A Report on Leadership and Management in Operational Context at TESCO

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management within the context of TESCO, a multinational retail company. It begins by defining and comparing the distinct roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, highlighting their responsibilities and functions within an organizational hierarchy. The report then delves into the practical application of these roles, using TESCO as a case study to illustrate how leaders and managers operate in different situational contexts, including decision-making, risk-taking, and employee relations. Furthermore, it explores various leadership theories and models, such as situational leadership, system leadership, and contingency theory, and how these approaches can be applied to improve operational management and achieve organizational objectives. The report also examines key approaches to operational management, the importance of operational management in achieving objectives, and the impact of the business environment on operational decisions. The report concludes with a discussion of the key factors that influence operational management and decision-making by leaders and managers within TESCO.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERTIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Definition and comparison of different roles and characteristics of a leader and manager1
P2 Role of a leader and function of manager according to different situational context with the
help of example......................................................................................................................3
P3 Different theories and models of approaches including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency....................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to operational management and the role that leaders and managers play6
Role as store manager.............................................................................................................7
P5 Importance and values of operation management in achieving objectives.......................7
P6 Factors within business environment that have an impact upon operational management
and its decision making by leaders and managers.................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Management and Operations is a process which consist of various activities that are
performed by top level executives as per the needs and wants of customers (Bahmani-Firouzi and
Azizipanah-Abarghooee, 2014). Each organisation for executing the task in an effective manner
use resources like funds, materials and manpower so as to attain their goals and targets in a
speculated time frame. Company that is taken in this assignment is TESCO, which is a retail firm
and established in United Kingdom. Present report will focus on different role of a leader and
functions of managers played by an individual, in addition to this, application of the same is
given according to the given concept. Other than this, demonstration and appreciation of roles
performed by leaders and managers in an organisation is mentioned in this report. Lastly, factors
within the business environment which can have an impact on operational management and
decision making of leaders and managers is explained in this assignment.
TASK 1
P1 Definition and comparison of different roles and characteristics of a leader and manager
TESCO, is a leading multinational company that deals in retail stores and its headquarter
is in Welwyn, London. It come amongst third largest retailer in terms of gross revenues. Firm
was found in the year around 1919 by Jack Cohen. TESCO has its shop in around 6,553 shops in
which approximately 476,000+ employees are working for providing maximum benefits to the
organisation. According to the market scenario, there are different organisational structure that
are being followed by companies thus, in terms of TESCO, they are following Hierarchy form of
organisational structure. Therefore, to understand organisational structure it is mentioned below
for better understanding:
Hierarchy Organisational Structure: TESCO, is a multinational grocery store and they
follow hierarchical organisational structure. According to this structure, all the things are divided
as per various levels so that task are being done effectively and smoothly. In the top most level
TESCO Board of Directors which consist of around 10 members that includes CEO, Chief
Financial officers and Non-executives, in every financial year a significant change can be seen
(DeAnna and et. al., 2010). In mediated level comprises of various vice presidents and others
managers and assistants. Last, as per the base level all positions are hold by regional manager
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and take decisions according to different situations and circumstances present in an
organisational.
Managers: Managers are consider as the one whose prime role is to manage things and
assign task as per the roles and responsibilities. In addition to this, managers also make sure that
activities are done in a proper manner so that goals and activities are achieved effectively.
Leaders: Leaders are the one who guide their team members and motivate them for
completing the task in a better manner in a given time frame. Thus, their role is important while
performing the work in effectively (Eyal, P.O.S.T and Haim, Clarizen Ltd., 2014).
Superiors and higher staff members are the one who set goals and objectives for an
organisation and this includes departments like human resource, finance, marketing sales etc.,
Each department includes members who allocate and assigned task as per roles and
responsibilities. Here role of manager and leaders are undertaken they explain and guide
employees for accomplishing the task under given deadline.
Role of Managers: There are different kinds of roles that are performed by superiors of TESCO
and some of them are explained below:
Decisional role: In business operations it is necessary that a manager is good in decision
making. He/she must be very quick and must have alternative if a particular decision is not
giving appropriate results.
Interpersonal role: This skill assists a manager in interacting and establish an effective
communication process between employees.
Informational role: In order to provide effective information to workers, Manager plays
a crucial role (Hammill and Tanner, 2011). This assist superior in delivering the wants of
activities in a better manner.
Role of Leaders: There are different roles that are performed by Leaders and some of them are
explained below:
Supporter: Leaders prime role is to guide and show appropriate path to employees so that
activities can be done in a better manner. Other than this, leaders are great supporters and boost
morale of employees if they are finding difficulties in accomplishing the task.
Representative of company: In this context Leaders play an important role as they
represent their firm in different activities like seminars, meetings and many others (Heizer and
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Barry, 2013). On the behalf of company, leaders explain the plan of action and their motive of
doing any kind of work in front of seniors and subordinates.
Similarities between manager and leader: Although both leaders and managers play
their different role and functions but there are some of the similarities are explained below for
better understanding:
 Both manager and leaders conduct meetings and seminars so as to enhance skills and
capabilities of employees. As a result, it will enable workers in executing their task in a
better manner. Formulating strategies and plan of action are executed by managers and leaders and for
this they incorporate latest tools and technologies. As a result, employees of TESCO will
be able to provide superior quality products in a given period of time.
Difference between manager and leader: Management and leadership both have
different qualities which makes them variant from one another further differences are explained
below:
Manager Leader
Their prime responsibility is to formulate
strategies which can be further used for
executing plans and activities.
Leaders approach is to keep their employees
motivated so as to boost morale of individuals.
Managers give basic facilities to team
members so that they can perform their
activities in an appropriate manner
They conduct seminars and sessions in order
to give appropriate instruction and knowledge
regarding doing a job in a better manner.
Managers assign roles and responsibility to
employees as per the skills acquired by an
individual.
Leaders shows appropriate path and give
guidance to employees so that team members
can achieve targets in speculated period of
time (Lind, 2013).
P2 Role of a leader and function of manager according to different situational context with the
help of example
Fayol was a French Engineer and he was considered as a classic management theorist
who has given five management function which are crucial for managers to understand if they
want to work in a better and effective manner. These five factors shows a perfect relationship
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different layers of management and helps a manager in taking appropriate decision for their
companies. Further these functions are explained below for better understanding:
Planning: In order to run a business in an effective manner it is crucial that firm make
appropriate planning. This will assist firm in overcoming all the issues before problem occurs.
Organisation: It helps company in performing entire task in an organised manner without
any complications and chaos. This aid firm in creating structure of management (López and et.
al., 2015).
Commanding: It is an effective function in the field of management and for this, it is
crucial that manager has good command over language. This will them in giving clear cut
instruction to their employees.
Coordination: While working in order to achieve a common goal it is crucial that proper
coordination is maintained. It will give an effective outcomes in return.
Control and monitoring: In order to maintain a perfect environment managers should
have control over activities and should make sure whether set rules an regulations are being
followed by employees or not.
Therefore, different roles and functions of manager leaders and managers respectively are
explained below:
TESCO is a big organisation and deals in retail sector, managers and leaders both
perform their role and responsibilities for providing maximum benefits to company. As a result
TESCO is one of the leading firm in United Kingdom (Mendis, Muttaqi and Perera, 2014).
Decision making: In big organisation like TESCO, there might be situation when company has
to take quick decision related to implementing new tools and technologies. In context with
TESCO, staff members and other superiors are involved in the process of decision making.
Function of manager: TESCO has variety of products in their stores for example:
clothes, home appliances and many others. Here manager's role is to identify goods which is
providing maximum benefits and increasing brand value. In addition to this for making policies
suggestions and opinions of employees are taken into consideration for making plan of action.
Role of leader: Here leaders play their role in establishing better relations with
employees so that workers can collaborately work for a common goal. Other than this, leaders
are assisting employees in resolving issues and providing better solutions for the problem.
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Risk taking: While operating and running a business it is crucial that owner of the company take
risk for adopting different strategies (Mohammadi, and et. al., 2013). This is a tactic for
increasing and generating more and more funds in order to executing plans effectively. TESCO,
can think of implementing new and innovative products for getting maximum benefits.
Function of manager: In this it is essential that managers know externals and internal
factors which can hamper business operations. In order to come up with complications and risk
staking managers use traditional form of solving issues. Therefore, managers formulate and
design strategies and plan of action with full care so that issues can be eliminated.
Role of leader: Leaders are great risk takers and formulate strategies accordingly in order
to accomplish task in a better manner. For example: there might be situation when employees
can step back after looking at situation of risk, here, its prime role of leaders to motivate
employees for pushing their limits so that goals can be attain.
P3 Different theories and models of approaches including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency
There are different types of theories and concept that superiors can adopt so as to work
as per market conditions and situations (Nakayama and Bucks Eds., 2012). Thus, in order to
improve brand image it is crucial that management of TESCO, formulate and implement
strategies as per market situation. This will help employees in working in a better manner
without any chaos and confusion. Some of the theories along with examples are explained
below:
System leadership theory: As the name suggest, it helps organisation in performing
activities in a systematic manner. If company wants to sustain in the market for a longer period
of time than all plans must be executed in as per prior basis. Thus TESCO, because they are
executing their plans in a systematic manner they are in better position as compared to other
companies.
Situational theory: There are many situations that are present in market area, some may
be positive and some may be negative. In order to be in a leading position it is essential that
managers make policies according to situations. For example: TESCO is going through decrease
in sales thus, as per the situation firm in order to increase their sales can adopt different methods
like promotional activities or can provide discount coupons to customers (Leadership Theories,
2017).
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Contingency theory: This theory is same as situational theory as while operating business
operations there may be some contingency that managers had to make some policies in urgency.
Therefore, in such situations this theory is helpful. For example: If TESCO, needs skilled
workers than they can provide training in order to raise their knowledge.
Henceforth, TESCO, is using these approaches in order to get maximum benefits and as
per circumstances and different situations. This is assisting company in getting into a better
position at market area. In Addition to this, TESCO, is using latest tools and technologies for
executing their plan effectively.
TASK 2
P4 Key approaches to operational management and the role that leaders and managers play
It is crucial that TESCO, and its manager use appropriate approaches for executing their
plan and to achieve this they use different tools and techniques which enabling firm in
accomplishing the task in a better manner (Neck and Manz, 2010). In TESCO, it is prime
responsibility of operational department in manufacturing goods effectively so that they can
produce quality products. Therefore, with the help of these approaches company can now attain
their goals and objectives in speculated time frame. Some of the approaches that are being used
by TESCO is explained below:
Kaizen: Other name of this theory is continuous improvement and it is consider as one of
the effective approach that provides long term benefits to organisation. If company wants
moderate modification than they can use this approach. It assist company in reducing waste so,
they tend to use resources in a limited manner. Therefore, it can be said that is one of the
effective approach for getting appropriate results in speculated period of time.
Just in -Time approach: This is an approach that is used by company in order to utilise
funds in a better manner without wasting them. Further, firm can take feedbacks and reviews
from customers in order to know choices and preferences for the products. Basically, this
approach is used in contingency when there is a remeasurement of producing goods. For
example: a 150 units of clothes are needed so, company will purchase raw material for 150
substance as a result it will help them in reducing wastage (Pinkerton ed., 2011). In addition to
this, TESCO has optimises latest tools and technologies for manufacturing goods and products in
a better manner.
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Total quality management: It is determine as one the effective process for eliminating
unnecessary step which is adding no value to the product. Along with this employees are given
appropriate training for improving their skills and knowledge so that they can streamline the
process of manufacturing procedure. Thus, it assist managers in lower down production process
which will gradually decrease wastage.
Six sigma approach: This is consider as one of the effective process that is being adopted
by companies in order to function in a better manner. This assist firm in identifying problems
which are creating problem in operating business in an effective manner. Therefore, managers of
TESCO is taking this approach in order to evaluate challenges so that strategies can be made so
as to overcome them. Company in terms of manufacturing goods as per the needs and wants of
customers is using six sigma approach. As a result it is providing them with maximum benefits
in return (Bahmani-Firouzi and Azizipanah-Abarghooee, 2014).
Roles of leaders and managers: These above mentioned theories are being used by
managers and leaders of TESCO, and it is assisting them in function properly as per the current
market situations. Both leaders and managers are using this theory for manufacturing goods and
products in a better manner. Leaders of TESCO, motivates employees in performing their task in
a better manner whereas managers provide employees with basic facilities so that plans can be
executed effectively. As a result, objectives and goals are achieved in a speculated time period.
Henceforth, in context with, TESCO, they are using Kaizen approach because it is
assisting company in getting maximum benefits. As a result it is helping them in reducing
wastage.
Role as store manager
Store manager holds an essential position in an organisation and play their role in
managing manpower and make use of funds in such a manner that it is not wasted. As a store
manager in TESCO, it my prime role is to maintain a good relation with suppliers and other
distributors so that raw material can be purchased and further goods are manufactured using
them (DeAnna and et. al., 2010). Further a better relation will assist them in getting latest tools
and technologies in affordable price. As a result a store manger is consider as one of the essential
factor who play their role in providing maximum benefits to organisation. For example: if store
is lacking behind with limited resource than its role of manager in going through resources which
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are available and which are not. Thus, it will assist store manager in making a list of items that
are required for manufacturing goods and products in speculated period of time.
P5 Importance and values of operation management in achieving objectives
Operation management is primly responsible for managing activities and task
appropriately. Their approach is to provide basic facilities to departments so that they can
execute their activities. Thus, with the help of available resources company can give better
services and facilities to its clients. Therefore, with the working of operation management, firm
can fulfil needs and wants of customers (Eyal, P.O.S.T and Haim, Clarizen Ltd., 2014). As a
result it will assist company in maintaining their position at market area for a longer period of
time. Therefore, importance of operational management of TESCO is explained below:
Customer satisfaction: Each company manufacture goods in order to gain maximum
benefits in a limited period of time. In context with TESCO, company is taking feedbacks and
reviews from customers so that firm can produce goods as per needs and wants of customer
satisfaction. For example: after conducting a survey TESCO, gets to know about preferred
choices and it has been evaluated that clothes that are providing by the company are more liked
by people. As a result in order top increase sales and profitability they are manufacturing clothes
in ample number therefore, it is assisting company in fulfilling demands and wants of customers.
Thus, TESCO is generating more and more profits form this and comes amongst to three leading
company in United Kingdom.
Increasing profits: There are various factors through which firm can increase profits and
market shares. In context with TESCO, they are formulating different strategies and plan of
action from which maximum benefits can be gained. Company is providing stuffs through online
process as well which has increased its customer base. People can now buy goods without going
to stores and outlets and easily go through TESCO's website and order online for products
customers wants. With the help of producing goods according to needs and wants of customers
company is improving their brand image in front of customers (Hammill and Tanner, 2011).
Quality improvement: Manufacturing goods in ample number for increasing its sales and
profitability is not the only task what important is to produce products which are best in quality
and satisfy needs and wants of customers in return. In context with TESCO, they are popularly
known for providing good that are best in quality. Research says, to produce goods of best
quality ample number of money is required but by using appropriate resources this can be
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reduced. Therefore, it can be said that by manufacturing goods according to choices and
preferences will increase revenues of company (Heizer and Barry, 2013).
In context with TESCO, operation management plays a crucial role in store as department
is looking after the resources that are required for converting raw materials into final goods.
Thus, they provides with the overall objectives so as to make a strategic vision for a company.
Without having adequate information of different activities no task can be completed. In relation
with operation management they have two prime roles to perform first to make sure whether
work is being done in an effective manner and secondly, to create path for executing the task in a
better manner without any complications and problems.
P6 Factors within business environment that have an impact upon operational management and
its decision making by leaders and managers
External factors which are key aspect of outside components which effect the operations
management of TESCO are as given below:
Political factors: This factor refers that frame the government acts as well as policies to
control and regulate enterprise activities (Lind, 2013). It is important for TESCO management to
consider the regulatory bodies tactics to enhance strategies which will help them in making a
proper functioning of system in an legal manner. This organisation has outlets introduce in
various country, so it is important for seniors to design system according.
Economical factor: Inflation, interest rate and exchange rate are several components
which is different from every country. This components defines that firms need to have proper
finance for manufacturing products as per customers needs and wants. Along with this, firms
profitability and sales depends on buyers income. Therefore, this store are having outlets
introduce in various nation in China, United Kingdom and so on. Hence, management transfer
goods from one country to other which aid them in providing things as per their wants and needs
of buyers (López and et. al., 2015).
Social factor: This components define that company provide goods and services as per
individual wants and needs. TESCO is producing variety of home products, food items, clothes
etc. as it aid management to have a higher base of buyers. Besides this, competent as well as
skilled members are present within the store which gave impact on people and give them
adequate information about products. Firms is also having websites to provide facility to buyers
to buy products online.
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