Report on Leadership, Management, and Operational Strategies at M&S

This report delves into the core aspects of leadership and management within M&S, exploring the distinct roles and characteristics of leaders and managers. It contrasts their responsibilities, focusing on decision-making, risk assessment, and the application of leadership styles in diverse situations. The report examines various leadership theories, including situational leadership, system leadership, and contingency theory, and their practical application within the organization. Furthermore, it analyzes the key approaches to operations management at M&S, highlighting the importance of operational strategies and the impact of the business environment on decision-making. The analysis covers the significance of factors such as innovation, social structure, and customer relationship management in achieving organizational objectives and maintaining long-term sustainable business practices.

Unit 4 Management and Operations

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
P 1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and manager for
M&S.......................................................................................................................................1
P 2. Examine how role of a leader and the function of a manager applied in different situation
of M&S..................................................................................................................................3
P3 Different theories and model of approach in M&S...........................................................4
P4. Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play.........................................................................................................................6
P5 Importance of Operations Management in achieving Objectives.....................................8
P6. Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by Leaders and Managers...............................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
From the report management and operation clears some important key feature
for the management. The different role of a leader and manager is an important aspect
of operation and management. Some theories and models, like contingency and the
situational theories, are considered in the M&S Ltd management.
The key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play are an important use for M&S. They are focused on organization, on
achievement and control. Also, it can be taking decision related to finance and budget
allocation in the organisation (Bazaar, Jarvis and Shefali, 2011). The economic
environment can influence the decision of the managers and leaders in the context of
the operation. Also, the operation and management are important to achieve
organisational objectives.
P 1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and manager for M&S.
For every organisation moving towards success, their leaders and managers
they are the key persons, in particular for or the organisation like M&S Ltd which have a
huge number of employees. The different role must perform to a leader and manager in
an organisation which helps to achieve the objectives (Beer and Rossouw, 2012). But in
the M&S manager have to manage the whole organisation with their different roles. The
comparison of difference and characteristics of a leader and manager for M&S as
follow:
Key Points Leader Manager
Definition Is the person who led the team
in with vision and mission.
Same as in the M&S leader
give direction to the teams and
encourage members.
While the manager is the
person who manages the
team with specific roles and
responsibility to achieve the
business objective of the
M&S. They distribute work
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to their lower level
employees (Burke, 2013).
Focus The focus of the leader to
achieve the organisational
mission with an innovative
idea by leading the team and
motivating them.
The focus of the manger in
M&S is to coordinate between
the employees and to complete
the task on the time.
Roles A leader always takes
decision beyond the
organisation to get the
better outcomes to fulfil the
needs of the M&S (Leach,
2014).
While manger has a specific
decision in which the approval
is required from the top-level
management or the higher
authority.
Characteristics A leader has natural
personality in which they have
high attitude and behaviour for
their team. They never follow
the rules and regulation
because the perception which
they must lead the team is
extraordinary which will befit
to the M&S effectively.
While the manager has a
professional personality
which must be split any
time. They have working
style and fix process to do
any task. Execution of the
proper planning is the main
things a manager does
(Loughlin, 2014). The
management style will
reflect the personality of the
manager. They have
specific subject knowledge
and skills according to their
interest areas.
Risk A leader takes high risk for While the manager has less
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the betterment of the team
and organisation for
achieving the goals. Risk
can be diverse the outcome
in which leader take the
whole responsibility
(Mahadevan, 2014).
authority and due to such
things, they take the moderate
risk with the approval of
higher authority. If any risk
has been taking by the
manager creates the conflicts
situation than it will affect to
the M&S.
From the above differnces between the mananger and leader it can said that leader need more
passion to get the outcomes while the mananget always hae to paln and get outcojme according
to the exectuuin of plan and set time period.
P 2. Examine how role of a leader and the function of a manager applied in different
situation of M&S
Application of role of a leader
M&S Ltd is the organisation of a large retail business, and the leaders and
managers have different functions to apply in a systematic mode. To achieve the
organisational goals of the M&S, leader and manager have to deal with the situation in
an effective manner and communicate more with members of the organisation. In case
if any situation arises in front of the employees, then the leader will perform the specific
role to avoid problems with the innovative solutions (Rothes, 2012). The more the
leader have the clearness of difficult situation the better outcomes in front of M&S.
The role of a leader is to adopt the appropriate leadership style which is suitable for the
situation. Sometimes the leader has been taking high risk according to situation arise.
That risk-taking decision can be a major problem in the organisation. It affects
organisation in a different way. In a retail business, the most effective way of dealing a
situation is to motivate the employees in the organisation (Clemons, 2012). Sometimes
employees are demotivating with the leaders’ decision, in that situation leader must
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speak with the employees to understand their expectation. A leader has to balance
conflict situations to make a good environment in the organisation. For example: In
M&S financial crisis during the time of economimc resseion due to globalisation at
mthat time some of key leader hhave takne the various step to cut the cost in the
opertatioin and bring the stable soituion in the organisations.
Application of function of a manager
A manager must perform roles regarding their duties and responsibility to avoid the
difficult situation in the organisation. Also, the manager has the key responsibility to
complete the task according to the planning (Cauchy and Yasin, 2013). When the
outcomes are not getting according to the plan, then managers take decisions and
focusing on their rules and regulation to apply for a good function.
In M&S Ltd, managers are to supervise the activities of the employees. They head
various departments. Consumers are also a part of the manager’s functions, and have
to handle and solve their problems. Even though the leader is also handling the
situation of internal and the external environment. Sometimes the manager must focus
on the ongoing task to complete on deadlines rather delay may be a hindrance for the
organisation (Yagi, 2011). Usually, they decide what needs to be done. However, the
manager and the leader are not the same but they work to achieve the business
objective for the M&S. For Example in the M&S have Humna resource mannager who
perfrom the recruitment proces to hire the best manpower in the organisations.
P3 Different theories and model of approach in M&S.
Various theories are applied in the M&S Ltd in the organisational operation for being done
effectively This is important because to deal with the competitors and to cover the market shares,
various theories must consider.
Every paragraph has to;
* define
*explain in details
*example
 Situational leadership-
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 Definations: it defines as the leadership is situational in which leader or manager
must perform a different task, but need to adjust their style to a certain situation.
 Details about the situational leaderships: In an organisation like M&S, leaders
are effectively allocating works to the team on the situational basis. Also, the
employees are not involved in the decision process with the leader. If this type of
leadership style is operated in the organisation then can lead to some conflicts.
In the situational leadership style, team members don’t have direct
communication with the leader. A leader is mature enough to take decision
according to the situations.
 Examples: In M&S the various situation have been arise for day to day operation
at that time situational leadership will help the employees and motivate to keep
healthy environment.
 System leadership-
 Definations: In this type of leadership, the leader must work according to the
plans in a systematic way. Leader individually takes all the cultural and social
factors together and according to that, they make decisions for the M&S.
 Details: Due to such leadership style, the impact of the operation work has
adversely on the organisation as well the team to coordinate with leaders (Marks
berry, Bardeen and McGinnis, 2011). In systematic leadership, the proper way of
allocating task gets the feedback in between the work to get the better outcomes.
Because every task must be on time with proper manner. The aim of this
leadership is to achieve the organisational goal.
 Examples: The rules and regulations and different principles are considered
whilke working for the effective results. If any of the products or work is not
appropriate these leader will reject and bring the fresh process.
 Contingency theory:
 Definations: This theory gives the basic idea about the function of the
organisation and according to the situation, the problem can be solved. This
theory also is applied sometime in the M&S be solved the problem where it has
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arisen. Customers are required to give the feedback about the employees, to
know the certain changes required in the organisation to the products which they
have been used may be the part of less satisfaction (Eliopoulos and
Chatzistelios, 2014). The pioneers and the supervisors are required to change
the capacities with the goal that they can make the items as indicated by the
necessities and prerequisites of the customers. Also, the environmental issues
are considered in the contingency theories in which the proper utilisation of the
resources of their M&S should not be affected by the environment.
P4. Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play.
Key Approaches of M&S
Mark & Spencer Ltd is leading retails store in clothing and luxury foods. The key value
of the company is to achieve long-term sustainable business. M&S make PLAN A, to
achieve these goals in 2025. The main target of a company is to maintain a long-term
relationship with their consumers and provide a quality product. They also maintain
environment healthy and this will be increased cost of the company. They focus on
Innovation, Inspiration, and Integration and in touch. These four things are the core
value of the company (Rigel ford, 2013). M&S also want to improve their Social
structure where they can serve services with minimum resources. Social factors are
crucial because in it consumers change and preference change frequently. To achieve
this, company maintain CRM. CRM helps to maintain the relationship and it also helps
to find out what's consumers needs and wants.
Company's operation management is a main key area. Operation management is a
process where raw material changes into finished goods. The process starts with Input
like; raw materials, labour, machine etc. and changes into Output as finished goods or
services. Now company working on design department (Mahdi, 2011). Analysing report
shows that design department consumes more time. This will be effect production line.
M&S key responsibility is to always come up with new ideas which will make a brand
image in costumer’s mind. Loyalty membership card also is a tool which is used for
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maintaining a relationship. M&S aims is to providing best supply chain management.
For these, they create product based logistic (Kloppenburg, 2011).
Role of Leaders and Manager play in Operational Management
Operational management is an important aspect of any organization. First, we
discuss manager role in the operation. Operational manager manages all the relevant
things which affect production. Managers make decisions regarding resources
allocation, suppliers, transportation, production and activities. An operational manager
is responsible for the decision. Without guides of manger operational activity not done
(Rotchanakitumnuai, 2013). A manager should have special skills; Communication,
Decision-making power, financial management etc. A manager always works with
specific goals.
Mark & Spencer operational activities are discussed here. In a retail store, human
resources' management is the most important part. In it resourcing raw materials,
decision, supply chain and other activities included. Operational management is done
by senior who have prior experience in finance, marketing, production fields. A manager
also plays a mediator role between organization and government. All legal and political
issue is handled by them (Schneider, 2013).
Leaders are just like managers, but leaders always work for vision and mission
of the company. Mark & Spencer mission is providing quality products. Now the leaders'
role is to maintain the whole process of production start from raw materials to finished
goods. Leaders make a team of employee and guide them to achieve company vision
and mission. They also contribute to work to achieve the target (Slack, Chambers and
Johnston, 2015). Leaders play on-field job. In it, they are providing training to
employees and make the budget.Leaders interact with suppliers and customers to
maintain a relationship. Continuous communication gives feedback time to time and it
helps to make a product as per consumer need. Leaders also look for an innovative
idea which reduces time and cost and give tough competition (Lawson, 2014).
 JIT( just in time production): it refers as the best possible outcome in the current
productions process must be in the time.
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 MBO (management by objectives): it can help to the organisation to achieve the set
objective by the management in specific concept and models.
 Six sigma: if the organisation wants to focus on the quality products ha the six sigma
will help to make better identity by producing the best process of manufcatuirng of goods
and quality services.
managers and leaders make it possible for the organization to implement all these to achieve the
mission and vision with different goals of the organisations.
P5 Importance of Operations Management in achieving Objectives
There are some goals and objectives that every organisation has, that need to
be achieved in time so that they can make their further goal so that they can have
proper success in their venture. The more objectives can be achieved with the help of
operation management. It requires to daily operation in the organisation as well to make
the proper allocation and utilization of resources. The more the operation management
will be strict the productions increase in the organisation. If the productiveness will
enhance the growth of M&S in comparison of the competitor (Vaidya and et.al., 2013).
Also, to keep operating in an efficient the correct track will help M&S to accomplish their
set targets. To accomplish goals will just bring from the correct evaluation of an
endeavour of the activity's administration.
Pioneers and chiefs are imperative in keeping up the tasks of the business in keeping
refresh certain exercises which majorly affect the productivity of the organization. Tasks
of the M and S incorporates fabricating exercises, deals, promoting, fund, basic
leadership capacities, human asset, and so forth. In this way, all exercises must be
performed in a viable and proficient way with the goal that guaranteeing the work did
ought to be according to measures made by the organisation (Young, 2009). The more
the business will use the major changes in the operation management will reduce the
productivity of the employees also they focus on the other related issues with the
production can be achieved.
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Moreover, the number of stages involved in the production can be a part of their
management. Sometimes changes are not made for the management but for the better
quality to the customer and they may satisfy. The better the management results will be
high. But for the organisation like M&S are not focusing on the major changes which
reduce their productivity compared to the competitor. As result, the M&S should do
some strategies for their production management (Chen and Zendos, 2015). More the
organisation adopts some new things for the production will be improvised. It’s better to
deal with the employees for the management to allocate the better resources.
The managers and leaders have the responsibility to make organisation effective to
save inventory and the machine which is used for the operation and production works.
Sometimes the management doesn't have the right to do the allocate task from the
upper level because they don't have good working condition machine for the
productions. Operation management also tries to solve the total output of the
organisation in terms of good and services which are most useful for the M&S (Gorman,
2010). The benefits of the operation management are to achieve the organisation goals
by utilising the resources.
P6. Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by Leaders and Managers.
Business Environment factors: business environmental factors classified into
External factors and Internals factors. Internal factors controlled by the organisation but
external factor uncontrollable. In it, Political, Legal, Environmental, Economic factors
are external factors. Both types of factors affect operational and decision making. A
leader or manager always mined all the factor which is barriers to their business (How
and Tang, 2014).
Market research
In decision-making, the market plays important role in it. Managers or leaders
always try to find marketing strategy or latest trends in the market. The trend also
depends upon consumer’s demand. According to demand trend work. To know the
taste and preference of the consumer can easily get from the market research.
(Heegaard and et. al., 2011). Market research can be the important factor to save the
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revenue loss for the organisation in which the M&S had done in their business. Also,
the analysis of the competitor can so operational management or decision-making
marketing trend important aspect.
Economic Environment
Economic issue uncontrollable. Every country has their own economic culture
which depends upon fiscal policy, interest rates, FDI and other monetary or non-
monetary policy to government. In operational or decision making economical issue
play an important role. GDP of the nation may be the real issue for the loss in business
which leaders to make a poor decision when the national economic environment is not
in the good conditions. Sometimes government think about the society to make
development and give more opportunity can be the impact on the organisation to collect
more revenue as a tax (Maklouba, 2009). But some other policy of the government,
import-export policy, trade is the main aspect of the economic environment and that
may have a huge impact on the organisation. As such they M&S know the current
economic crisis and they plan for the current situation form the market research.
Technology
Business without technology cannot run successfully. Latest technology always
needed in every organization. Technology factors affect business. Calculation process,
automation of machine, internet, wireless networking and other dynamic changes affect
business. Technology changes frequently in current scenario and this may cause the
organisation like M&S which every change brings some loss. Technology has a major
impact on the organisation production as well on the operation management of
organisation (Gorman, 2010). Some software which is used in M&S are not updated
and machines related to production are now outdated can be the part of the technology
changes. So, technology changes may effect on the leaders and managers decision
making for the organisation betterment.
Leaders and manager are responsible for company growth and other activities.
Decision-making and operational activities both are a crucial part of any organisation.
The financial issue, market risk, technology changes, legal and environmental issue are
factors which affect these. The organization always try something innovative things and
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management must focus to execute this for the betterment of the organisation operation
(How and Tang, 2014).
CONCLUSION
From the report management and operation, it is concluded that roles of the leader and
manager are an important aspect of the organisation success. The difference in a leader is
according to the self-motivation while the manager must do their task according to certain
principles. Some theories and the model are applied by the M&S which bring change in the
management. Some factors are important to change the decision of the leader and manager in an
organisation such as economic, technology and the market research. Importance of management
and operation is to achieve the organisational objectives. However, the key approaches by the
leader and manager are an important aspect for the organisation to implement certain decisions
which lead to changes in the operation and management.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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