Sainsbury's Leadership, Management, and Operations Analysis Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management, focusing on their differences, similarities, and roles within an organization. It uses Sainsbury's as a case study to illustrate various leadership approaches like situational leadership, system leadership, and contingency theory, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. The report further explores different approaches to operations management, such as Just-In-Time (JIT) and Six Sigma, emphasizing their importance in achieving business objectives. It also examines the key factors influencing operations management activities and critically evaluates the application of these management applications by leaders and managers within the context of the supermarket chain. The report concludes with a discussion on the significance of effective leadership and operations management in achieving organizational goals.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
Analysing difference and similarities among leader and manager while considering their role
and characteristics-......................................................................................................................3
Application of various approaches of leadership in several contexts assessing their strength
and weaknesses-..........................................................................................................................4
Critical analyzation and evaluation of theses above mentioned approaches which can be
further used by them in organization-.........................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
Different Approaches to Operations Management.....................................................................7
Importance and Value of Operations Management in Achieving Business Objectives.............9
Key Factors That Can Influence Business and Critically Evaluate Applications of Operation
Management Applications By Leaders And Managers............................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Management is administration of company, business, non-profit organization or the
government body. It is the process of dealing or controlling things or people. Operation is
managing inner working of the business so that it could run effectively and efficiently.
Sainsbury is third biggest chain of supermarket in whole United Kingdom. Company has
15.3% share in supermarket sector (Sainsbury PLC, 2019). It was established in 1869. It had
generated revenue of 28.456 billion in 2018. The report includes analysation of difference and
similarities among leader and manager. Application of various leadership approaches and
critically analysing and evaluating these approaches that can be used by manager. Report further
carried forward with various approaches to operation management and role & function of
manager in regard to the operation management. Study will explain the significance of operation
management to business. It will also describe factors that influence operation management
activities of Sainsbury.
Task 1
Analysing difference and similarities among leader and manager while considering their role and
characteristics-
Leader is the person who has control over group of people and lead them in a direction so
that they can complete their work on time. Manager is the individual who manages employees
and ensure that all the workers follow company’s instruction and work accordingly so that
company’s goal can be obtained (Karlsson, 2016).
Difference between leader and manager-
Leader:
Leader creates a vision for their team members and engage them to turn that vision into
the reality. Leaders of Sainsbury willing to take risk and try new things in business. In business,
it is very essential for leader to take risk and get huge success for future. Leaders of Sainsbury
finds innovative ideas for process improvement (Uhl and Gollenia, 2016). Leader focuses on
people and always build healthy relationship with stakeholder. Leader creates long term goals
which are to be further achieved. They took big picture and thought for next phase for setting
direction for final goals. Leaders are charismatics. Leaders get respect from other by their
charisma and made other to follow them.
Manager:

Manager of Sainsbury concentrate on setting, achieving and measuring goals effectively.
Manager works for minimizing risk. They always seek for avoiding or controlling problem. They
always take measures in context of risk and try to minimize risk. Manager always try to work on
perfecting their existing skills and adopting behaviours which could be helpful for company. The
manager concentrate on structure which is essential for setting and achieving goals. Short term
goals are created by manager. These short term goals need to be accomplished in limited time
period. Manager is authoritative. Manager couldn't do, so they gain respect by their employees
for their post and skills which they had. They don't have any followers.
Similarities between leader and manager-
They both had common goal and objective which is to be achieved by them for maximizing
profit and to establish robust bottom line of company. They play a main role in allocating
resource in such a way that it could be effectively and efficiently used for the betterment of
company.
They both are anxious for achieving goal and work for achieving particular set of vision.
Both of them focus on vision which is set to be achieved. They always tend to work with people.
It also includes standing ahead of people and guiding them the way forward and controlling their
functioning and operations. They influence and motivate peoples to either work good or bad. As
individual under them work or operates their job according to their spirit. They are always
encouraged their employees or teams to work in positive attitude for achieving Sainsbury goal
and objective (Butler and Harrington, 2018).
Role of leader ad manager in different situations
Companies have to be prepared to deal with several situations if it wants to sustain in
market for longer duration. Leaders and managers are important player and both they are
responsible to deal with critical situations in business effectively (Dekker and et. al., 2018).
Technological changes are the major situation in Sainsbury, company always ensures to
use advance technologies that may help business in managing operations in effective manner.
Leaders here are responsible to make the person ready to accept such changes otherwise people
start refusing to work in changed environment, Leaders make them aware with benefit of such
techniques and how they can work better by using such technologies. Manager arranges training
for workers so that they get to know the operational method of that technique.

Conflicts are the big issue in business, many times conflicts get arisen between
employees. In this condition it is essential for Sainsbury to take the right decisions so that
conflicts can be resolved timely. Leaders are here responsible to develop friendly behaviour so
that all the workers can communicate with each other effectively. This minimizes confusion and
help in resolving issue. On other hand managers are here play the role of negotiator, individual
listen views of both parties and negotiate with them so that such conflict can be resolved and
both parties feel happy (Karlsson, 2016).
Application of various approaches of leadership in several contexts assessing their strength and
weaknesses
Various leadership approaches are described below-
Situational leadership-
The situational leadership suggest that there is no single style of leadership is best. That
all depend on situation that which type of the leadership and strategy are best suited to task. Most
effective leaders could be those who are able to adopt their styles to situations and implement it
according to the nature and type of task. The leader of Sainsbury follows this for gaining success,
as it helps in handling different situations in effective manner. It is flexible leadership style
which works on adopting changes to existing working environment and need of company. The
leaders must shift from one style to another for meeting fluctuating need of Sainsbury and their
employees. So they can easily understand when it is needed to change their style of management
and further what leadership style will be required by them (Butler and Harrington, 2018).
But it is quite difficult to change the leadership pattern in different situations and
sometimes it is difficult to analyses several situations hence leaders have to face trouble in
managing people in different situations in different manner. Leaders of Sainsbury have the
benefit to recognize the situation and change their perspective according to that. The ability to be
flexible and change according to any situation affects the decision in many circumstances. If the
skills of these type of leaders have not been developed then any decision they take or response
they give won't be effective. They can harm the situation if they misread or analyse it in wrong
manner.
System Leadership-
System leadership has been developed by Dr. Ian Macdonald. It enables leader in
organization for creating a system where individual work productively at each level with

potential (Reid and Sanders, 2019). It renders tool which could be used by leader for predicting
behaviour of individuals in Sainsbury. It is also helpful in building effective system that
enhances productive behaviour and thus they can further lead for more effective realization of
organization's purpose. System approach clarifies thought on complexity and the dynamism of
environment and render framework for developing idea. It could be effectively used by the
Sainsbury manager for effectively leading their team. Over conceptualization is the major
drawback of this model. This theory does not really focus on several situations due to which
sometimes leaders of company fail to manage employees in critical conditions well.
It helps in improving the morale of the employees which helps to increase the level of
loyalty among them (Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018). It helps in saving time due to increase in
the level of productivity. Leaders who follow this strategy tend to have a less oversight for the
employees. If the scale of the company is big such as Sainsbury then it is not a suitable style of
leadership to implement. This theory is not suitable for solving the problems or taking the
decisions in the case of emergency.
Contingency Theory-
The Contingency theory or approach states that leader's effectiveness is contingent on
how his or her style of leadership matches to situation (Fagel, 2016). So the leader must find out
which type of leadership style and situation is to be required by them. It is related to group
effectiveness, which is component of the two factor that is motivation to task, circumstances and
relation motivation. It could be further measured by Sainsbury manager with LPC scale. The
LPC scale ask manager for thinking of people they like working with and then rate them with the
set of questions and each involves 8-point scale. It states that relation or task motivation are
contingent whether manager of Sainsbury is able to control and affect group's outcome or
situational favour-ability. According to the theory, it could be addressed by three major factors
which are leaders-member relation, task structure and position power. The high LPC manager
could effectively influence and motivate employee and their behaviour of Sainsbury in the
intermediate situation (Ferguson and et.al., 2017). If leaders are scored high on this scale they are
relationship motivated and those scoring low are the task motivated.
Advantage of this theory is that it is flexible and allows managers to make changes in
existing practices by considering the need of particular situation. As employees are being

involved hence better decisions can be made. But it is reactive hence it is not adequate to handle
different situations.
The approach of this aspect is dynamic in nature and it varies on the basis of situations.
This approach helps the leader to evolve and develop their own skills. It helps to design the
structure of organization and plan the system of decision. This approach gives benefits and
confidence to employees so that they can share their ideas and opinion (Butler and Harrington,
2018). This approach is very complex in nature. It is complex in practical situations. It is reactive
in nature which creates difficulties for the managers of the company to handle the situations
(McGuckin and et.al., 2017). This aspect suffers a lot from inadequacy in literature.
TASK 2
Different Approaches to Operations Management
Just In Time
JIT is the method that is used to control over uses of inventory to minimize inventory cost
and labour cost. It is beneficial in increasing production and also raising quality of produced
goods. Sainsbury can use this approach and for that it has to first analyses needs of consumers
and according it has to produce the goods so that demand can be met. By using this method
Sainsbury can reduce space require for producing the goods and can minimize lead time as well.
Leaders of Sainsbury has to lead people in a manner so that they perform their task properly and
produce the final goods with quality. Managers of Sainsbury play the role of monitor they
monitor each activity and ensure that there is no wastage occur so that financial product has
quality and it can meet the expectation of consumers (Kalra and Cousins, 2016).
Six Sigma
Six sigma is used so that variation in products can reduce and customers can get
maximum satisfaction from products they purchase from Sainsbury's. Six sigma helps
organization to improve on a lot of factors which will be very beneficial for organization.
Improving quality of product is most important factor which is making firm be leading business
in industry. Analysis of internal and external factors of firm will help organization to make
appropriate decisions for firm (Meredith and Shafer, 2019). Six sigma is the method that aids
Sainsbury in enhancing process control and minimizing variation in process so that final product
can have quality. It analyses problem and improve it so that company can serve consumers well.

Leaders play the role of motivator, they ensure that employees feel happy in workplace and
perform their duties well without mistakes. On other hand Managers have to find ways which
will reduce wastage which is being produced by firm and measures will have to be taken and
implemented. Leaders have to make sure in firm that measures which are being taken by
management are being followed, and they will be able to make most from that. Firm can only
make this factor take place when all employees have accepted factor so that they can function
better to make lean manufacturing a success in organization. Managers of Sainsbury's has to
make sure that they are taking right measures for establishment which are accepted by everyone
and will be best for establishment and functioning of organization. There has to be a balance in
working of organization therefore it is very important for manager and leader of establishment to
make measures accordingly (Saucedo-Martínez and et.al., 2018).
Importance and Value of Operations Management in Achieving Business Objectives
Operation management is the process of handling business activities so that company can
meet the needs of end users. It is essential for the company to manage its operations well
otherwise it may face trouble in sustaining in market for longer duration (Lubbe and Potgieter,
2018).
Enhance productivity and quality
Operation management is very important in enhancing quality of products, use of six
sigma and JIT approaches help Sainsbury in minimizing wastage and raising quality of
production. By this way entity can reduce the labour cost and can make more products. This is
beneficial in enhancing the performance of Sainsbury in market and it will be able to raise
satisfaction level of consumers. This is the best way through which company and gain
competitive advantage and can sustain in market for longer duration (Gibson and Parkman,
2018).
Reduce wastage
Operation management is the process of managing operations to raise productivity of
company. Sainsbury aims to generate more revenues and want to become the market leader. For
that it is essential for the business to minimize wastage so that profit can be increased. Operation
management helps the organization in controlling over inventory wastage and labour cost which
supports in reducing overall wastage in production process. By this way entity can raise the

production ability and can generate more revenues in this manner this will be able to meet its
goal successfully (David and David, 2019).
Raise sales
Operation management aids the Sainsbury in minimizing its operational cost and raising
productivity of company. The main agenda of business is to raise its profit and enhance
satisfaction level of consumers. By implementing effective operational technique entity can be
able to minimize its labour and production cost which will raise its net profit to great extent.
Operation management allows the Sainsbury in enhancing quality of end products which will
gain attention of buyers and sales of the organization will be raised. In this manner, enterprise
can meet its business objective significantly.
Supply chain management
Operation management helps in knowing more about demand and determining how much
raw material is required to meet that expected demand. This way entity can purchase the
sufficient material which would also helps in building strong relationship with suppliers so that
lead time can be minimized. Using this way Sainsbury's will be able to maintain relationship
with suppliers which would help in getting high quality raw material. Enterprise will be able to
offer satisfactory goods to buyers which will raise their satisfaction level. Hence, company will
be able to meet the expectation of buyers hence its goal will be achieved successfully.
Raising employee motivation
Operation management is the great technique which aids the organization in aligning
business process, this way workload can be managed and employee feel relaxed. Operational
technique makes them able to work in systematic manner and getting more rewards for their
positive results. This encourages them and they become loyal towards the brand. Using this
method skilled workers work for longer duration and entity becomes able to meet its
organizational goal successfully.
Key Factors That Can Influence Business and Critically Evaluate Applications of Operation
Management Applications By Leaders And Managers
Value
Value is something which give some importance, worth and usefulness to customers.
Customers can pay high for products in which they see value. Those products which can give
value and usefulness to customers, can have positive impacts on the performance and brand

image of the company (Heizer, Render and Munson, 2017). Leader and operation manager of
Sainsbury's must know the importance of developing their products and services after analysing
values and measuring effectiveness. There would be a help for the organization for coming out in
making an effective decision. With the help of measurement tools, there will be clarity of
whether their products have value or not. If they provide valuable products to customers than
customers are more likely to retain with the company and it increases their loyalty as well. Loyal,
satisfied and valued customers support company in accomplishing their goals.
In addition, there will also be values help for an organization in not only in decision-
making but also in developing their business. Can also be said that decisions which an
organization makes is a reflection of its values and beliefs and hey are linked or directed towards
a specific purpose. Helps people and organization in creating the future that people want to
experience. So, can be said that values also plays an important role in making effective decision
by leaders and managers (Akalin, Huang and Willems, 2016).
Culture
Workplace culture has the great influence over operation management in Sainsbury. If
culture of company is good, then satisfaction of workers will be high. By this way company
would be able to retain talent in business for longer duration which would help in minimizing
mistakes and raising the production ability of Sainsbury to great extent. Culture plays significant
role in the success of business unit, if culture of the company is not good then Sainsbury will not
be able to manage skills in workplace which will affect the operations of company. Hence,
overall production will, not be able to meet expectation of consumers because poor culture will
demotivate employees, and they will not serve consumers well. Hence, there is significant
relationship between culture ad operation management. Great culture enhances positivity and all
the staff members put the best efforts to meet production goal. Leaders make the decision to
improve workplace culture by creating friendly environment and managers make the decision of
motivating workers so that culture can be improved and all the employees can work together to
meet the company’s goal.
Ethics
Ethics plays an important role in operation management as it helps an organization in
making an effective decision. Ethics helps leaders and managers in identifying the difference
between the right and the wrong and it can be evaluated through actions and words. Ethics shows

customers the way of performing activities and behaviour of leaders and manager towards their
employees. The main aim of Sainsbury's is to make a string brand image and make beneficial to
all stakeholders. It can be possible when it treats equally and fairly with everyone and give
opportunities to all employees to take participation in all their activities. For example: A code of
ethics put pressure on leaders and managers to develop and follow the best leadership style by
which they can make employees feel valued and respected. When they consider this then
employees also support an organization in accomplishing their goals and in making effective
decisions. In addition, it can also be said that ethics unite people and leadership. It secures the
society and tries to create a sense of right and wrong in an organization. So, it can be said that
ethics plays an important role in decision-making process.
Corporate Social Responsibilities
In the recent time it is very important for companies to fulfil their responsibilities towards
society, environment. Firms ensure to use such kind of materials that do not harm atmosphere.
Sainsbury's has to ensure taking care of quality of life hence it has to serve consumers the best
quality products that do not harm them. For that entity needs to use quality raw material and have
to produce the end product in systematic manner so that consumers can get good quality products
at affordable rate (Butler and Harrington, 2018). Sainsbury fulfil its CSR duties and use quality
material in production process that help in producing the quality and serving consumers the same
goods which enhances satisfaction level of buyers. Managers make sure that employees follow
regulation properly and deal with buyers in the appropriate language. Managers make decision of
buying the right material so that company can gain competitive advantage. If it does not care
about CSR then brand image of firm can get affected badly. Managers organize programs for
employees so that they can understand their moral responsibilities and can perform their job
accordingly (Ferguson and et.al., 2016).
CONCLUSION
Above study can be summarized as operation management is the tool which concentrates
on designing and controlling over the operations so that enterprise can meet expectation of
consumers. It ensures that final goods can meet the neds of buyers to great extent. Leaders and
managers are important players in the business unit, they both ensure to meet company’s goal.
For that they perform their duties in such manner so that employees feel happy and entity can

attract more consumers. Six sigma, JIT are the most effective approaches of operation
management that always support the organization in minimizing wastage and enhancing
inventory management activities in the company. By this way entity can offer satisfactory goods
to end users and can make them satisfied towards the firm.