibilities are performed by the store manager as it help in
achieving its set objectives and enhance profitability of company. Through this, store manager
can support maximum to the achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
(3)Value and importance of operations management in achieving business objectives
Operational management includes various functions such as design, monitor and control
the production process so that minimum cost has been incurred and profits will get maximised. It
always tried to give maximum efforts in improving the systems and procedures of executing
business activities with a hope of getting maximum outcome in near future. The main
responsibilities of operation management is to transform the raw material into finished products
with best utilisation of resources. Apart from this, there are many advantages received by
adopting different approaches related with operation management for example reduction in
operation cost, utilisation of resources etc. which makes positive impact on the profitability of
Tesco Plc. In addition with this, the importance of different types of approaches are given as
under:
Reduce wastage of resources: With the help of application of six sigma and lean
production technique, it assist managers of Tesco Plc to minimise the wastage of production in
order to enhance the quality of products. It support company to achieve brand loyalty as well as
enhancing profitability (Penn and Pennix, 2017).
Satisfaction of customer need: Manufacturing quality products by utilisation of
resources by operation management enhances the satisfaction level of customers.
Providence of long term benefit to organisation: Application of various approaches of
operation management such as Just in Time assist company to meet customer's needs and
requirements on time with the help of best supply chain network chain
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(4) Factors within business environment which affect the operational management
External factors includes political, social, economical, technological etc. which can
influence the business operations either in negative or positive way. To deal with such factors,
the management of Tesco Plc should conduct PESTLE analysis which are determined as under:
Political: Such factors consists of fluctuations in political system, taxation policies etc. which
affect the decision of management of Tesco Plc to diversify its business to other locations. For
example, if taxation policies on grocery products in UK increases then it will impact the pricing
policy of Tesco Plc which affect the buying behaviour of customers due to which they may
decide to open new outlets in UK (Punyateera and et. al., 2014).
Economical: It includes factors consists of economic fluctuations, inflation etc. which
can affect the purchasing power of people. Thus, Tesco Plc should reach its business to
developed nations where the people can afford more to buy their groceries products.
Social: It includes factors consists of interest and buying pattern of customers and society
as a whole which may bring Tesco Plc comes into danger. To maximise their buying behaviour,
Tesco Plc should develop its existing products on regular basis along with giving quality services
by skilled employees.
Technological: It includes factors consists of technological advancement which can
increases the cost of operations. It makes positive impact on the profitability of company. For
example, using online payment facilities can easily attracts the buying behaviour of customers as
they may show less willingness to carry cash with them.
Legal factors: It consists of factors including legal laws and legislation which made
impact on the existence of an organisation in market. For example, Tesco Plc is primarily located
in UK due to which it is important to implement with UK laws and legislations such as equality
act, 2010, Data protection act, 1998 etc. which protects the interest and rights of employees as
well as crucial information of company from their rivals.
Environmental: It concludes factors related with the environment laws and standards that
must required to follow by company operated in particular nation in order to maintain the safety
of environment. For example, utilisation of eco-friendly resources by Tesco Plc help in
protecting environment from damages as well as enhance their brand image in market as well
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(5) Impact of factors on decision making process of store manager
There are various influencing factors present in business environment which can affect
the decision-making process of managers and leaders. Tesco Plc is largest retailer organisation
which is operates its business at global level due to which it affects most from external factors
such as political, economical, social, technological etc. To analyse such factors, PESTLE
Analysis should be conducted which makes easy for management to cope up with such
influencing factors in more effective and efficient way (Shirae and et. al., 2015).
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it is concluded that Tesco Plc have different options to
enhance their performance level as well as productivity level of employees which includes
different management theories and leadership styles such as TQM, Six sigma, continuous
improvement model etc. For this, the managers and leaders plays a significant role in
implementing such models and techniques.
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