Management and Operations: Leadership, Theories, and Objectives
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This assignment provides a detailed analysis of management and operations, focusing on the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers within an organizational context, specifically referencing Amazon.com. It compares different leadership and management styles, examining theories suc...
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MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................2
TASK 1- REPORT WRITING...............................................................................................................3
LO1...............................................................................................................................................3
P1- COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ROLES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER AND A
MANAGER................................................................................................................................3
LO2...............................................................................................................................................6
P2- EXAMINE HOW THE ROLE OF A LEADER AND THE FUNCTION OF A MANAGER APPLY IN
DIFFERENT SITUATIONAL CONTEXTS.......................................................................................6
P3- APPLY DIFFERENT THEORIES AND MODELS OF APPROACH, INCLUDING SITUATIONAL
LEADERSHIP, SYSTEM LEADERSHIP AND CONTINGENCY........................................................8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................11
LO3.............................................................................................................................................11
P4- EXPLAIN THE KEY APPROACHES TO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND THE ROLE THAT
LEADERS AND MANAGERS PLAY............................................................................................11
P5- EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN ACHIEVING
BUSINESS OBJECTIVES...........................................................................................................13
LO4.............................................................................................................................................16
P6- ASSESS THE FACTORS WITHIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THAT IMPACT UPON
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING BY LEADERS AND MANAGERS.....16
CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................19
1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................2
TASK 1- REPORT WRITING...............................................................................................................3
LO1...............................................................................................................................................3
P1- COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ROLES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER AND A
MANAGER................................................................................................................................3
LO2...............................................................................................................................................6
P2- EXAMINE HOW THE ROLE OF A LEADER AND THE FUNCTION OF A MANAGER APPLY IN
DIFFERENT SITUATIONAL CONTEXTS.......................................................................................6
P3- APPLY DIFFERENT THEORIES AND MODELS OF APPROACH, INCLUDING SITUATIONAL
LEADERSHIP, SYSTEM LEADERSHIP AND CONTINGENCY........................................................8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................11
LO3.............................................................................................................................................11
P4- EXPLAIN THE KEY APPROACHES TO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND THE ROLE THAT
LEADERS AND MANAGERS PLAY............................................................................................11
P5- EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN ACHIEVING
BUSINESS OBJECTIVES...........................................................................................................13
LO4.............................................................................................................................................16
P6- ASSESS THE FACTORS WITHIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THAT IMPACT UPON
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING BY LEADERS AND MANAGERS.....16
CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................19
1

INTRODUCTION
Management of the organization can be described as the term where the managers and leaders
are majorly responsible for controlling and monitoring of the operations. The major core
functions of an organization are the management and operations that are interrelated with
each other. It refers to the administrative business practices that can create the highest level of
effectiveness within the workplace. It is very helpful for the company to maximize its profit
rate; by which positive outcome can be acquired. With the proper use of technical terms and
the other strategies; it is possible to attain the goal and enhance proficiency accordingly. This
assignment covers the aspect of managers and leaders with the different roles and
characteristics towards proper functioning of the organization. Some of the different theories of
leadership and management will also be described in manner; that helps in situational context
for managing the operations successfully.
2
Management of the organization can be described as the term where the managers and leaders
are majorly responsible for controlling and monitoring of the operations. The major core
functions of an organization are the management and operations that are interrelated with
each other. It refers to the administrative business practices that can create the highest level of
effectiveness within the workplace. It is very helpful for the company to maximize its profit
rate; by which positive outcome can be acquired. With the proper use of technical terms and
the other strategies; it is possible to attain the goal and enhance proficiency accordingly. This
assignment covers the aspect of managers and leaders with the different roles and
characteristics towards proper functioning of the organization. Some of the different theories of
leadership and management will also be described in manner; that helps in situational context
for managing the operations successfully.
2

TASK 1- REPORT WRITING
INTRODUCTION-
In this task, different roles and characteristics of leaders and the managers will be discussed.
The comparative study of roles and character of leaders and the managers with reference to
Amazon.com will be described with the range of diverse managerial theories. Some of the
situational and contingency approaches will be also described with the proper evaluation of
these contingency approaches.
LO1
P1- COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ROLES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER AND A
MANAGER
Management and leadership-
Management can be defined as the operational term that majorly consists of different activities
for setting up the strategies in order to coordinate the goals to employees. It refers to
monitoring of the services with the efforts of staff members towards accomplishing goals and
objectives (Bolden, 2016). It is the function for developing policies and standards of the
organization for its betterment and growth.
Leadership is the quality or an ability to lead others with the proper motivation for their certain
working criteria so that they can easily do their work in an effective manner towards the
attainment of the goals.
Manager-
A manager is a person, who is responsible for developing policies and directing the staff
members according to gain competitive advantages (Fiedler, 2015). The major role of the
manager is to creating, directing, and decision-making, coordinating, planning and monitoring
the operational services. Within the Amazon.com, the managers manage quality and control
the operations according to their working job role.
Leaders-
3
INTRODUCTION-
In this task, different roles and characteristics of leaders and the managers will be discussed.
The comparative study of roles and character of leaders and the managers with reference to
Amazon.com will be described with the range of diverse managerial theories. Some of the
situational and contingency approaches will be also described with the proper evaluation of
these contingency approaches.
LO1
P1- COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ROLES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER AND A
MANAGER
Management and leadership-
Management can be defined as the operational term that majorly consists of different activities
for setting up the strategies in order to coordinate the goals to employees. It refers to
monitoring of the services with the efforts of staff members towards accomplishing goals and
objectives (Bolden, 2016). It is the function for developing policies and standards of the
organization for its betterment and growth.
Leadership is the quality or an ability to lead others with the proper motivation for their certain
working criteria so that they can easily do their work in an effective manner towards the
attainment of the goals.
Manager-
A manager is a person, who is responsible for developing policies and directing the staff
members according to gain competitive advantages (Fiedler, 2015). The major role of the
manager is to creating, directing, and decision-making, coordinating, planning and monitoring
the operational services. Within the Amazon.com, the managers manage quality and control
the operations according to their working job role.
Leaders-
3
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A leader has the capability to encourage others for their working role. He directs the path
developed by the managers to the employees so that they can easily perform better. They also
help in building the strong relationship with the members; which creates a healthy environment
and maintains sustainability within the workstation (Giltinane, 2013). There are several
departments and different teams, which all require an effective leader for inspiring them and
leads proficiently towards gaining success.
Comparison between different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers-
MANAGERS LEADERS
Managers are responsible to give directions to
the staff members and employees.
Leaders direct the path developed by the
managers.
They make policies for the development and
growth.
They implement the plans developed by the
managers.
They majorly focus on the organizational
terms and working criteria.
They focus on the people (Bolden, 2016).
Managers have the subordinates. Leaders have the followers.
Moreover, the leaders have the clear vision, positive attitude, open-minded, self0assure and
the emotionally stable and the managers must have patience, accountability, discipline, work
commitment, etiquette and the flexibility for working criteria. The leaders and the managers
play an imperative role in the successive growth of an organization with the support of
employees and entire staff members (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). The role of a leader and the
function of the manager can be understood by the different theories such as hard management
skills and soft leadership skills and the Mintzberg managerial roles. The manager must have
both hard and soft skills to become the successful according to their role and functional areas.
Hard Management Skills-
Hard management skills define the roles and characteristics of a manager that are considered
specific or teachable abilities within the person; which can be measured. Some of the hard
4
developed by the managers to the employees so that they can easily perform better. They also
help in building the strong relationship with the members; which creates a healthy environment
and maintains sustainability within the workstation (Giltinane, 2013). There are several
departments and different teams, which all require an effective leader for inspiring them and
leads proficiently towards gaining success.
Comparison between different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers-
MANAGERS LEADERS
Managers are responsible to give directions to
the staff members and employees.
Leaders direct the path developed by the
managers.
They make policies for the development and
growth.
They implement the plans developed by the
managers.
They majorly focus on the organizational
terms and working criteria.
They focus on the people (Bolden, 2016).
Managers have the subordinates. Leaders have the followers.
Moreover, the leaders have the clear vision, positive attitude, open-minded, self0assure and
the emotionally stable and the managers must have patience, accountability, discipline, work
commitment, etiquette and the flexibility for working criteria. The leaders and the managers
play an imperative role in the successive growth of an organization with the support of
employees and entire staff members (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). The role of a leader and the
function of the manager can be understood by the different theories such as hard management
skills and soft leadership skills and the Mintzberg managerial roles. The manager must have
both hard and soft skills to become the successful according to their role and functional areas.
Hard Management Skills-
Hard management skills define the roles and characteristics of a manager that are considered
specific or teachable abilities within the person; which can be measured. Some of the hard
4

skills of a manager are functional knowledge, organizational structure, planning knowledge,
performance measurement, and accustomed to change.
Soft Leadership Skills-
As the leaders have the capacity to lead other members with the appropriate direction and
encouragement. It is important to having aforementioned characteristics within a person in
order to deal with the situations (Heizer, 2016). Leaders are always ready to listen to everyone,
they are productive and creative, they take responsibility for the welfare of assigned project;
these are to be considered as the soft leadership skills.
Mintzberg Managerial Roles-
According to the Mintzberg theory, some of the different roles and characteristics of manager
has been developed. These managerial roles are-
Figurehead
Leader
Liaison
Monitor
Disseminator
Spokesperson
Entrepreneur
Disturbance handler
Resource allocator
Negotiator
These ten major roles of Mintzberg have been categorized into three parts such as
interpersonal, informational and the decisional. Figurehead, leader and the liaison come under
the category of interpersonal (Jeston, 2014). The informational category consists of monitor,
disseminator and the spokesperson while entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource
allocator and the negotiator come under the decisional category accordingly.
5
performance measurement, and accustomed to change.
Soft Leadership Skills-
As the leaders have the capacity to lead other members with the appropriate direction and
encouragement. It is important to having aforementioned characteristics within a person in
order to deal with the situations (Heizer, 2016). Leaders are always ready to listen to everyone,
they are productive and creative, they take responsibility for the welfare of assigned project;
these are to be considered as the soft leadership skills.
Mintzberg Managerial Roles-
According to the Mintzberg theory, some of the different roles and characteristics of manager
has been developed. These managerial roles are-
Figurehead
Leader
Liaison
Monitor
Disseminator
Spokesperson
Entrepreneur
Disturbance handler
Resource allocator
Negotiator
These ten major roles of Mintzberg have been categorized into three parts such as
interpersonal, informational and the decisional. Figurehead, leader and the liaison come under
the category of interpersonal (Jeston, 2014). The informational category consists of monitor,
disseminator and the spokesperson while entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource
allocator and the negotiator come under the decisional category accordingly.
5

LO2
P2- EXAMINE HOW THE ROLE OF A LEADER AND THE FUNCTION OF A MANAGER
APPLY IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONAL CONTEXTS
Role of a Leader-
Leadership simply means an action or ability to lead people within the organization in order to
accomplish goals or objectives. They have the power to influence the people by several means
in order to attain the goal of an organization. They are positive in nature and set the clear vision
for the staff members and employees through various working processes. Some of the roles of
the leaders are as follows-
To inspire people- they work according to motivate and inspire the people by applying different
methods and theories so that they can perform better and gain success.
To set the clear vision- the major role of the leader is to set the clear vision and mission; by
which the employees and staff workers perform effectively (Juneja, 2018).
Execution of strategy- they implement the plan formulated by the managers and gives the
potential strength to other team members according to their working role.
Potential guidance- they also provide proper guidance and appropriate direction to the staff
members and employees. They majorly work according to improvement in the performances of
workers.
The function of a Manager-
The major functions of the manager are to be described by the theory of Henri Fayol. It is the
simple framework that describes the overall functions of a manager; which includes 14
principles of management within the organization (Krajewski, et al. 2015). The major functions
of the manager are planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
Planning- the major function of the manager is to make a plan and develops the policies for the
development and growth of the organization.
6
P2- EXAMINE HOW THE ROLE OF A LEADER AND THE FUNCTION OF A MANAGER
APPLY IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONAL CONTEXTS
Role of a Leader-
Leadership simply means an action or ability to lead people within the organization in order to
accomplish goals or objectives. They have the power to influence the people by several means
in order to attain the goal of an organization. They are positive in nature and set the clear vision
for the staff members and employees through various working processes. Some of the roles of
the leaders are as follows-
To inspire people- they work according to motivate and inspire the people by applying different
methods and theories so that they can perform better and gain success.
To set the clear vision- the major role of the leader is to set the clear vision and mission; by
which the employees and staff workers perform effectively (Juneja, 2018).
Execution of strategy- they implement the plan formulated by the managers and gives the
potential strength to other team members according to their working role.
Potential guidance- they also provide proper guidance and appropriate direction to the staff
members and employees. They majorly work according to improvement in the performances of
workers.
The function of a Manager-
The major functions of the manager are to be described by the theory of Henri Fayol. It is the
simple framework that describes the overall functions of a manager; which includes 14
principles of management within the organization (Krajewski, et al. 2015). The major functions
of the manager are planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
Planning- the major function of the manager is to make a plan and develops the policies for the
development and growth of the organization.
6
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Organizing- the managers of the company organizes the entire operational services of an
organization. They also identify the needs and then allocate required resources to the staff
members.
Staffing- they give commands to the team members and then manages the workplaces
healthier. They build a strong relationship among the staff workers and employees.
Directing- after planning and developing the strategies, they direct the people and show them
an appropriate path for acquiring success (Lunenburg, 2011).
Controlling- it involves controlling and monitoring of the operational services with the entire
business activities.
The 14 principles of the manager according to Fayol are described below-
Division of work
Authority and responsibility
Discipline
Unity of command
Unity of direction
Subordination
Remuneration
Centralisation and decentralisation
Scalar chain
Order
Equity
Stability of tenure of professional
Initiative
Esprit de corps
7
organization. They also identify the needs and then allocate required resources to the staff
members.
Staffing- they give commands to the team members and then manages the workplaces
healthier. They build a strong relationship among the staff workers and employees.
Directing- after planning and developing the strategies, they direct the people and show them
an appropriate path for acquiring success (Lunenburg, 2011).
Controlling- it involves controlling and monitoring of the operational services with the entire
business activities.
The 14 principles of the manager according to Fayol are described below-
Division of work
Authority and responsibility
Discipline
Unity of command
Unity of direction
Subordination
Remuneration
Centralisation and decentralisation
Scalar chain
Order
Equity
Stability of tenure of professional
Initiative
Esprit de corps
7

P3- APPLY DIFFERENT THEORIES AND MODELS OF APPROACH, INCLUDING
SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, SYSTEM LEADERSHIP AND CONTINGENCY
SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP-
Situational leadership can be defined as the framework that the leaders and the managers have
been utilized for developing strategies and fit their level on the basis of adjusting on the
operational terms. The leaders motivate their employees and staff workers so that they can
achieve the goal. This model of leadership consisting majorly four types of styles based on the
followers of them; such as- directing, coaching, supporting and delegating (McCleskey, 2014). It
helps in increasing the productivity of an organization that can also build morale among the
workers. It majorly refers to the performances of workers and their readiness level.
Figure: Situational Leadership Model
[Source: https://www.catalysts.cc/the-catalysts-way/9-4-situational-leadership/]
Firstly the managers and the leaders analyse the situations and then make decisions in order to
direct the path to the employees and staff workers for accomplishing the goals and objectives
(Krajewski, et al. 2015). The proper analysis of the situations is based on the readiness of the
followers accordingly. Some of the following factors are to be considered while applying
situational leadership traits such as-
8
SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, SYSTEM LEADERSHIP AND CONTINGENCY
SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP-
Situational leadership can be defined as the framework that the leaders and the managers have
been utilized for developing strategies and fit their level on the basis of adjusting on the
operational terms. The leaders motivate their employees and staff workers so that they can
achieve the goal. This model of leadership consisting majorly four types of styles based on the
followers of them; such as- directing, coaching, supporting and delegating (McCleskey, 2014). It
helps in increasing the productivity of an organization that can also build morale among the
workers. It majorly refers to the performances of workers and their readiness level.
Figure: Situational Leadership Model
[Source: https://www.catalysts.cc/the-catalysts-way/9-4-situational-leadership/]
Firstly the managers and the leaders analyse the situations and then make decisions in order to
direct the path to the employees and staff workers for accomplishing the goals and objectives
(Krajewski, et al. 2015). The proper analysis of the situations is based on the readiness of the
followers accordingly. Some of the following factors are to be considered while applying
situational leadership traits such as-
8

The amount of task behaviour
The amount of relationship behaviour
The maturity level of followers
CONTINGENCY LEADERSHIP-
Contingency leadership theory has been developed by the Fred Fiedler; who defines the
characteristics of leaders. It describes the strategic styles of leaders (Lunenburg, 2011). It based
on the situational context and there are various kinds of factors that elaborate the nature,
personality and the behaviour of leaders. It laid emphasis on the effectiveness of leadership.
Figure: Contingency leadership theory
[Source: https://businessjargons.com/fiedlers-contingency-model.html]
These factors are majorly based on the two basic dimensions such as task oriented and the
human-relations oriented. The task-oriented leaders are concerned with the performance
criteria and working operations of the employees and staff members. On the other hand, the
9
The amount of relationship behaviour
The maturity level of followers
CONTINGENCY LEADERSHIP-
Contingency leadership theory has been developed by the Fred Fiedler; who defines the
characteristics of leaders. It describes the strategic styles of leaders (Lunenburg, 2011). It based
on the situational context and there are various kinds of factors that elaborate the nature,
personality and the behaviour of leaders. It laid emphasis on the effectiveness of leadership.
Figure: Contingency leadership theory
[Source: https://businessjargons.com/fiedlers-contingency-model.html]
These factors are majorly based on the two basic dimensions such as task oriented and the
human-relations oriented. The task-oriented leaders are concerned with the performance
criteria and working operations of the employees and staff members. On the other hand, the
9
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manager of the company is majorly concerned with the human-relation oriented that helps in
building the strong relationship between the subordinates and workers accordingly.
Example- within the Amazon.com the leaders of the organization encourages their employees
and staff workers for improving their performances and working criteria towards accomplishing
goals and objectives (McCleskey, 2014). On the season of sale, there is the rush and the leaders
must inspire their workers and staff members by different means and methods for the
development and growth. During peak season, the leaders and the managers must formulate
the strategies for the further development and applied the contingency or situational
approaches according to it.
Strength and Weaknesses of situational leadership traits-
It gives potential power to the employees and staff workers regarding decision-making
processes for improving the quality of services and goods accordingly. It majorly emphasized on
the strong relationship among the manager, workers and the supervisors; by which it will be
easier to gain the competitive advantages (Northouse, 2018). On the other hand, sometimes it
might be the reason to arise conflicts and confusion within the workplace that results from
inconsistency or uncertainty.
CONCLUSION-
It is concluded that the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers have been effectively
described in the context of Amazon.com. Various leadership and managerial theories have been
also described in manner; which explains principles of managerial theories that are based on
situational base.
10
building the strong relationship between the subordinates and workers accordingly.
Example- within the Amazon.com the leaders of the organization encourages their employees
and staff workers for improving their performances and working criteria towards accomplishing
goals and objectives (McCleskey, 2014). On the season of sale, there is the rush and the leaders
must inspire their workers and staff members by different means and methods for the
development and growth. During peak season, the leaders and the managers must formulate
the strategies for the further development and applied the contingency or situational
approaches according to it.
Strength and Weaknesses of situational leadership traits-
It gives potential power to the employees and staff workers regarding decision-making
processes for improving the quality of services and goods accordingly. It majorly emphasized on
the strong relationship among the manager, workers and the supervisors; by which it will be
easier to gain the competitive advantages (Northouse, 2018). On the other hand, sometimes it
might be the reason to arise conflicts and confusion within the workplace that results from
inconsistency or uncertainty.
CONCLUSION-
It is concluded that the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers have been effectively
described in the context of Amazon.com. Various leadership and managerial theories have been
also described in manner; which explains principles of managerial theories that are based on
situational base.
10

TASK 2
INTRODUCTION-
This task covers the aspects of operation management; which refers to the process of managing
and controlling the services. It laid emphasis on the high efficiency of an organization. The
functions of the managers and leaders will be also discussed in the context of meeting the set
objectives as well as providing required services and goods to the people accordingly. The
significance of operation management will be also explained towards achieving the certain
goals or objectives.
LO3
P4- EXPLAIN THE KEY APPROACHES TO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND THE ROLE
THAT LEADERS AND MANAGERS PLAY
‘Operation management’ refers to the managerial area that is concerning with the controlling
and monitoring of the production processes of the goods and services. It is the administrative
procedure that can create the highest level of proficiency within the organization. It laid
emphasis on the maximization of profit rate that concerned with the planning, organizing,
supervising and the manufacturing of provisions (Ojo, 2010). It consists of various roles and
responsibilities of the managers and leaders in order to accomplish the goals or objectives. It
converts the raw material into usable goods and services. The operation manager of the
organization is majorly responsible for managing the quality of services as well as controls the
business operations towards accomplishing goals or objectives. The organization have been
utilized various technical aspects in order to enhance the profitability rate and the customer
satisfaction as well.
Some of the following approaches in the operation management are described below-
Continuous improvement- this approach allows the managers or leaders of the organization to
make plans or decision according to improving the efficiency by on-going procedures. The
efforts put by the managers and leaders within the organization helps in accomplishing the
goals that can be sought incremental over the breakthrough improving process (Schein, 2010).
11
INTRODUCTION-
This task covers the aspects of operation management; which refers to the process of managing
and controlling the services. It laid emphasis on the high efficiency of an organization. The
functions of the managers and leaders will be also discussed in the context of meeting the set
objectives as well as providing required services and goods to the people accordingly. The
significance of operation management will be also explained towards achieving the certain
goals or objectives.
LO3
P4- EXPLAIN THE KEY APPROACHES TO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND THE ROLE
THAT LEADERS AND MANAGERS PLAY
‘Operation management’ refers to the managerial area that is concerning with the controlling
and monitoring of the production processes of the goods and services. It is the administrative
procedure that can create the highest level of proficiency within the organization. It laid
emphasis on the maximization of profit rate that concerned with the planning, organizing,
supervising and the manufacturing of provisions (Ojo, 2010). It consists of various roles and
responsibilities of the managers and leaders in order to accomplish the goals or objectives. It
converts the raw material into usable goods and services. The operation manager of the
organization is majorly responsible for managing the quality of services as well as controls the
business operations towards accomplishing goals or objectives. The organization have been
utilized various technical aspects in order to enhance the profitability rate and the customer
satisfaction as well.
Some of the following approaches in the operation management are described below-
Continuous improvement- this approach allows the managers or leaders of the organization to
make plans or decision according to improving the efficiency by on-going procedures. The
efforts put by the managers and leaders within the organization helps in accomplishing the
goals that can be sought incremental over the breakthrough improving process (Schein, 2010).
11

It is an important aspect that enables the people to share their skills or abilities. It refers to the
PDCA (plan-do-check-act) policy. Within the continuous improvement method, some other
tactics are to be also used; such as-
Six-sigma- it is the disciplined, statistical, data-driven and continuous approaches that improve
the quality of services as well as eliminates the defects from goods and services. It refers to the
quantitative procedure that seeks to maximize the profit rate by gaining the desired outcome.
The major goal of this approach is to continuous improvement within the organization; by
which customer satisfaction can also be acquired.
Kaizen- the term ‘Kaizen’ simply means betterment or ‘change for the betterment'. It is also
referred to as the long-term approach that systematically seeks out for the changes towards
development and maximizing the profitability (Schwartz, 2017). It highly concerned with the
enhancement of efficiency of quality materials. The top organization are required to utilize
these approaches and methodologies in order to enhance their effectiveness as well as satisfy
their customer needs accordingly.
Total quality management- this approach is majorly based on the managerial principles that
emphasized on increasing efficiency. Through the concepts of continuous improvement; this
approach is helpful for establishing the high customer satisfaction level. Amazon.com have
been utilized this approach for managing quality controlling of the business operations
accordingly.
Just in time- it is simply inventory focused approach that is used for receiving the resources at a
time. Companies have been utilized this strategy in order to increase efficiency as well as
decreasing the wastage of goods and services accordingly.
Moreover, operation management within the Amazon.com plays an imperative role in
managing and controlling of the operations (Stevenson and Sum, 2015). The managers and the
leaders of the company make plans or set the strategies towards maximizing profit rate and
enhancing effectiveness accordingly. It improves the services and helps in gaining satisfactory
outcome. It is more important for an organization to engage their employees and staff workers
12
PDCA (plan-do-check-act) policy. Within the continuous improvement method, some other
tactics are to be also used; such as-
Six-sigma- it is the disciplined, statistical, data-driven and continuous approaches that improve
the quality of services as well as eliminates the defects from goods and services. It refers to the
quantitative procedure that seeks to maximize the profit rate by gaining the desired outcome.
The major goal of this approach is to continuous improvement within the organization; by
which customer satisfaction can also be acquired.
Kaizen- the term ‘Kaizen’ simply means betterment or ‘change for the betterment'. It is also
referred to as the long-term approach that systematically seeks out for the changes towards
development and maximizing the profitability (Schwartz, 2017). It highly concerned with the
enhancement of efficiency of quality materials. The top organization are required to utilize
these approaches and methodologies in order to enhance their effectiveness as well as satisfy
their customer needs accordingly.
Total quality management- this approach is majorly based on the managerial principles that
emphasized on increasing efficiency. Through the concepts of continuous improvement; this
approach is helpful for establishing the high customer satisfaction level. Amazon.com have
been utilized this approach for managing quality controlling of the business operations
accordingly.
Just in time- it is simply inventory focused approach that is used for receiving the resources at a
time. Companies have been utilized this strategy in order to increase efficiency as well as
decreasing the wastage of goods and services accordingly.
Moreover, operation management within the Amazon.com plays an imperative role in
managing and controlling of the operations (Stevenson and Sum, 2015). The managers and the
leaders of the company make plans or set the strategies towards maximizing profit rate and
enhancing effectiveness accordingly. It improves the services and helps in gaining satisfactory
outcome. It is more important for an organization to engage their employees and staff workers
12
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in the business activities; by which they can feel more comfortable and secure and helps in the
accomplishment of goals.
As the manager of Amazon.com manages quality and set the standards while leaders provide
proper guidelines to the workers according to the directive path of the manager. Effective
communication, strong relationship and the positive working environment help in resolving the
issues and gives potential strength to the workers; so that they can do their work effectively
and in manner towards gaining success (Surbhi, 2014). The training and development program
has been also conducted by the managers of the company; which helps the people to develop
their skills and abilities according to the requirement of an organization towards the attainment
of the predetermined goals and objectives.
P5- EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN
ACHIEVING BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
The operation management function majorly considered the aspects or strategies for
controlling, managing, monitoring and planning of the business objectives. The managers and
leaders of the company are highly responsible for setting policies and making and decision in
order for engaging their workers according to the attainment of goals and objectives (Trkman,
2010). It refers to the administrative procedure that creates the highest level of the
effectiveness within the organization. It is the business functions that are considered for
managing process of goods and services accordingly. The major working criteria of the
operation manager is to oversee the production of goods or services within the organization
that enables the people to make sure about the functions and operational services; i.e. how it is
going. With the smooth running of operational services; it is easier to acquire the success and
gaining competitive advantages accordingly (Fayol, 2016). The responsibilities of manager are
based on the quality assuring programs; by which they can make the decision towards
improvising the quality of services and goods.
The operation manager of the company plays the vital role in order to provide required raw
material to the company as well as managing the working operations accordingly. Firstly it is
important to analyse the needs and demands of the people and then provide them with such
required services or goods. Effective strategies developed by the managers help in
13
accomplishment of goals.
As the manager of Amazon.com manages quality and set the standards while leaders provide
proper guidelines to the workers according to the directive path of the manager. Effective
communication, strong relationship and the positive working environment help in resolving the
issues and gives potential strength to the workers; so that they can do their work effectively
and in manner towards gaining success (Surbhi, 2014). The training and development program
has been also conducted by the managers of the company; which helps the people to develop
their skills and abilities according to the requirement of an organization towards the attainment
of the predetermined goals and objectives.
P5- EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN
ACHIEVING BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
The operation management function majorly considered the aspects or strategies for
controlling, managing, monitoring and planning of the business objectives. The managers and
leaders of the company are highly responsible for setting policies and making and decision in
order for engaging their workers according to the attainment of goals and objectives (Trkman,
2010). It refers to the administrative procedure that creates the highest level of the
effectiveness within the organization. It is the business functions that are considered for
managing process of goods and services accordingly. The major working criteria of the
operation manager is to oversee the production of goods or services within the organization
that enables the people to make sure about the functions and operational services; i.e. how it is
going. With the smooth running of operational services; it is easier to acquire the success and
gaining competitive advantages accordingly (Fayol, 2016). The responsibilities of manager are
based on the quality assuring programs; by which they can make the decision towards
improvising the quality of services and goods.
The operation manager of the company plays the vital role in order to provide required raw
material to the company as well as managing the working operations accordingly. Firstly it is
important to analyse the needs and demands of the people and then provide them with such
required services or goods. Effective strategies developed by the managers help in
13

accomplishing goals as well as builds a strong relationship among the workers and employees
that resolves many of the problems. Apart from that, the operation managers or a leader of the
company shows the directive path to their employees and staff workers; by which they can
easily do their work in a proper manner (Lai and Cheng, 2016). As the major role of the
manager is to planning, coordinating, controlling and managing the operations; this also sets
the laws or regulations for the employees and their certain working criteria accordingly.
The managers and the leaders of the Amazon.com ensures about the effective operation
management system that determines following working objectives, such as-
Helps in reducing the wastage of goods or services with the proper integration program
and manufacturing of goods or services effectively.
Helps in achieving the high-quality goods or services that can fulfil the desire of
customers and increases the satisfaction level of them accordingly.
By usage of new technical terms and adaptation of advanced digital technologies helps
in enhancing the effectiveness.
Builds strong relationship among the workers and employees.
Collaborates with the operational functions and the working criteria.
The significance and values of operation management within the Amazon.com are described
below-
Designing of goods or services- the management department of the Amazon.com are
responsible to formulate strategy and designing the procedures by using advanced techniques
and approaches towards maintaining the sustainability of online retail marketplace (Pyzdek and
Keller, 2014).
Layout design and strategy- the managers and the leaders of an organization set the standards
and developed layout for the workers and employees. They also ensure the required resources
and make it available for the proper functioning towards accomplishing goals and objectives.
Quality management- it is the major duty of the manager to ensure the quality services of their
organization. It is important to evaluate the performances of workers and works according to
14
that resolves many of the problems. Apart from that, the operation managers or a leader of the
company shows the directive path to their employees and staff workers; by which they can
easily do their work in a proper manner (Lai and Cheng, 2016). As the major role of the
manager is to planning, coordinating, controlling and managing the operations; this also sets
the laws or regulations for the employees and their certain working criteria accordingly.
The managers and the leaders of the Amazon.com ensures about the effective operation
management system that determines following working objectives, such as-
Helps in reducing the wastage of goods or services with the proper integration program
and manufacturing of goods or services effectively.
Helps in achieving the high-quality goods or services that can fulfil the desire of
customers and increases the satisfaction level of them accordingly.
By usage of new technical terms and adaptation of advanced digital technologies helps
in enhancing the effectiveness.
Builds strong relationship among the workers and employees.
Collaborates with the operational functions and the working criteria.
The significance and values of operation management within the Amazon.com are described
below-
Designing of goods or services- the management department of the Amazon.com are
responsible to formulate strategy and designing the procedures by using advanced techniques
and approaches towards maintaining the sustainability of online retail marketplace (Pyzdek and
Keller, 2014).
Layout design and strategy- the managers and the leaders of an organization set the standards
and developed layout for the workers and employees. They also ensure the required resources
and make it available for the proper functioning towards accomplishing goals and objectives.
Quality management- it is the major duty of the manager to ensure the quality services of their
organization. It is important to evaluate the performances of workers and works according to
14

satisfying the customer needs or demands; by which it will be easier to increase the level of
efficiency.
Inventory management- they help in managing the business functions and identify the proper
needs of resources. The managers hold the optimum inventory and make the organization
more profitable accordingly (Lindsay and Evans, 2010).
Maintenance- the manager of the organization manages and controls working operations
effectively. They also ensure about maintaining sustainability within the organization; by which
people can also build their strong relations and helps in creating a positive or healthy
environment as well.
Process and capacity design- they forecasted the operational functions and then make the
decision according to it. Effective planning of the managers helps in the optimization of
manufacturing capacity or entire business processes accordingly.
Job design and human resource- it also helps in ensuring the proper functioning of operational
management. They maintain human resource and also collaborated with another functional
group in order to maintain sustainability within the organization accordingly (Ferguson, 2017).
Supply chain management- the operation management also helps in maintaining the efficient
supply chain. The proper use of advanced technologies and innovative techniques might be
helpful for improvising the quality of services accordingly.
15
efficiency.
Inventory management- they help in managing the business functions and identify the proper
needs of resources. The managers hold the optimum inventory and make the organization
more profitable accordingly (Lindsay and Evans, 2010).
Maintenance- the manager of the organization manages and controls working operations
effectively. They also ensure about maintaining sustainability within the organization; by which
people can also build their strong relations and helps in creating a positive or healthy
environment as well.
Process and capacity design- they forecasted the operational functions and then make the
decision according to it. Effective planning of the managers helps in the optimization of
manufacturing capacity or entire business processes accordingly.
Job design and human resource- it also helps in ensuring the proper functioning of operational
management. They maintain human resource and also collaborated with another functional
group in order to maintain sustainability within the organization accordingly (Ferguson, 2017).
Supply chain management- the operation management also helps in maintaining the efficient
supply chain. The proper use of advanced technologies and innovative techniques might be
helpful for improvising the quality of services accordingly.
15
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LO4
P6- ASSESS THE FACTORS WITHIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THAT IMPACT
UPON OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING BY LEADERS AND
MANAGERS
The business environment can be defined as the surroundings that include internal or external
factors; which can influence the operational services. The internal or external environmental
factors majorly influence the business operations. Internal environmental factors include
policies, the behaviour of employees, working culture, operational services of managers and
leaders, funding, human resource, physical resource and many others. On the other hand, an
external environmental factor includes political and legal factor, social or cultural factors,
environmental, economic and the technological factors (Trkman, 2010). These factors directly
or indirectly influence the business operations. The managers and the leaders of an
organization must keep in their mind these aspects while making any decision or strategies.
Within the external environmental factors; it has been categorized into two major parts such as
macro or microenvironmental factors. The microenvironmental factors comprise of the
competitors, suppliers, demand chain management, marketing intermediaries, customers while
macro factors are political, social, legal etc.
Performance evaluation of the workers and staff members must be analysed by the managers.
They should conduct the development programs in order to develop skills and abilities of the
workers; by which they can easily perform effectively and in manner towards accomplishing
goals or objectives. Proper evaluation of the performances might be helpful for improving the
quality of services and goods. Strong communication, the strong relationship between the
workers and suppliers is also considered to the important aspect that can resolve many issues
and problematic situations accordingly (Pyzdek and Keller, 2014). The CSR policies of the
organization ensure the fulfilment of the desire of customers. It is important to identify the
needs and demands of the people and then make plans to provide them with such required
things and services accordingly. The responsibilities of managers and leaders contribute to the
development and growth of the organization. It helps in increasing the satisfaction level of
customers that also built a strong relationship between them.
16
P6- ASSESS THE FACTORS WITHIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THAT IMPACT
UPON OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING BY LEADERS AND
MANAGERS
The business environment can be defined as the surroundings that include internal or external
factors; which can influence the operational services. The internal or external environmental
factors majorly influence the business operations. Internal environmental factors include
policies, the behaviour of employees, working culture, operational services of managers and
leaders, funding, human resource, physical resource and many others. On the other hand, an
external environmental factor includes political and legal factor, social or cultural factors,
environmental, economic and the technological factors (Trkman, 2010). These factors directly
or indirectly influence the business operations. The managers and the leaders of an
organization must keep in their mind these aspects while making any decision or strategies.
Within the external environmental factors; it has been categorized into two major parts such as
macro or microenvironmental factors. The microenvironmental factors comprise of the
competitors, suppliers, demand chain management, marketing intermediaries, customers while
macro factors are political, social, legal etc.
Performance evaluation of the workers and staff members must be analysed by the managers.
They should conduct the development programs in order to develop skills and abilities of the
workers; by which they can easily perform effectively and in manner towards accomplishing
goals or objectives. Proper evaluation of the performances might be helpful for improving the
quality of services and goods. Strong communication, the strong relationship between the
workers and suppliers is also considered to the important aspect that can resolve many issues
and problematic situations accordingly (Pyzdek and Keller, 2014). The CSR policies of the
organization ensure the fulfilment of the desire of customers. It is important to identify the
needs and demands of the people and then make plans to provide them with such required
things and services accordingly. The responsibilities of managers and leaders contribute to the
development and growth of the organization. It helps in increasing the satisfaction level of
customers that also built a strong relationship between them.
16

CSR policy-
The corporate social responsibility refers to the approach utilized by an organization that can
contribute its efforts to the development and betterment of the company. Communal society,
people, organizational culture and the business environment must be positive and friendly with
the workers; so that they can easily do their work in a proper manner towards accomplishing
goals and objectives. It maintains sustainable growth within the organization that put positive
impacts upon the environment of business structure (McCleskey, 2014). It also encourages the
managers and leaders of the company for making such policies and strategies for enhancing the
effectiveness as well as the profitability of the company.
Culture: the organizational culture can be described as the set of clear assumptions, values,
ethics, beliefs and the behaviour of people within the organization. These shared values of the
organizational culture can contribute to maintaining sustainability within the company as well
as controls the operations effectively. It also helps in governing that how people interact and
behave with each other; which evaluates the overall influences of the decision-making process.
Ethics: An ethical practice needs to follow the corporate social responsibility that helps in
benefitting the organization as well as develops the operational services accordingly. It
maintains sustainability as well as the well-being of the workers (Lunenburg, 2011).
Values: values of the organization are laid emphasis on the principles or sets standards of the
individual’s behaviour within the company. The managers and leaders of the company majorly
require values while formulating the strategies or decision for the development and growth.
These services must be developed within the organization; by which it will be easier to acquire
success.
Relationship with stakeholders: it is majorly important to maintain a strong relationship with
the customers and other stakeholders that will be helpful in enhancing the effectiveness as well
as efficiency.
17
The corporate social responsibility refers to the approach utilized by an organization that can
contribute its efforts to the development and betterment of the company. Communal society,
people, organizational culture and the business environment must be positive and friendly with
the workers; so that they can easily do their work in a proper manner towards accomplishing
goals and objectives. It maintains sustainable growth within the organization that put positive
impacts upon the environment of business structure (McCleskey, 2014). It also encourages the
managers and leaders of the company for making such policies and strategies for enhancing the
effectiveness as well as the profitability of the company.
Culture: the organizational culture can be described as the set of clear assumptions, values,
ethics, beliefs and the behaviour of people within the organization. These shared values of the
organizational culture can contribute to maintaining sustainability within the company as well
as controls the operations effectively. It also helps in governing that how people interact and
behave with each other; which evaluates the overall influences of the decision-making process.
Ethics: An ethical practice needs to follow the corporate social responsibility that helps in
benefitting the organization as well as develops the operational services accordingly. It
maintains sustainability as well as the well-being of the workers (Lunenburg, 2011).
Values: values of the organization are laid emphasis on the principles or sets standards of the
individual’s behaviour within the company. The managers and leaders of the company majorly
require values while formulating the strategies or decision for the development and growth.
These services must be developed within the organization; by which it will be easier to acquire
success.
Relationship with stakeholders: it is majorly important to maintain a strong relationship with
the customers and other stakeholders that will be helpful in enhancing the effectiveness as well
as efficiency.
17

CONCLUSION
The aforementioned assignment depicted the study of management and operations that define
the term of managing the business activities. The significance of operation management has
been described that refers to the planning, coordinating, managing, monitoring and organizing
the business operations effectively. The different roles and responsibilities of leaders and the
managers have been also described in the context of Amazon.com. Further, the importance of
effective communication and system of ethical practices has been covering the aspects with the
leadership and management theories. Different practices of situational leadership traits and the
contingency theory have been explained in manner.
18
The aforementioned assignment depicted the study of management and operations that define
the term of managing the business activities. The significance of operation management has
been described that refers to the planning, coordinating, managing, monitoring and organizing
the business operations effectively. The different roles and responsibilities of leaders and the
managers have been also described in the context of Amazon.com. Further, the importance of
effective communication and system of ethical practices has been covering the aspects with the
leadership and management theories. Different practices of situational leadership traits and the
contingency theory have been explained in manner.
18
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REFERENCES
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19
1. Bolden, R., 2016. Leadership, management and organisational development. In Gower
handbook of leadership and management development (pp. 143-158). Routledge.
2. Fayol, H., 2016. General and industrial management. Ravenio Books.
3. Ferguson, E., 2017, Amazon.com Inc. Operations Management: 10 Decisions,
Productivity, [Online available at http://panmore.com/amazon-com-inc-operations-
management-10-decisions-areas-productivity, last accessed on 2nd July 2018].
4. Fiedler, F.R.E.D., 2015. Contingency theory of leadership. Organizational Behavior 1:
Essential Theories of Motivation and Leadership, 232, pp.01-2015.
5. Giltinane, C.L., 2013. Leadership styles and theories. Nursing Standard (through 2013),
27(41), p.35.
6. Goetsch, D.L. and Davis, S.B., 2014. Quality management for organizational excellence.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
7. Heizer, J., 2016. Operations Management, 11/e. Pearson Education India.
8. Jeston, J., 2014. Business process management. Routledge.
9. Juneja, P., 2018, Fiedler’s Contingency Model, [Online available at,
https://www.managementstudyguide.com/fiedlers-contingency-model.htm, last
accessed on 2ndth July 2018].
10. Krajewski, L.J., Ritzman, L.P. and Malhotra, M.K., 2015. Operations management:
processes and supply chains. New York, EEUU: Prentice Hall.
11. Lai, K.H. and Cheng, T.E., 2016. Just-in-time logistics. Routledge.
12. Lindsay, W.M. and Evans, J.R., 2010. The management and control of quality. South-
Western Cengage Learning.
13. Lunenburg, F.C., 2011. Leadership versus management: A key distinction—at least in
theory. International Journal of Management, Business, and Administration, 14(1), pp.1-
4.
14. McCleskey, J.A., 2014. Situational, transformational, and transactional leadership and
leadership development. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 5(4), p.117.
19

15. Northouse, P.G., 2018. Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.
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https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-leader-and-manager.html, last accessed
on 30th June 2018].
22. Trkman, P., 2010. The critical success factors of business process management.
International journal of information management, 30(2), pp.125-134.
20
16. Ojo, O., 2010. Organisational culture and corporate performance: empirical evidence
from Nigeria. Journal of Business System, Governance and Ethics, 5(2), pp.1-12.
17. Pyzdek, T. and Keller, P.A., 2014. The six sigma handbook (Vol. 4). New York: McGraw-
Hill Education.
18. Schein, E.H., 2010. Organizational culture and leadership (Vol. 2). John Wiley & Sons.
19. Schwartz, M.S., 2017. Corporate social responsibility. Routledge.
20. Stevenson, W.J. and Sum, C.C., 2015. Operations management. New York: McGraw-Hill
Education.
21. Surbhi, S., 2014, Difference Between Leader and Manager, [Online available at,
https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-leader-and-manager.html, last accessed
on 30th June 2018].
22. Trkman, P., 2010. The critical success factors of business process management.
International journal of information management, 30(2), pp.125-134.
20

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