Exploring Management and Operational Strategies in Organizations

The document provides an overview of effective management and operation techniques within organizations. It references various studies highlighting qualitative case studies in operations management, smart energy management systems for microgrid economic operation, disaster operations management research, and the application of pipeline integrity from design to operation. The text emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, crisis management, and efficient energy usage as vital components of successful organizational performance. Key themes include the integration of military and civilian capabilities for EU-led crisis-management operations and the role of battery-supercapacitor hybrid systems in isolated wind turbine generating setups. The piece also addresses public transport planning and management, illustrating comprehensive approaches to enhancing operational efficiency.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1. Compare the role and characteristics of leaders and manager...........................................1
2. Differences between roles as well as characteristics of manager and leader....................1
3. Managerial and leadership role by applying management theories...................................3
4 Role of leader and function of manager in different situational context.............................3
5. Theories and model of approach including situational, system and contingency leadership. 5
6. Strength and weaknesses of theories and approaches........................................................6
7. Impact of manager and leader over organisation along with future recommendations.....6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
1. Key approaches to operation management.........................................................................7
2. Role and responsibilities of manger & leader in successful management of operations.. .7
3. Importance of key approaches to operation management in achieving organisational
objective.................................................................................................................................8
4. Effectiveness of manger and leader in improving operational efficiency .........................8
5. Impact of external business environment on operation management and decision making9
6. Critical evaluation of the application of operations management......................................9
7. Recommendation for future improvement.......................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operational management refers to the area of operation that focuses over designing and
controlling the procedure of production and delivering of good or services with an aim to
improve productivity (Barratt, Choi and Li, 2011). M&S Ltd is a British multinational retailer
that deals in variety of product related to clothing, food, beauty and household. This report
elaborates about role and characteristics of leader as well as manager. Apart from this it explains
role of manager & leader in different situation along with managerial and leadership theories. In
addition to this it describe about key approaches of operational management and its importance
within organisation along with role played by manager & leader in improving managerial
efficiency.
TASK 1
1. Compare the role and characteristics of leaders and manager
Management refers to the process of dealing with and controlling the personnel as well as
activities performed within an organisation so that set targets can be achieved effectively. In this
report chosen organisation is Mark & Spencer, a British multinational retailer which is
headquartered in London, UK. It deals in various sectors such as clothing, home product and
beauty.
New CEO of clothing and food retailer M&S Ltd named as Steve Rowe has changes the
management structure of company in order to improve and speed-up the decision making by
establishing a new 11 person operating committee (new management structure, 2018.). This has
been done by replacing the 20 person management committee for quick decision making so that
underperformance of brand can be improve (Burke, 2013). Company put several efforts toward
improving and applying a speedier decision making management structure to enhance the
performance of company as well as bringing the enterprise closer to its customers. This reflects a
simpler management structure that involves small but more focused team running M&S with
effective strategies and decision that aids in future growth and success of company.
2. Differences between roles as well as characteristics of manager and leader
Leader as well as manager both plays a major role in managing the activities perform by
the employees and aligning their performance toward the organisational goals.
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Leader:- It refers to a person who has the ability to influence the behaviour as well as work
performed by their follower (Chen and et. al., 2011). A leader plays an essential role within an
organisation by motivating employees and aligning their performance toward the achievement of
company's objective.
Manager:- It refers to a person who is responsible for controlling and administrating the
employees working within an organisation. Main role of manager is to manage a group of people
by ensuring the activities assigned to them must be executed appropriately.
Therefore, manager as well as leader both plays a crucial role toward the management of
operations performed by employees within an organisation so that set targets and goal can be
achieve on time. But both of them have certain difference in term of their roles and
characteristics which are as given below:
Role Manager Leader
Change Main role of manager is to develop
strategies as per the changes bring
with an organisation so that required
standard of performance can be
maintained. Managers of M&S is
responsible for regularly updating and
improving the strategies in order to
deal with competition present in
market.
Leader is responsible for
encouraging people to bring
changes in current operations so
that performance can be
improved. In M&S leaders plays
a major role in bringing changes
to product or services offered by
company to provide better
satisfaction to its customers.
Conflicts Main role of manager is to solve the
conflicts that may arises among
employees (Chen and et. al., 2010). In
M&S managers always assign the
work performed by their subordinates
as per expectation of employees in
order to avoid conflicts.
Leader is responsible for using
conflict as an asset by extracting
some positive factors out of it for
improving further operations.
Leaders of M&S try to promote
constructive conflict despite of
destructive which provide benefit
to both party.
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Characteristics Leader Manager
Risk taker Leaders always willing to try new
things by taking risk. As they think
failure is the step toward the path of
success (Cruz and Marques, 2011). In
M&S leaders always focuses on
offering something new to its customer
by taking all the financial risk .
Managers work toward
minimizing the risk as they
are focuses toward controlling
and avoiding problem.
Managers in M&S tries to
avoid risk as much possible in
order to perform operations
smoothly.
Visionary Leaders set visions and goal which
work toward inspiring its follower by
providing direction to work. In M&S
leaders develop visions and then set
targets on which employees work to get
success.
Managers formulate plans and
policies for the achievement of
goals and vision set by leaders.
In M&S managers set action
plan for its employees so that
they can work toward the
attain of pre specified goals.
3. Managerial and leadership role by applying management theories
Classical theory of management: This theory state that employees only have physical
and economical need. It suggests that more emphasis must be put on goals of organisation rather
than employees working therein (Galindo and Batta, 2013). Managers of M&S can improv
productivity and profitability of an organisation by assigning task and ensuring the timely
completion of tasks by applying this theory.
Transactional leadership:- This theory suggest that a leader must supervise its
employees by giving reward and punishment over their performance this help in enhancing the
level of performance. As compare to classical management theory this theory suggests that a
leaders of M&S can improve the productivity of its employees by appreciating or rewarding
them over their work.
4 Role of leader and function of manager in different situational context
Manager as well as leader both are responsible for guiding their people within
organisation in order to achieve the desire result. They work toward guiding the path on which
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employees should work for accomplishing their goals (Giegerich, 2010).There are many
situations that may be faced by a company which may hinder the performance of employees or
organisation as well. At that time it is the responsibility of manager to formulate appropriate
strategies that help in maintaining the standard of work. On the other hand, the role of leader is to
keep its follower motivate toward work despite of any situation faced by them. Following are
type of situations that may be faced by M&S Ltd :-
Stable situation:- It refers to the status in which plans formulated by a company and
need of employees doesn't changes frequently as there is certainty of situation. This situation is
faced by a M&S Ltd when it offer product as per seasonal basis. For example: when company
offer woollen in its weather it has a surety that these clothes will be in demand for the whole
winter season. Role of leader:- In stable situation the role of a leader in M&S Ltd is to keep its follower
motivate toward their work. This help them in achieving the desired standard of
performance from employees that further support toward earning the maximum revenue.
 Function of manager:- During stable situation function performed by a manager in M&S
Ltd is develop the strategies related to the activities performed by its employees in order
to achieve set sales target. Managers are also responsible for preparing a blue print of job
performed by workers for conveying about the role and responsibility that each employee
have toward their work.
Moderate situation:- It refers to a condition when changes are brought within the
organisation due to changes that are anticipated in external factors (Ivanov, Sokolov and
Kaeschel, 2010). These changes are not frequent but are required to consider for the growth and
existence of company. This situation can be faced by M&S Ltd when technology use by them get
upgraded or change. Technological changes are not frequent by highly affect the functions and
performance of company. Role of leader:- Under this situation the role of a leader in M&S is to provide proper
guidance related to the methods of using new technology or technique in order to boost
their confidence which ensure better performance.
 Function of manager:- In this situation function perform by manager of M&S Ltd is to
provide training to its employees for making them aware about the procedure of using
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new technology (Jacobs, Chase and Lummus, 2011). Another function of manager is to
recruit candidates with required skills and ability to handle the new technologies.
Fast changes:- It refers to a situation in which the plans and strategies are changes
frequently due to continuous changes take place within external environment. As M&S deals in
clothing sector which operates in dynamic environment where trend changes frequently. Role of leader :- In this situation the role of a leader in M&S Ltd is to encourage
employees to being adoptable to changes that are made within the organisation so that
they can perform well that support in accomplishing set objectives.
 Function of a manager:- Under this situation the function of a manager in M&S Ltd is to
formulate action plan in order to achieve performance as per the changing demand of
customers. Apart from this manager are also responsible for monitoring and controlling
the work performed by its employees for assessing their performance as per planned
standard.
5. Theories and model of approach including situational, system and contingency leadership
Leadership refers to the set of activities that are performed by a leader in order to guide
and direct the people toward the achievement of organisational goals. For accomplishing this
leader perform several actions such as setting vision for organisation, motivating & guiding
employees and enhancing their morale (Kang, 2010). There are certain types of leadership
theories that M&S Ltd can use to lead its workforce which are as given below: System leadership theory:- This theory suggest that a leader must develop such an
environment within the organisation that foster and motivate people of all level to work
productively as per their potential. Under this theory leader predict the behaviour of
employees to create model of leadership, system design, social process and organisational
strategies. By using this approach leaders of M&S will be able to develop an effective
system that leads to more effectively realisation of organisational goals. Contingency leadership theory:- This approach state that effectiveness of leadership is
depend upon the adaptability of leader's style to present situation. A leader must adopt its
leadership style as per the situation present front of them. For instance, a leader of M&S
Ltd must adopt participative style when employees feel less involvement or
dissatisfaction in their job.
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 Situational Leadership:- This approach state that a leader must change its style of
leadership as per the performance need of individual or group which they are attempting
to influence (Lind, 2013). Situational leadership help a leader of M&S to maintain the
performance of employees despite of any situation faced by organisation. These
situations are of three type stable, moderated and fast changes that may affect the
productivity and profitability of company. So in this situation leadership plays an
essential role by formulating strategies as per the performance need of employees.
6. Strength and weaknesses of theories and approaches
Theories Strength Weakness
System leadership This approach helps leaders of
M&S to perform their operations
in a systematic al form.
Major drawback of this theory is
that it require more money or time
to being implemented in M&S.
Contingency leadership Main strength of this approach is
that it focuses on single best
leadership style that suits demand
of situation.
Practical implication of this
approach is complex as it requires
analyses of various variables to
conclude a particular situation.
Situational Leadership This theory focuses on leader's
flexibility that support them in
leading the employees as per their
need and requirement.
Major drawback of situational
leadership is that it requires more
time to analyse the need of its
subordinates and formulating
strategies to lead them.
7. Impact of manager and leader over organisation along with future recommendations
As per the above mentioned information it can be concluded that manager as well as
leader highly affect the organisation by motivating and guiding workforce toward the attainment
of organisation goals (Mendis, Muttaqi and Perera, 2014). Both plays an essential role in the
success of an organisation. Managers affect the organisational performance by monitoring and
controlling the work performed by its subordinates. On the other hand leaders affect the
company by motivating and providing direction to employees toward individual as well as
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organisational development. Following are the recommendation that may be consider by M&S
for future improvement:
 M&S Ltd must assess the requirement and expectation of employees before bringing any
changes which support in increasing the morale of employees.
 M&S must try to implement innovational techniques in order to remain competitive in
market and satisfy the need of customers.
TASK 2
1. Key approaches to operation management
Operation management refers to the administration of businesses activities in order to
bring possible efficiency within an organisation (Nakayama and Bucks, 2012). It focuses on
converting the raw material and labour into goods or services as efficiently as possible in order to
achieve maximum profit. Operational management in M&S focuses on planning, organising
and managing the supervising process for improving the quality of services. Following are the
key approaches of :- Total Quality Management:- It refers to a management approach in which all the
members of an organisation participate for improving the product or service quality,
process and culture of workplace to serve customers more appropriately. M&S focuses
more over satisfying the need of target market by improving its product or services
offered. Under this it take feedback from employees and suggestions from customers for
improving its current performance.
 Just-in-time:- It is a management strategy which focuses on aligning the raw material
order from suppliers as per the production schedule which ensure delivery of order before
its demand. M&S always keep its stock updated so that they can provide the product or
services to its customers when they demand for it.
2. Role and responsibilities of manger & leader in successful management of operations
Under Total Quality management approach the role played by managers of M&S is to
ensure continuous improvement of managerial operations and process that are used for serving
customers. On the other hand the role of a leader is to ensure involvement of entire management
so that quality of M&S can be enhanced.
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In Just-in-time approach the role of a manager is to order right amount of goods to
supplier on time by analysing demand (Shuxin, 2011). So that inventory will be managed as per
the demand of target market. On the other hand role of leader is to ensure proper utilised of
inventory by minimizing the wastage.
3. Importance of key approaches to operation management in achieving organisational objective
Operational management plays an essential role in management and operation of M&S
by ensuring that the services provided by them must be able to satisfy the need of customers. It
also supports in achieving the organisational objective by ensuring minimum wastage and timely
execution of operation. Following points describe about the importance of operational
management: Inventory management: - Operation management will help M&S in managing its
inventory using just-in-time approach as it help in ensuring that the product must be
available at store before the customer demanded for it. This can be done using analysing
the current purchasing behaviour for predicting the future demand.
 Minimizing wastage: - It also help M&S in minimizing the waste as it focuses on
analysing the demand and then aligning the product according to them. This help in
minimizing the wastage which also reduce cost that maximizes revenue earned by
company.
Scheduling:- Operational management help in scheduling task as per the skills and ability of
employees which further support in ensuring timely execution of task that bring efficiency or
improve productivity of M&S Ltd.
4. Effectiveness of manger and leader in improving operational efficiency
Manager and leaders plays an essential role in improving the operational efficiency
within an organisation that support in achieving pre specified objectives (White,2016) Following
are the methods that can be adopted by the leader and manager in M&S Ltd: Creating incentives programs: - Manager & Leaders can improve the operational
efficiency of M&S by setting up incentive over the level of performance as well as
quality of employees. This help in motivating them to perform well that further support in
improving managerial efficiency.
 Communicating with customers: - Managers of M&S Ltd can communicate with its
customers in order to determine their expectation from company. This help in identifying
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the factors that require improve which further support in improving operational
efficiency.
5. Impact of external business environment on operation management and decision making
Micro environmental factor has a huge influence over the operational management,
therefore it is very essential for M&S to analyses the external factor to minimize its impact. This
can be better identified using tool “PEST”.
Source: PEST Analysis (2018)
Above image depict about the PEST analysis tool that focuses on identifying the factors
that may affect the business. It includes following factors: Political:- It includes various attributes related to the political changes and government
policies. As M&S operates its business worldwide so it is very necessary for them to
compel with all the rule and regulation formulated by government of particular country. Economical:- This involve factors such as tax rate, foreign exchange policies, inflation
rate etc. For managing its operations effectively it is very essential for M&S to consider
these factors while formulating policies in order to manage fund for future activities. Social:- It includes the need, preference and choice of target market. M&S must regularly
analyse the demand of its target market in order to offer them product as peer their
requirement that help in achieving maximum satisfaction
 Technology:- This involve the changes that takes place within technological
environment. M&S must try to cope its managerial process as per the technology or
innovation demand prevailing in market that support in achieving competitive advantage.
6. Critical evaluation of the application of operations management
Operational management help M&S in dealing with the impact of external factors by
supporting them in offering the quality product or services (Mendis, Muttaqi and Perera, 2014).
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Illustration 1: PEST Analysis