University of South Wales Operations Management Reflective Report

This report, prepared for a university course, delves into the realm of operations management, encompassing both a reflective assessment and a detailed job description analysis. Part A focuses on a reflective assessment, outlining a personal development plan for skill enhancement, particularly within the accounting profession. It discusses the skills required, including accuracy, communication, and adherence to accounting standards, along with a plan for skill development through education and practical experience. Part B presents a job description of an operation manager, outlining the roles, responsibilities, challenges, and necessary qualifications. The report also considers the challenges of globalization on operations management and proposes strategies to overcome these obstacles. The analysis is supported by academic research and adheres to Harvard referencing guidelines.

Running head: OPERATIONS
Operations
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note

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Table of Contents
Part A.................................................................................................................................2
Reflective Assessment......................................................................................................2
Part B...............................................................................................................................12
Introduction..................................................................................................................12
Discussion....................................................................................................................13
Job Description............................................................................................................13
Operation Manager Position........................................................................................13
Roles of Operation Manager........................................................................................13
Job Description of operation manager.........................................................................14
Roles and Responsibilities...........................................................................................15
Qualification and Skills.................................................................................................16
The Challenges of Operation Manager........................................................................16
Challenges due to Globalization..................................................................................19
Overcome the Challenges of Operation Manager.......................................................21
Conclusion...................................................................................................................23
Reference........................................................................................................................24
Appendix..........................................................................................................................27

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Part A
Reflective Assessment
The main purpose of this reflective assessment is to present an understanding
regarding personal development of skills and knowledge. The first part of the
assessment deals with reflective part and the second part of the assessment is related
to job description of an operation manager. The reflective assessment would be
covering the personal development plan which I intend to follow in order to become
more successful in future. In accounting, there are major concepts and principles which
needs to be adhered to when considering the preparation of the financial statements of
a company. It is therefore imperative that I need to have appropriate knowledge
regarding different concepts and principles so that I can have the necessary skills for
dealing with various accounting treatments.
In this competitive environment, it is difficult to get a dream job unless the
candidate is well qualified. I have researched and realized that the most suitable
profession for me is accounting profession as I am a keen interest in the subject. In
addition to this, I am also of the opinion that in future accounting profession would be
gaining more prominence due to rapid development and growth of different business
structures. The accounting profession also requires effective knowledge regarding and
experience to perform and the same would be acquired after proper training and
exposure. I am currently studying as a student and is pursuing the course of
accountancy as my future goal is to become a professional accountant. It is for this
purpose that I would be requiring appropriate skills for ensuring that I am able to

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develop as a professional accountant. In addition to this, it is my aim to work for the
most reputed accounting firm in the regions so that I am able to further excellence in the
field of accounting. The accounting profession is considered to be one of the largest
profession and it effectively promotes, develops and supports accountants all over the
world. The role of accounting is crucial in reporting financial information regarding the
performance of the business during the period. For the purpose of enhancing the skills
associated with accounting specialised knowledge is required regarding the application
of different accounting standards.
Skills Required
In order to pursue my dream job of becoming a I am very good with numbers and
that is the main reason that I have selected the accounting profession so that I can
further hone my skills and use the same to earn a livelihood for myself in future.
Furthermore, I like the profession of accounting due to the dynamic role which an
accountant plays in a business from entering the transactions in the financial records
and also representing the same in the annual reports. In addition to this, I am also
fascinated with the level of accuracy and logics which is present in the subject itself and
it is therefore such reasons that I would be able do justice with the education. The skills
required for developing necessary accounting skills would enhance my personal skills.
The profession is also very systematic in nature as different boards are established so
that the field of accounting can be regulated and transparency can be brought about in
the reporting framework of the business. The accounting profession has developed
significantly over the years and introduced various accounting software which helps in
the accounting process and makes the process much simpler. The boards regulate the

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process of accounting as and when required with the help of different amendments. The
accounting process also follows a conceptual framework for the purpose of reporting
different aspects of performance of the business. I have always been good with
numbers and also like to do calculations in lieu of theory. This is the reason due to
which I prefer accounting profession because I would be able to use my talents to full
potentials in this field. I also think I would be able to follow the requirements of reporting
and preparing different statements with a little practice. In addition to this, I would also
be getting adequate exposure in the field of finance. It is due to my skill of being good
with numbers that I have been able to also recognised other skills which are also
necessary.
The skills which I have at present level is accuracy and control over any type of
calculation work. I have always been good with numbers and this is the reason that I
feel that I would be able to handle accounting process. In addition to my accuracy, I also
have appropriate communication skills which would help me in accounting profession
and the same is required in the reporting process. The communication skills which I
have would help me in solving problems as I can in such situation take help from my
seniors. As far I have researched, the accounting profession requires characteristic so
that there is further development of the profession and more careers are developed.:
 Innovation: Accounting can be identified as one of the main tools which is used
by businesses for reflecting the performance of the business. The field of
accounting requires innovation or amendment so that the process of accounting
can be made more efficient. I have noticed that the accounting process always
has some amendment associated with the same and the same has been

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introduced so that more efficiency and effectiveness can be brought about in the
process of accounting. The accounting standards are subjected to most of the
amendments in order to make a treatment or disclosure simple so that the same
can be understood by even general public. The innovative approach in
conducting accounting process is essential as the profession is still at its
development phase. These amendments are brought about by accounting bodies
who are responsible for regulating the profession. One of the recent changes
which has brought about in accounting process is that it has been made
computerized instead of manual. This has been done with the introduction of one
or more accounting software.
 Understanding: One of the major skills which is required to be a successful
accountant is proper understand of the subject and the different treatment which
is associated with the same. The needs for reporting are appropriately stated in
the different accounting standards and conceptual framework and appropriate
understanding of the same needs to be derived. The field of accounting also
requires in depth knowledge of accounting standards and different accounting
policies which is followed universally. The accounting policies and principles are
consistently followed all of the world and the same is done in order to bring about
harmonization in the accounting process and also bring about consistency in the
process. It is also very important to understand the accounting standards and
also realize which area the accounting standards are planning to make
improvements. I am of the opinion that if one can master the accounting

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standards then the whole accounting process becomes much easier and
therefore clear understanding of the accounting process is very essential.
 Communication: The communication aspect is another important factor which
can have an impact on the decision-making process of the business. It is to be
noted that the financial reports are prepared by a business for communicating the
financial highlights of the period to the stakeholders. The financial statements are
prepared for the primary purpose of informing the stakeholders regarding the
financial performance of the business and on the basis of the same, the
stakeholders decide whether to invest in the business or not. The accountants
are given the responsibility of portraying vital financial information regarding the
business and also ensure that the information which is conveyed are accurate
and showing true and fair view. I also have a good communication skill and
problem-solving ability which would be a great help to me in future when I am
applying for the post of accountant.
 Adherence to Accounting Standards: One of the major requirement while
pursuing an accounting profession, in depth knowledge of the accounting
standards and different convention is very much essential. Different types of
accounting treatments and disclosures are provided in the financial statements
after adhering to the relevant accounting standards which are already in place.
The accounting standards provides a guideline to the accountants regarding how
important transactions are to be treated in the financial statements of the
business. The accounting standards needs to be followed by a business for
preparing the financial statements or there might be issues in consistency in

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reporting framework of the business. Different accounting standards have been
introduced so as to bring about transparency and accountability in the operations
of the business.
 Work Experience: The accounting profession also requires adequate work
experience regarding how to handle the books of accounts and also prepare
important financial statements such as statement of profit and loss, balance
sheet and cash flow statement in an effective manner. The work experience of
the accountant plays a vital role in performing the accounting duties of the
business.
 Accuracy: The most important skills which is required by an accountant is
accuracy level for managing the calculations which is associated with the
process of accounting. The level of accuracy which is required for managing the
accounting transaction is important in managing the financial books of accounts
of the business. This is one skill which I have and this is the main reason that I
am very good with calculations. It is for these reasons that I believe that I would
be able to enhance my productivity if I get a job in accounting field. The accuracy
which I have would help me in avoiding any mistakes and also in preparation in
the different books of accounts of a business.
In order to become a successful accounting professional, I need to develop the skills
which I have mentioned above and for the same purpose I need to acquire all
knowledge and also engage in personal development. I have planned out my process in
order to achieve my goal and also further develop my skills. In order to further develop

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my skills and acquire the skills which I do not current possess the following steps or
process needs to be followed:
 Education: The first most important aspect for development of accounting skill is
proper education. I need to have appropriate knowledge regarding different
treatments of accounting transactions. In addition to this, I also need to have
proper knowledge of relevant accounting standards which would be applicable to
a business. Plus, appropriate knowledge of conceptual framework and various
accounting convention and principles is also required so that an appropriate
accounting system can be formulated. The accounting standards are basically
guidelines which is followed by every accountant for showing disclosures and
meeting the reporting requirement of the business. In addition to this, the
accounting subject effectively sharpens our accuracy and calculation skills which
would be very useful in future. In the field of accounting, one thing I have realized
is that proper knowledge and application of same is very important in treating
complex transactions and providing disclosures. Appropriate education in the
field of accounting would also promote my self confidence and also improve my
problem-solving ability.
 Knowledge of Computer Software: Another major skill which is necessary for a
professional accounting is to have knowledge and grasp of different accounting
software. There is various accounting software which are present in the
environment which facilitates accounting process and therefore make the
accounting process more efficient. Some of the software which is used for
accounting process are MYOB, Xero and Sage which helps the accounting

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process and helps in generation of appropriate reports. The reports which are
generated by the business can help the business to maintain appropriate
accounting records and also ensure that the process of accounting is systematic
in nature. The different accounting software allows the accountants to
appropriately manage the reporting requirements of the business. I researched
and have founded that knowledge of operating a computer system and also
appropriate accounting software require specialised knowledge regarding the
same. I needs to acquire such a training in one or more of the software so that I
am able to pursue my ambition to thrive as an accounting professional. I am very
excited that I would be learning how to operate Xero and MYOB which are
specially devised accounting software which can help in reporting process.
 Competency: Another major aspect for developing as a professional accountant
is develop competency to handle difficult situations which would help the
business to appropriately maintain the accounting records. I am of the opinion
that competency can be developed through proper knowledge which can be
acquired through education and proper training. I have also considered taking
professional courses for enhancing my knowledge regarding different aspect of
accounting. It is a general fact that if I am able to a professional degree from an
accounting body than I would be able to prove my competency for different
accounting firms. Some of the professional courses which can be done for
enhancing the knowledge in accounting are Chartered Accountant, Certified
Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst. These professional courses
provide the highest level of knowledge in terms of accounting profession and

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therefore, it is considered to be the most fruitful courses in the field of accounting
profession. In addition to this, I also feel that the knowledge would help me
further develop in my career.
 Professional Training: Another approach which can be undertaken by me for
further development of accounting skill is by taking professional training
regarding the accounting services. I have decided that I would be joining an
accounting firm for the practical experience which the job would be providing me
for the long run. It is a well-known fact that proper practical knowledge also
develops accuracy and reporting skills of a person as the person is then involved
in the practical application of accounting process and in such situation, he is also
given the responsibility of preparing and maintaining the financial reports of the
business. I have belief that I would be able to get approach exposure from an
internship program in a accounting firm and thereby further develop my skills in
the field of accounting. Plus, I would also be able to enhance my resume for any
future job designation relating to the field of accounting. The professional training
would help me know what is expected of me in the post and how can I further
improve in my work process.
The accounting process is a dynamic process and requires very specific set of skills
and in-depth knowledge regarding application of treatments relating to different
transactions. I would therefore need to focus on my education and ensure that I am able
grasps all the concepts and treatments associated with accounts. My experience with
accountancy reveals that it is complex subject if one just wants to mug up the
treatments. The best approach to have a clear understanding of the subject is to

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understand the logic behind every treatment, disclosure and standards. If I am able to
achieve a clear understanding of the logic, I am confident that I would be able to
develop my accuracy to a greater level so that I am able to acquire future accounting
posts.
Therefore, from the research which I have conducted, I am clear that I would be
requiring detail knowledge regarding different treatments associated with accounting
process and also detailed knowledge of the accounting standards. The accounting
standards would help me out to solve difficult situations. In addition to this, I need to
have a clear grasp of the logic behind different treatments so that I am clear regarding
the situation. This would help in ensure that the calculation and also help me in
maintaining accuracy. I also need to learn how to provide full disclosures in the notes to
accounts section of the financial reports which forms an important part of the financial
statements of the business. In addition to this, I also need to undertake a professional
course so that I am competent enough for future and such a degree would help me to
get an edge in the competitive environment in terms of getting a job. I also plan to get
an internship job for learning the accounting process which would further enhance my
experience and skills as practical experience is always better theoretical knowledge.