Leadership, Management, and Operations: A Mark & Spencer Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management, with a specific focus on operational management within the context of Mark & Spencer. The report begins by differentiating between the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, highlighting traits such as creativity, versatility, and communication skills. It then explores the application of these roles in various situational contexts, including decision-making, risk-taking, and conflict resolution. The report delves into different leadership theories and models, such as situational leadership and contingency approaches, illustrating their relevance to business operations. Key approaches to operational management, including lean production, total quality management, and just-in-time inventory, are also examined, emphasizing their importance in achieving business goals. The report concludes by discussing factors impacting operational management and the decision-making process, providing a holistic view of effective leadership and management practices.

MANAGEMENT
AND
OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager...............................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Role of a leader and functions of managers applied in various situational context...............3
P3 Explain different theories and models of leadership..............................................................4
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................5
P4 key approaches to operational management and role of leader and manager........................5
P5 Importance and value of operational management in achieving business goals....................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6 Factors that impacts on operational management and decision making process...................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operation management is concerned with planning, designing and regulating activities
which are included in manufacturing process for fulfilling the needs of potential customers.
Generally, its main aim is to create highest level of efficiency in order to gain profits from target
market. In other words, operation management refers to converting inputs into outputs in most
effective and efficient manner. In various business entities, operational managers helps in
acquiring and developing goods which are based upon customers demands as well as the abilities
of the firm (Pinson, 2013). Mark and Spencer is the chosen organisation in this present report,
which deals in clothing, home and luxury products. The main objective of the company is to
regain their leadership in clothing and food market. Apart from this, the present report will be
described roles and characteristics of leaders and managers. There are explained various theories
and models of leadership. The report states that operational management is helpful in achieving
business goals and objectives.
TASK 1
P1 Different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Every business organisation needs a able leader and a manager who are liable to manage
their day to day operations and activities. Mark and Spencer has well skilled as well as qualified
leaders and managers who helps it in achieving growth and success in competitive market.
Business entities are spending a lot of amount upon training and development of their employees
so as to provide them new skills and knowledge. Apart from this, leaders are the person who can
influence an individual or a group of people for achievement of a specific goal or objective. In
other words, leaders help themselves and others to do things in an adequate manner. Whereas
managers are liable in coordinating as well as integrating activities in core business process so
that work can be completed as per the requirement (Guerriero and Guido, 2011). The main role
of managers is to use resources in efficient way to attain aims and targets of the firm.
Characteristics of managers are defined as under: -
 Creative – It is the prime characteristic of a manager. This means employers should be
creative and innovative. Creativity consists with something different which can captures
peoples' interest. Managers of Mark and Spencer have good and advanced ideas through
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which they can produce effective goods that are assistive in increasing sales and profit of
a company.
 Being human – Best managers are those who are able to understand feelings and
problems of their employees. Employers who always connect as well as gives respect to
their staff members on a human level can easily inspire great fidelity (Fares and Webber,
2014). This helps in developing personal relations among managers and their employees.
 Versatility – A manager should be flexible and versatile. It means, such person is able to
adopt all changes and take effective or fast decisions at the time it is needed. In addition,
versatility implies an openness therefore, employers can respond quickly and speedly
towards any adverse situation.
Characteristics of a leader - Self motivate – Enthusiasm and motivation, both are important aspect of leadership. If a
leader cannot motivate themselves as he or she also cannot motivate their team. This is
the ability that is generated by own self. A motivated leader is able to manage their team
activities and capable to work for a specific aim or target. Problem solving – Good leaders are responsible to find out organisational issues and
trying to resolve them in a systematic manner. Whether it can be personal or professional
problems, strong leaders have various ideas and solutions in order to resolve these
challenges (Hargis, Watt and Piotrowski, 2011). Leaders of Mark and Spencer are able to
identify creative ideas before a problem can be arise in a company.
 Good communicator – Communication is the only thing by which two person can share
their thoughts and view points. Effective leadership is liable to communicate all activities
and important messages in their teams or groups.
There are given roles of leaders and managers in a business entity: -
Roles of a leader Roles of a manager
Leaders are culpable for improving skills and
knowledge of their subordinates only for
achieving goals and objectives of a team.
Whereas managers are focusing on developing
skills and competencies of each and every
employee of the company so as to manage all
working activities.
Leaders creates vision and mission for business Main aim of managers is to set activities and
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entity. In other words, they engage people to
work together so as to turn imagination into
reality.
operations in order to measure and accomplish
goals.
Leaders are the person who continuously adopt
changes. Innovation and invention is their
mantra of success.
Managers works on how to maintain the status
and standards of a commercial enterprise. They
help in assistive refining systems, processes
and structures in order to make better
workplace.
TASK 2
P2 Role of a leader and functions of managers applied in various situational context
In this global environment, managers and leaders plays a vital role in growth and success
of a business organisation. Such persons can effectively handle adverse situations which will put
a huge impact on firm's market reputation. Mark and Spencer is globally expand as its branches
are situated in different countries. Therefore, the business needs to deal with diverse situations
and their people effectively (Slack, Brandon-Jones and Johnston, 2013). This corporation has
efficient and high experienced managers and leaders who can manage all business practices at
global level. It is the capability of such people as they can play different roles and
responsibilities in various situations, such are descried as below: - Decision making – Leaders and managers both have an eminent role in decision making
process of the company. In an evolving business organisation managers are known as the
supportive of a group. They help in introducing effective decision making by choosing
various members, framing them in a team and influence their decisions (Vaccaro and et.
al., 2012). Apart from this, leaders does not include any team members while taking any
judgements or conclusions. They command their subordinates and forces them to work
accordingly for completing a particular task or goal. Risk taking – Both authorities have same role and responsibilities in risk taking process.
Firstly, they identifies overall situations, its pros and cons in order to derive a proper
conclusions. Apart from this, there are many internal and external barriers which will
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affects a company growth and success, so that managers and leaders are liable to find out
these factors to deal with working environment.
 Conflicts resolution – In this situation, leaders must act responsibly. As he or she needs
to listen the main reason of these conflicts and disputes among staff members. A manager
convey messages or information to a leader regarding employees problems and their
personal issues as well. Therefore, the manager make some strategies and policies to
resolve issues among staff members. Such person organise some programmes or group
meeting where all employees can interact with each other.
P3 Explain different theories and models of leadership
Leadership is an essential function of developing business entities, it is helpful in
enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of individuals in order to achieve particular goals and
objectives of the firm. In Mark and Spencer, leaders communicate the overall work plan and
policies to their team members so as they can take immediate actions for a specific situation.
These people also provide guidance and directions to their subordinates so as to finish all tasks
in a systematic manner (Leadership Theories, Styles and Approaches, 2017). Situational leadership – In this leadership style, there is a relationship between its
followers and leaders. Situational leaders gives directions to their subordinates exactly
what they want or need. For that, they also provide guidance, autonomy and support team
members so that they can be succeed their their roles or job duties. According to this
model, there is no one best leadership style which suits in all situations because leaders
have to act differently in various situations. Hence, the core concept is based upon
readiness level of a individual's as well as team performance. Systems leadership – It is also known as disciplined approach which can be considered in
all rules, regulations, policies in order to deal with environment. System leadership
approach refers that company have to recognise all facts and data while taking any kind
of decisions. If a business entity adopt this model, so that it must have follow all rules
and laws for functioning in an adequate manner (Hunt and et. al., 2013).
Contingency approach – It is concept of management, which states that every commercial
enterprise should make their own laws and regulating by considering all external and internal
elements. Contingency approach can be applicable in each and every situation, and any company
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could easily adopt it. In that, managers are distributed roles and responsibilities to staff members,
although this could reduce stress of employees as well as their leaders.
All these leadership approaches and models are described as above. These can be easily
applicable in Mark and Spencer due to its simple nature of work. It will help in that company in
diminishing all working problems and make better conclusions in order to gain high profit and
growth.
TASK 3
P4 key approaches to operational management and role of leader and manager
To achieve company goals it is necessary to adopt operational management. There are
several approaches to operational management that helps in achieving these objectives in a given
time frame. It also helps to achieve them at lower costs. Flow of information within the
organisation and availability of raw material for different department must be ensured (Annarelli
and Nonino, 2016). It helps to make quality goods that are according to market demands.
Business activities like sales, marketing, production needs to be managed properly.
Key approaches of operational management that helps in all above stated functions of
operational management are as follows:
 Lean production: This production focuses on producing products in a way that
minimises waste generation. Systematic nature is shown by this approach. Manufacturing
system does not compromises with productivity in order to reduce waste. Lean
production also takes account of waste that produced due to unevenness and overburden
in workload. It is a master production method that takes only those things in
consideration that adds value and rest are left. It helps us to understand that value is a
process for which clients pays.
 Total quality management: It is management system which lies on the principle that
worker must be committed for maintaining high standards of work that too in every
aspect of organisations operation. It is long term approach that leads to customer
satisfaction. It deals with planning and organising processes that are important for
improvement procedure (Epstein and Buhovac, 2014). It understands the fact that lower
quality products and services leads to reputation and monetary loses that is not good for
the organisation future business goals.
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 Just in time: It is a smart and inventory strategy that takes only those raw materials into
account that are effective and decreases waste while producing final products. It reduces
cost of inventory in the process of production. It also considers the fact that producers
have to forecast future demands properly.
 Continuous improvement: For any organisation it is necessary to make considerable
changes in the operating mechanism and procedures (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). Changes
needs to be done on regular basis. These improvements helps company in achieving its
short and long term goals effectively.
There are various roles of leader and manager in operational management:
 Decision making: Managers and leaders makes decisions about various goals, operation
procedures and other activities. It is their role to make decision making process efficient
and effective (Vaiman, Scullion and Collings, 2012). These decisions must be made
according to requirement of the workplace. Flat structure is being followed by Marks and
Spencer where leaders involve every employee in this process.
 Costing management: There are various kinds of costing that are involved in day to day
activity of the firm like purchasing of resources, delivery of final products and services,
processing and maintenance cost. These all needs to be managed so as to increase the
profit of the organisation in competitive environment.
 Management of assets: Marks and Spencer is involved in the production of multiple
products and has lot of assets that needs to be managed in a proper manner. It is role of
manger and leader to manage all these which helps in increasing profit share (Hofer,
Eroglu and Hofer, 2012). Assets includes infrastructure, machineries and facilities
available at its outlets. These all needs to be managed from time to time.
 Human resource management: One of the primary asset of any organisation is its
human resource. It needs to be managed well that includes proper selection of candidates
for the post. Training sessions for skill development on regular intervals needs to be
done. Recruiting candidates as per the need of various departments is important.
Managers has a role of managing these requirements.
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P5 Importance and value of operational management in achieving business goals.
To complete task on time and achieving business goals operational management is
necessary. It helps to properly utilise resources so as to achieve results on time. Designing,
operating and advancement of product and services is included in this. Every company like
Marks and Spencer has numerous operations all needs to be managed. Fashion and clothing
industry in which cited company has made its name needs continuous improvement which
cannot be achieved without making considerable changes in operating procedures (Importance
Of Operations Management, 2016). Operational management also deals with maintaining the
overall quality of company's products or services which is highly necessary for its products like
luxury and home items. Operational management helps in improving quality of process that are
involved in the manufacturing process. It inculcates approaches like Just in Time and Lean
production which focuses on reducing waste without compromising with the productivity. It
assists production department in selecting raw material that is best suited for making final
products and reduces waste. It saves company from any monetary or reputation loses by
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source 1: role of leader 2017

enhancing products quality (Kim and Brymer, 2011). It excludes all those processes that does not
add value and only inculcates those procedures that adds value. It helps in reducing the cost of
whole system and its inputs.
It is managers and leaders role to make operational management in such a way that it
adds value to final products and achieving business objectives. This can be done by placing right
people at right places as per requirement. Leaders construct efficient ideas of operational
management. Its importance can be understood by the application it has in achieving business
objectives. Some of them are as follows:
 It assists in utilising resources in effective manner.
 Quality of finished products is enhanced using this management.
 It increases the effectiveness of process.
TASK 4
P6 Factors that impacts on operational management and decision making process.
There are various internal and external factors that impacts on operational management
and decision making process.
Factors effecting operational management:
 Corporate social responsibility: Mark and Spencer needs to make plans in accordance
to the responsibility they have in the society. These responsibility includes removing
unemployment as far as possible, reducing waste in the production, maintaining harmony
in cultures in while it is operating etc.(Marshall and Farahbakhsh, 2013). Cited company
cannot ignore this factor which managing its operations.
 Business ethics: Any organisation is based on its business ethics that needs to be
followed by management as well as each individual. They cannot violate business ethics
while implementing operational management.
 Stakeholders: They are the whole sole owner of the company hence their profits needs to
be considers while making operational plans (Moran, Abramson and Moran, 2014).
Managing operations also includes assigning duty to each and every stakeholders.
Factors that effect decision making process:
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 Return on investment: One of the most essential factor on which decision making
process relies upon. ROI is based on the fact that in which area investment has to be
made and it has to done after rigorous process of making decision.
 Availability of resources: No decisions can be made without considering the amount of
resources company has. Type of resources that is available with company shapes its
decision making process.
 Brand value and name in the market: Marks and Spencer has higher brand value and
name in the society and market. Decision making depends on these two factors. Any
wrong decision made can lead to failure in these two.
There are some other external factors also that effect the decision making process and
operational management. They are as follows:
 Political: Any political decisions made by government leads to changes in the policies of
company that ultimately impacts on operational management and decision making
process.
 Economical: Economy decides the procedures of operations that will be followed by the
company. Economic health of Marks and Spencer is good and the countries in which it is
operating are some how stable so decisions can be made easily with properly applying
operational management (Oakland, 2014).
 Social: With the changing society, its demands are also changing organisations need to
make changes in its operations as per requirements of society.
 Technological: There are several changes that are going throughout the world in terms of
technologies used in business operations. In order to achieve competitive advantage cited
company has to develop strategies to make use of modern technology.
 Legal: Any changes in the rules and regulation of business laws effect company's
operational management and decision making process.
 Environmental: As Marks and Spencer deals with business of various kinds of products
hence needs to make changes in operational management that is more environment
friendly (Shay, K., 2015). Waste generation in the production process needs to reduced
and proper disposal of generated waste are some of factors on which decision making
process relies.
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