Developing Manager Assignment Report: Thomas Cook and Saga Analysis

This report examines the skills and development of a manager, focusing on the context of Thomas Cook and Saga Travels. It begins by comparing different management styles, differentiating between autocratic and democratic approaches, and analyzing their application within the selected businesses. The report then discusses leadership characteristics, evaluating communication processes, and analyzing organizational culture and change within the chosen organizations. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to self-assessment, including an evaluation of the author's own management skills, a SWOT analysis, and the setting of personal goals. The report concludes by exploring the role of a manager in motivating a team, managerial decisions, and the preparation of a personal development plan for career advancement. The report covers various aspects of leadership, management, and organizational behavior, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

The Developing Manager

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK1.............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Compare different management styles ............................................................................1
1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics within the two organisations......................................2
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in the selected businesses........................................3
1.4 Analysis of organisational culture and change in selected businesses.............................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Assessment of own management skill performance........................................................5
2.2 Analysis on personal strength, weakness, opportunity and threat....................................7
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis....................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating team to achieve an agreed goal or objective................9
3.2 Managerial decisions to support achievement of goal with appropriate recommendations
..............................................................................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Own managerial and personal skills for career development.........................................11
4.2 Preparation of development plan....................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Developing manager is one who do not have appropriate skills as well as techniques to
manage various context in an appropriate and suitable manner so that work become appropriate
and effective in frame which further support in better and suitable gain (Arnold and Boggs,
2015). This project is based on Thomas Cook where human resource manager need to develop
their skills in order to accomplish goals and targets properly and in a suitable manner. Although,
it is important for an individual to develop it self by applying relevant and suitable theories and
models. For this consideration various practices get articulate in a beneficial manner. Along with
this, various skills and attribute also get introduce for the project on which an individual need to
work so that appropriate and suitable gain lead to underpin in a beneficial manner which further
reflect appropriate success. Although, a manager have to adopt and utilise suitable theory and
practice to motivate its team members so that beneficial outcome possibility get enhance in order
to maximise efficiency. All these things will directly contribute to overall personal development
which further enhance productivity and proficiency. All these elements lead to contribute in
overall growth and development of developing manager.
TASK1
1.1 Compare different management styles
Quality of leadership is highly depend on management style which is following by an
association (Aryee and et. al., 2016) . Basically style is associated with how superior is satisfying
subordinates by monitoring each things effectually. It is required for a leader to provide
motivation and guidance to staff members; therefore, they will be able to accomplish their work
with maximum appropriateness. Hence, management style will be classified into two parts: Autocratic: As indicated by this, superior takes judgement and employees has to follow
this. They will not take part in decision making procedure. Thus, it is fundamental for
workers to follow guidance of employer so that they will face any kind of circumstances
easily. Along with, proper direction aids to deal with clients in an effective manner. This
is considered as traditional style of management which is followed by companies in past.
As that time, there is less chances of mistakes so this was very famous. In context of
Thomas Cook, they are following this style because they are operating business at large
scale and by using this, they will maintain quality of service.
1

 Democratic: In modern time, firm is using this kind of styles because in this, superior
plays a part of mentor. According to this, staff members will take part in judgement
making process and give ideas or suggestions. This works as a motivation for them which
enhance their involvement in organisation. Employer allows their employees to select
working style as per their choice. It will inspire them and they will do their work more
effectively and timely.
Following is the comparison amongst Thomas Cook and Saga Travels:
Thomas Cook Saga Travels
 Mangers are those individual who take
each judgement.
 It is must for staff members to follow
directions which is given by them.
 Chances of chaos is minimum.
 Leaders are considered as a boss.
 In this, employees will take part in
procedure of judgement making.
 Manager are like a mentor.
 Circumstances of chaos are maximum.
 Subordinates will give suggestions to
superior.
1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics within the two organisations
Leaders characteristics will differ as per person as well as company (Aulton and Taylor,
2017). Characteristics which are associated with style of leadership play an eminent part in
operational activities of business. Henceforth, there are distinctive leadership style which is
following by leader of Thomas Cook and Saga Travels which are described as beneath:
Leadership style which is following by manager of Thomas Cook: Centralization of powers: This is leadership style in which decision making power
remain with superior; staff members are not participated (Billings and Halstead, 2015).
In this top executives make plans and programmes which are to be carried out by
employees. Distrust of subordinates abilities: In firm, leader don't take opinions from workers as
they think that they don't have adequate knowledge. Delegation of authority: This states that leader do not distribute power among their staff
members. They provide duties which employees are required to complete by carrying out
tasks properly.
2

 Communication: There is one way conversation in firm; thus, directions are giving by
superior to subordinates which must be follow by them. Motivation: In organisation, leader thinks that if there is empowerment in business then
it works as a motivation for subordinates (Bredillet, Tywoniak and Dwivedula, 2015).
There are some other motivational elements that will be present in association, such as
incentives, commission etc.
Leadership style which is following by manager if Saga Travels: Guidance from leaders: This specifies that superior provide instruction to staff members;
so that they are able to carry out activities properly. Decision making freedom: Employees can make selection of alternatives which are
connected with their activities. Tools and resources: It is superior duty that they provide adequate tools and resources to
workers, so that appropriate business operations are being conducted (Brière and et. al.,
2015). Problem solving attitude: Staff members require to find appropriate solution for problems
they face and is affecting their tasks. They need not to take advice from administration.
 Empowerment: Superior provide rights and power to employees, to make them carry out
activities effectively.
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in the selected businesses
Communication process: It is considered as a two way interaction which is following by
each enterprise. There are some steps which will be include into this: Sender: It is also known as encoder and it is essential for him or her to convey message
appropriately. Medium: This method needs to be used by sender, such as e- mail. Channel: It is responsible for delivering message, for instance internet. Receiver: He is that individual who get message from sender. Feedback: This has to be taken effectively so that people will get ensure that received
data is right or not. Context:It will comprise time, attitude, place which is related with sender.
 Noise: This will provide impact to procedure of communication in an adverse way.
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Therefore, with aid of an effective communication process individuals will share requisite
data and information with each other. It will help to take judgement in a proficient manner. So, if
info is transferring effectually then, this assists to reduce circumstances of disputes.
There are several pattern of communication which will be adopt by company; thus, they
will acquire positive results. These are provided as beneath:
Verbal communication: This communication process underpin that each and every
section of information exchange get done through verbally not including any other section
(Feldman, 2016). There is no written format for communicating various consents which might
create problem in working.
Written communication: It's a format followed by top management for communicating
execution of strategy to middle level management. Both venture make use of this for
establishing connection with their employees.
Non- Verbal communication: It involves using signs and gestures for conversations like
thumbs up for good performance etc. Both company follows such communication to deliver &
get quick response.
Linear communication: Each organisation has their own level of functions and in
addition departments are much connected with each other (Fernández-Mesa and Alegre, 2015).
Henceforth, when communication is done at similar level of function then it is considered as a
linear communication.
Lateral communication: This is considered as a horizontal conversation which is done
amongst distinctive division. Therefore, if they want to acquire positive result then it is required
to maintain an effective interaction between all operational activities.
Formal communication: As per this, flow of conversation is set which is following by
each member of firm. Staff members will provide suggestions by following hierarchy properly.
Informal communication: In this, no systematic order is following by individuals of
company. This sort of style will be followed by Thomas Cook as they are using autocratic style
of management.
1.4 Analysis of organisational culture and change in selected businesses
Organisational culture will be examined through examination of micro as well as macro
elements as this will provide impact to entire activities either in a direct or indirect manner.
4

Along with, it will influence working performance of staff members also. Henceforth, there are
certain elements which are related to this, stated as beneath:
Internal factors: Culture will be depend on activities of higher authority as they provide direction to
middle level which they have to follow (Ganguly and Alam, 2015). In context of Thomas
Cook and Saga Travels top authority will affect working of staff members. Human resource practices: These type of practice will cater impact to an enterprise. It is
needed for HR manager to determine needs and wants of training so that they will be able
to improve working of subordinates. Socialization: Working performance of staff will depend on organisational culture. If
individual is skilled then he or she will do their entire work with best and effective
quality.
External factors: Context of community: This portrays an enterprise will get influenced by extrinsic
components as employees come from distinctive places or culture; thus, they will
influence internal atmosphere of an enterprise. Henceforth, this element will affect both
affiliations, i.e. Saga travel and Thomas Cook. Government rules and regulations: This will comprise various acts which is formulated
by regulatory body in relation to environment, safety, welfare and many others (Giger,
2016). It is must for firm to follow each rules effectively so that entire work will get
completed in an ethical manner.
 National culture: If company is operating their business in various places or nations then,
this will render affect to overall business either positively or adversely. In context of
Thomas Cook, they are following culture as per their choice but, Saga travels are
following it as per the nation in which they are working.
TASK 2
2.1 Assessment of own management skill performance
Professional skills Current Level
5 = Strong
1 = Weak
Best Current Example Ways to improvement
5

Communication skills 4 There is a hotel in
London named
Clayton Crown, I am
working there as a
Assistant manager;
therefore, I need to
attend many clients so
it is required for me to
enhance my
conversation abilities.
For enhancement, I
will take part in group
discussion and in
addition attend some
seminars or debates.
Listening Capabilities 4 I have to sort out
disputes amongst staff
members.
To resolve things
effectively, I have to
listen each employee.
Leadership Abilities 5 I have to give
appropriate guidance
to subordinates.
For enhancement, I
will delegate some
authority.
Planning and
Organizing
4 Organisation has to
manage each activity
by following proper
strategies.
Staff members need to
accomplish their
targets or objectives
within certain period
of time.
Presentation Talent 5 It is must for me to
present each things in
front my superior in an
effective way so that
they will be able to
acquire appropriate
judgement for firm
which is advantageous
It will get enhanced
through e- learning
methods or techniques.
6

for them.
Problem Solving 1 To resolve issues or
difficulties effectively,
I need to get point of
view of each
employee.
To improve this, I will
take suggestions from
lower level of people.
Professional
knowledge
2 Many professional
knowledge is
possessed by me
because I was
consulted in college.
For improvisation, I
will utilize some latest
methods.
Team work 5 I have to comprehend
requirements of my
group members so that
I will provide them
some advantages.
Different team will
managed appropriately
by understanding their
demands or needs.
Self- Management 1 Create planning for
each day activity.
For improvisation pre
planning is essential.
Time Management 4 For this, time table
needs to be follow in
an appropriate manner.
For this, I will learn
many strategies or
process which is
associated with time
management.
Technology Skills 3 Utilized data and
information which is
gathered with help of
internet.
Take appropriate
knowledge about
environment
effectually.
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2.2 Analysis on personal strength, weakness, opportunity and threat
To determine strengths as well as weaknesses of a person, SWOT investigation will be
utilized (Hunsaker and et. al., 2015). Along with, it assists to find out possible opportunities and
threats also. As a result, an effective decision will be taken which help in growth of an
individual.
Strengths Weaknesses
 I will lead group or team in an
appropriate way.
 I have an ability to motivate
subordinates so that firm will improve
their profits.
 Communication skills are much
effective which help me to share data
significantly.
 I am not able to handle work pressure
and this will provide impact to my
quality of working.
 Many times it is not easy for me to use
latest tools appropriately which will
disconnect me from extrinsic
surrounding.
Opportunities Threats
 To enhance communication
capabilities, I will use effective
strategies and new techniques. This will
help me to determine proper solution
for each issue.
 Sometime I will not able to solve issues
appropriately and get panic which will
push me into more difficulties.
 Planning is not done by me
appropriately which will affect entire
working in an adverse way.
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis
Objectives along with time duration:
Aims Time duration
The main weakness is that, I have less professional knowledge and it is
must for me to get over from this. For this, I will read some journals,
books or case study and these have to be related with business.
27 days
It is required for me to know how to manage stress level. To get over 20 days
8

from it, I will formulate some plans.
Another is, I need to manage each things on time basis; therefore, work
will get done within certain time span.
19 days
Objectives along with time duration:
Aims Time duration
I must need to possess knowledge related to external environment so
that I will know about new methodologies and implement it into
working process. As a result, work will get done within limited period
of time.
22 days
It is required for me to enhance my abilities of presentation and for this,
I will attend some seminars.
8 days
I have to obtain some abilities regarding self management so that I will
prepare proper plan and comprehend each things in a systematic way.
14 days
TASK 3
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
Manager are having lots of responsibilities which is performing by them so that goals will
get attained within time (Hunt and Weintraub, 2016). It is must for them to formulate plan,
motivate staff members, develop team and many others. Along with, there are some other duties
which need to be perform by them, such as training session, maintain relations etc. In context of
Frankie's & Benny's, it is a restaurant which is providing best quality of goods and services to
customers. Hence, they are much clear about their objectives. This will aid them to take benefits
from competitors; as a result, they will enhance their profits effectually. For this, it is required
for manager to provide motivation to workers and this will be either in form of monetary or non-
monetary as well.
There are some roles which is performed by manager in team building, these are stated as
beneath:
9

 Communication with team mates: It is essential to keep up an appropriate conversation
between all members of group (Jamali, Lund-Thomsen and Jeppesen, 2017). Therefore,
they will easily share things with each other and sort out problems effectually. It will also
assist in taking an effective judgement. Leading and motivating team: Leader needs to provide proper direction to subordinates
so that they will complete their work within limited time. Along with, it is must for them
to set some targets which will provide motivation to staff members. By doing this,
Frankie's & Benny's will enhance their revenues.
 Group dynamics: It is must for superior to examine team timely as there are many
persons who are part of it. By monitoring and supervising them coveted targets will get
achieved within provide time duration.
3.2 Managerial decisions to support achievement of goal with appropriate recommendations
Decision making is an approach which revolves around choosing one of the best
alternatives among available one (LoBiondo-Wood and Haber, 2017). The managers working
with Frankie & Benny's restaurant are provided with responsibility to formulate decision with the
organisations. It depends upon manager himself and circumstances pertaining in the business
environment. A manager can take assistances from opinions and views which are offered by
guests and employees with the company.
Another major aspects which is fulfilled by a manager is formulation of plans for the
future of business. This process undertakes evaluation of all relating components so that better
results are availed. Planning in a business can related to production plans, technological
advancement and training and development initiatives for employees. The various
recommendations for improvement relating to taking decisions for Frankie & Benny's are as
follows:
Feedback: it is referred to an response which is provided by guest relating to products
and services of company (Lewis, 2015). It has emerged as one of most crucial tool for
improvement in quality of services and decision formulated. The observation of both guests and
employees should be taken into consideration for improvement in offerings.
Clear mission and vision: this approach undertakes planning and setting up of mission and vision
for the organisation. The efforts of management must be directed onto improving quality and
10

productivity so that needs of guests are fulfilled in right manner. Setting up of goals and targets
will ensure that performance of employees are enhanced.
Healthy environment: it is extremely important for management to provide employees
with a right and productive environment so that there is an improvement of quality of
relationship shared amongst employees and employers. This feature will improve quality of
output along with minimizing disruption in business operations.
Enhancing sale of services: The business can take assistance from promotional measures
so that sales of services could be increased. The major tools which could be employed by
Frankie & Benny's are newspaper and television advertisements along with using social media
marketing tactics.
Quality of products and services: it is very essential to offer quality services to people if
a business wishes to retain its operations in the market (Luque-Ayala and Marvin, 2015). This
business can take assistance from continuous improvement measures so that offering are
modified and adjusted according to expectation of prospects.
Rewarding employees: the employees who are able to contribute extensively to the
success of the firm. Rewarding employee will carry a positive impact upon the psychological
domain which further leads to improved overall performance.
TASK 4
4.1 Own managerial and personal skills for career development
Career development plan is a major and essential factor and play an important role in the
growth of an individual (Montalvo, 2016). By considering and preparing personal skill plan
productivity and profitability could be promoted so that effective and efficient working get
encourage. Although, it is important to determine some skills and consideration properly which
need to improve and enable to accomplish goals and targets properly and effectively for better
and suitable working as well as reflection of beneficial attribute. I determine several personal
skills which need to work further and consider as career developing opportunities:
Communication: One of a major skill on which I need to work is communication. I have
to work on my communication skill properly which further assist me to accomplish my targets
properly. Although, it includes and define about written and verbal communication chain which
further support to achieve my targets and goals properly and suitably.
11

Thinking: Another skill which need some improvisation is thinking. I have to explore my
thinking criteria and pattern properly so that beneficial and supported material could be placed.
This area need a critical understanding and reflect suitable and appropriate benefit for future
consideration as well. Thus, chances of gaining optimum and positive return get maximise.
Career Ambition What will be the exact result derive through BTEC HND?
It is a two yea diploma course which have to underpin in a better and suitable manner so
that my overall efficiency and effectiveness get promoted in a positive direction. What suppose to be do after this course?
There are wide variety of things lead to reflect in future which could be done once this
BTECHND assessment get completed. What you'll be doing in 2 years time?
I am going to have so many options and will choose the best one which is going to help
me in growing.
Current Employment Status
Working somewhere in current time?; Part or full-time?; Seasonal?; vacations?
 Working as a senior HR manager at Fenny Bakery so that overall development and
effectiveness could be promoted
Work Skills Profile
What exact skills that can be shown by you in front of your employer? Example: sales,
responsibility; punctuality; reliability; team playing; organisational, computer; administrative;
analytical; numerical; report-writing; negotiating.
 Currently I am handling a team of more than 10 people of HR department whom are
punctual for their work and dedicated towards target accomplishment. This support in
order to accomplish and achieve all targets properly
What skills of yours can play role in becoming a manager?
Some skills like, decision making, team handling, communicating, problem solving and etcetera
can make a skilful manager. All these qualities that a manager should have. These can help in
becoming a good manager (Hunt and Weintraub, 2016).
4.2 Preparation of development plan
GOALS CURRENT TARGET OPPORTU PLACES PERI PROOFS
12

EXPER
TICE
EXPERIE
NCE
NITIES/
DEVELOP
MENT
WHERE
THINGS
CAN BE
JUDGED
OD
OF
TIM
E
Abilities
associated
with
communicatio
n
The major
problem is
that to keep
hands fold
in front of
another
people
which will
render
adverse
affect.
It is must
to be
focused so
that this
cannot be
repeat
again.
Conduct
meeting
with other
individuals
so that this
will get
developed.
Feedback will
be acquired
from staff
members,
managers and
many others.
15
days
Attend
some
meeting
and
seminars
so that
interactio
n will get
developed
.
Abilities
connected
with time
management
It is
required to
complete
work
without
focusing on
time
duration.
Formulate
some
targets so
that it get
attained
properly.
It is must to
set things on
the priority
basis;
therefore
work will
get done
according to
needs.
Examine each
task to find
out that each
work is
completing as
per allotted
period of
time.
20
days
Time
array
Capabilities
associated
with
leadership
I am not
able to
guide a
team which
is having
more than
50 persons.
Can easily
sort out
issues
which are
facing by
staff
members
through
listening it
appropriat
ely.
This will be
resolve by
sharing each
things
effectively
in front of
higher
authority.
An
appropriate
judgement
will be taken
by having
effective
communicati
on with other
individuals.
25
days
Word
with
group
individual
s so best
judgemen
ts can be
taken.
Skills of
decision
making
It is must to
have some
quality of
decision
By
considerin
g past
judgement,
Superior
will aid in
decision
making
Examination
of current
performance
will be done
32
days
It is
required
to take
result of
13

making
which needs
to be
beneficial
for
association.
decision
regarding
issue will
be taken.
which is
much
favourable
for business.
by review
past working
execution.
performan
ce from
superiors.
Skills related
to problem
solving
situations
Sort out
those
problems
which are
associated
with shorter
period of
time.
Determine
issues on
regular
basis.
Past
judgements
will be taken
into under
consideratio
n so that it
will
examined
that past
decision was
accurate or
not.
Senior will
provide
feedback in
relation to
this.
35
days
Hypothesi
s of
problem
solving
Skills related
to
presentations
If
presentation
is easy then,
this will be
comprehend
easily.
It will be
less
attractive.
To learn this
kind of
skills, I will
attend some
meetings,
seminars
and so on.
By getting
proper
outcome, this
needs to be
communicate
to all staff
members
within limited
period of
time.
15
days
Presentati
on needs
to be clear
and
understan
dable for
every one.
14

CONCLUSION
It get concluded from the project that a developing manager need to work on its skills and
attribute properly and effectively so that all targets and aims get accomplish in a suitable manner.
In this consideration, a valid comparison need to underpin between management styles so that
appropriate one lead to underpin so that effective and beneficial gain could be estimated.
Although, whenever any change arise, manager need to utilise its skill and attribute properly so
that effective and efficient gain could become possible. Moreover, skills need to improve with a
course of time so that beneficial aspect could be gain through which more and more suitable gain
become possible. Although, all skills need to get evaluated with a course of time by applying and
underpin portfolio properly which evaluate and describe that all skills need to improve in a
suitable manner.
15

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