Essential Operations Management

Expected answer guideline:

Management theory: Contemporary and seminal theories of management such as management by Objectives, classical management theories, behavioural theory and Contingency theory.

Leadership vs management: The definitions and differences of both a leader and a manager. Management functions such as planning, organising, controlling and directing. Theories of leadership traits, style and contingency. Transformational and Transactional Leadership.

Action Centred Leadership. ‘Hard’ management skills and ‘soft’ leadership skills.

P2.Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different situational contexts.

Expected answer guideline: Learner is suggested to use two contemporary examples in terms of management and leadership. Identify two different context of your choice and examine the role of a leader and functions of a manager. As an example learner may think military leaders and bank managers

P3.Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems leadership and contingency.

Expected answer guideline: How situations affect the role of a leader and function of a manager: Situational leadership, systems leadership, task or relationship-orientated approaches. The application of chaos theory and management by objectives

LO3 & LO4 (Task 2) – Presentation

P4.Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers play.

P5. Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.

Expected Answer Guidelines: Theories of operations and operations management: Six sigma, lean production and queuing theory. Different operations management approaches: The use of different management approaches: Principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), Just-in-Time Inventory and the concept of continuous improvement (Kaizen) Operational functions: Control and Distribution Systems. Transformation of raw material into finished goods/services. Process design. Capacity management.

P6. Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management and decision-making by leaders and managers.

Expected Answer Guidelines: Different dimensions of contemporary business environment: The relationship that leadership and management have in the context of corporate social responsibility; culture, values, ethics and sustainability. The relationship with stakeholders and meeting stakeholder expectations in the context of encouraging, developing and sustaining entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship.