Operations Management and Efficiency Analysis: Unilever Report

This report provides an analysis of operations management within Unilever. It begins with an introduction to operations management, defining it as the systematic process of planning and organizing production and manufacturing activities. The report then delves into key approaches, including the Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing methodologies, explaining their principles and how they contribute to improving efficiency, controlling quality, and minimizing waste. The report further discusses the value and importance of operations management, highlighting its role in optimizing resource utilization, enhancing productivity, and achieving cost-effectiveness. It also explores how leaders and managers can improve operational efficiencies through employee motivation, mentorship, and the implementation of proper policies and protocols. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of operations management in helping Unilever achieve its organizational objectives. References include books, journals and online resources.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

Table of content
 Introduction
 Activity 2
 Conclusion
 References

Introduction
 Operation management can be defined as the systematic process of planning and organising the
production and manufacturing activities of the company. It basically involves a process and activities
of converting raw materials into finished goods and services of Unilever.

Key approaches to operations management
Six sigma approach : This approach helps leaders and manager in Unilever to improve the existing production
process. It controls the quality of the products and services produced by the company. Leaders and managers uses
different phases of this model for improving its operational activities.
Managers in Unilever follows the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology for improving its current manufacturing
activities.
Define: Leaders and managers defines the problem such as needs and requirements of target customers, resource
requirements for the manufacturing process etc.
Measure : Manager in Unilever measures the existing performance of company's manufacturing processes,
gathers information and create a plan for identifying the defects and loop holes in the operations.

To be cont.…
 Analyses: The operational manager in the company then
analyses the data and information very precisely.
 Improve : The manager focuses on improving the production
process by eradicating the causes of defects by creative and
innovative strategies.
 Control:. Here, operational manager ensure that new strategy
do not deviate from its planned objectives and goals

 Lean manufacturing approach : This approach of operations management focuses on minimizing the
wastage in the production process without compromising the productivity level of the organisation.
The leader and manager in Unilever can follow 5 principles of this approach that are;
• Identifying the value of the products and services from the point view of customers.
• The manager goes ahead with mapping the value that was identified.
• Operational managers ensures the elimination of functional barriers.
• Developing a pull system, where manager focuses on undertaking those work that has the current
demand for it.
• Thriving for perfection with continuous improvement in production activities.
To be cont.…

Value and Importance of Operations
management
• The foremost reason for applying operations management in the company is the proper management of day
to day activities of the organisation. It helps the manager and leader in company to optimally utilise the
valuable resources such as man, material and money.
• It enhances the overall productivity of the Unilever.
• Using waste minimization and defect control approaches by the operational manager helps organisation in
achieving its objective of being cost effective
• Unnecessary transportation and movements of man, machine are eliminated which helps the operational
manager in effectively controlling cost of operations.
• Continuous improvement in the manufacturing of goods as per the needs and requirements of customers
helps the organisation in attaining its objective of maximizing its customer satisfaction.

How leader improves efficiencies of operational
management ?
• Leaders by motivating employees and boosting their morale, greater efficiency in the performance could be
achieved.
• Leaders guides, directs, coach and acts as mentor to the new members in Unilever which helps in increasing the
productivity of the company.
• Creates healthy and friendly environment for its team members. This increases the job satisfaction of the employees
which eventually reflects in their higher performances

How manager improves efficiencies of operational
management?
• Manager makes sure that right person is put to right job. Manager is
concerned with getting things done by others in the best way
possible.
• Manager ensures that proper policies and protocol is being
followed in the company. This establishes consistencies in the
operations of the organisation.

Conclusion
From the report, it can be concluded that Operations' management is valuable to Unilever. It helps
managers and leaders in attaining organisational objectives of being cost effective by controlling and
improving the production process and by minimizing the waste during the production process.

References
 Books and Journal
 Eaidgah, Y and et.al., 2016. Visual management, performance management and continuous improvement: a lean
manufacturing approach. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma. 7(2). pp.187-210.
 Slack, N. and Brandon-Jones, A., 2018. Operations and process management: principles and practice for strategic
impact. Pearson UK.
 Maylor, H and et.al, 2018. Old theories, new contexts: extending operations management theories to
projects. International Journal of Operations & Production Management. 38(6). pp.1274-1288.
 Online
 What is Six Sigma? Streamlining quality management. 2018. [Online]. Available through
<https://www.cio.com/article/3237692/methodology-frameworks/six-sigma-quality-management-methodology.html>