A Report on Adopting a Leadership and Management Development programme.
(A case of Gemak Food Processing Industry, United Kingdom).
Task 1.
Introduction.
The food industry is one of the industries which have gained popularity over the past time. This has happened due to the changes of customers’ tastes and preferences towards food and beverages. With the fast growing population, food processing industries need to adopt a leadership and management development programme which will aim at satisfying customer needs by ensuring that quality is safeguarded. Organizations need to ensure that the products satisfy the requirement for fitness for use by the customers. Products should also meet conformity to specifications. Customers should hence realize value for money hence the food processing industry has to undergo some transformations. This is a long-term strategy which leaders and managers should adopt so as to meet all those requirements. A study has been conducted at Gemak limited, a food industry in the United Kingdom which serves a large customer base. I have therefore written a report on how the leaders and managers should adjust their operations management so as to meet its development programme. I would elucidate on the concept of leadership and management in terms of their roles, provide various theories which support leadership and finally my recommendations concerning the action to be taken by the leadership of Gemak Food Processing Industry.
According to Carmichael (84), a leader is defined as a person who exercises a dominant or a superior position in a particular field, and he is in a position to exercise a high degree of control over the people he is leading. In an organization, a team leader is someone who gives or provides instructions, guidance, direction and leadership to a group of other individuals or a team with an aim of achieving a certain organizational goal. There are many aspects that make someone a good leader in an organization. If someone has followers, then he/ she can be termed as a leader. This is because if someone has many followers, he is in a position to be listened to and understood by the followed. The abiding of rules by such followers can make an organization achieve its set goals. One can also become a leader if he/ she is in a position to translate the vision of an organization in to reality. Hence a good leader is a person of the people. The main duty of a leader is therefore to provide leadership to a particular group of people. It is therefore important to understand its meaning (Carmichael, 99). Leadership refers to the ability of a person to understand and utilize ones inner talents and to effectively influence the natural strength of his or her team so as to achieve the organizational mission. A leader should be humble, express his/ her personality authentically and in pursuit. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
A manager is a person who has the authority of management towards an organization. A manager can be in charge of a department, a business or a whole company. Again, a manager is able to control people who work for him as well as making viable decisions on how things are suppose to work in an organization (Sack,149,). Management on the on the same refers to the administration of an organization, that is, a business, a non profit making organization or a government entity. Management functions is has a wide scope of activities as it includes setting the strategies of the whole organization and coordinating the efforts of employees or other volunteers so as to achieve the organizational mission using the available resources. A good manager should have technical skills to enable them accomplish their tasks. They should also have good communication skills so as to transfer information to others efficiently and effectively (Baffour, 133). Decision making skills will give them the ability to distinguish between positive decisions and the negative ones, and then select the positive ones. They should posses proper interpersonal skills and be good managers of time.
Application of the role of a leader and function of a manager in Gemak Food Processing Industry.
The role of a leader and functions of a manager has been well developed in Gemak Food Processing Industry. A big percentage of the managers of the organization are good leaders, which gas lead to its success. However, there has been a huge paradox between leadership and management because sometimes it’s not easy to distinguish between the two due to the fact that many people in the organization are both. Managers in Gemak Food Processing Industry have the paradox performing duty of controlling resource, systems and standards. Nevertheless, Mitchell (649) defined the difference between a leadership and management by examining the exact duties performed by these two groups. As applied in my organization, the following are differences between the role of a leader and functions of a manager.
The role of a leader has been applied in communication.
Leaders of Gemak Food Processing Industry applies their leadership skills in using all the levels of communication to reach out all the customers, staff, clients and other stakeholders who take part in the success of an organization. Leaders also encourage the exchange of information in all the sections of the organization. The communications can either be verbal or non-verbal and defines the vision and objectives of our organization. Good leaders select the most appropriate personal communication skills which are open, fair and honest so as to deal with different situations affecting the organization. Leaders also have the art and skill of listening others even those with different views. They weigh them out and select the most appropriate decisions for the performance of the whole organization (Wakefield, 99)
The leader has proved to be good thinkers.
They understand how different functions of my organization work together and how their coordination may bring about success as well as how they respond to both external and changes and external changes of an organization. In Gemak Food Processing Industry, our leaders are able to understand the SWOT analysis. They are in a position to understand both the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and the opportunities and threats facing us as well. They understand the relationship between the operational objectives and the strategic objectives of our organization. Our leaders are also knowledgeable in doing research in the market on the levels of competition and also be in a position to respond to the behaviour of the competitors so as to keep profit margins up (Wakefield, 107)
They apply their roles in decision making.
A leader is always there to make viable decisions in all his/her leadership functions. All these decisions made affect the overall performance of an organization. Decisions in Gemak Food Processing Industry are made on which competitive strategy an organization should adopt. The leaders make decisions also where there is an opposing idea by the employees during meetings. In a range of solutions, our leaders are in a position to choose the right decision which matches the organizational mission and goals. Finally, our leaders have the role of ensuring that the made decisions are implemented (Nielsen, 39).
They take part in team building.
Since our leadership works with a large pool of teams, they ensure that all these people are informed about all the organizational plans affecting them as well as the mannerisms on how various operations should be undertaken. Team building enables every member understands their roles and how they can effectively contribute towards the achievement of organizational goals (Nielsen, 39). Our leaders as effective team builders empower all the employees and advise them on how they can excel in their duties, in line with the mission of the Gemak Food Processing Industry.
Our leaders apply their roles in building the image of the organization.
Our leaders build an organizational image that supports the achievements of various professions and which supports the employees. They builds an organizational culture which is in line with our mission and which can accommodate all the employees and other stakeholders even in the presence of their differences in religion and cultures as well (Carmichael et al 34). Our leaders also have the role of building the image of our organization to the outside world which might lead to a better performance by giving us a better corporate image. All these are the ways in which our leaders, which we term as good leaders have been in a position to apply their leadership roles to ensure good performance of our organization.
The following is how the functions of a manager have been applied in our organization.
Planning for the organization.
This is the most primary function which our managers have been performing. It includes choosing the objectives of the organization, communicating the objectives to various personnel and assembling the necessary resources which will be needed in the achievement of such set objectives (Hill et al, 274). Managers should therefore set those goals which are in line with organization mission and objectives. They should also aim at long-term goals rather than short term benefits. Planning also includes choosing of alternatives and employing them setting of organizational budgets, formulation of rules and policies, designing of a timetable and setting of performance standards.
Organizing the activities of the organization.
It is the responsibility of our managers to accumulate large pool of resources and dividing them accordingly. Our managers usually identify a course of action, divide the activities amongst employees in different sections, and assign various responsibilities which also include delegation of duties to other employees (Hill et al, 74). In organizing, our managers ensure that all the activities and functions are in place and are also performing successfully.
Leading the flow of activities in the organization.
Is a management function of management where they set rules and regulations of Gemak Food Processing Industry. they also give orders to the employees in various departments, guidance and counselling of employees to ensure that they are fit psychologically so that they can perform effectively, and finally directing the employees on the best methods of achieving the organizational objectives.
The functions of a manager have been applied in controlling the operations of the organization.
It is an overall function which is captured in nearly all the other functions of the manager. Our managers aim at ensuring that all the above functions of an employee are performed to the fullest. It is also at this stage of performance where our manager are required to test the performance of the employees (Wakefield, 86). Staffing is the last function of management whereby our managers undertake the recruitment of employees after a gap has been identified in the organization.
Differences between leaders and managers, in line with Gemak Food Processing Industry.
The in-depth definition of a leader and a manager has been stipulated in the organizations’ memoranda. Also in most cases the roles of a leader and the functions of a manager are somehow paradoxing, there is an established difference between a leader and a manager according to how they are viewed in the organization. To be a manager is a career, being a leader is a calling. This means, for one to become a leader, he/she must pass through training so as to get the basic skills of managing an organization. Its therefore termed as a career which one can pursue in the college so as to land in that position. On centrally, being a leader is a calling by the Supreme Being. This is because leaders are endowed with that veracity of realizing a crowd and making proper decisions for them. All managers in our organization must be obeyed must whereas a leader is obeyed by people just at their own will. Manager’s positions are safeguarded by the law and that’s the reason as to why people must obey him/ her, or else attract the sanctions of the law (PETTINGER, 231). A leader is just followed by people from their own will because of his inborn ability to influence them. Leaders create vision while managers create goals of an organization. Leaders are change objects in our organization whereas managers aim at maintaining their status quo. Leaders take the risks which are likely to face our organization whereas leaders control such risks so as to prevent them from occurring in future. Leaders grow at personal level while managers rely on those skills which have been in existence. Leaders are known to coach, managers are always there to direct. Finally, leaders create fans while managers have employees following them. It’s therefore clear that good managers of Gemak Food Processing Industry are not always good leaders. However, due to the ability of working as a team, leaders and managers of our organization are same.
Application of theories and models of leadership approach in some situations of Gemak Food Processing Industry.
A theory refers to a contemplative and rational thinking about something and it lacks a proof. Understanding various theories and leadership styles has improved both the leadership and managerial skills of our organization. These theories are believed to be the analytical tools which are used for understanding, giving explanations and making predictions about the subject matters which face our organization in its day to day operation. The following theories and leadership styles have been applied in the organization.
Carmichael et al (337) argued that a management theory is a set of which sets the general rules on how organizations should be managed. It addresses the relationship of managers and supervisors with their organization in the manner on how the goals should be set and implemented. There are several theories of management which have been applied in Gemak Food Processing Industry but in this context, we are going to discuss the contemporary and the seminal theories of management which includes the classical theories of management, the behavioural theories and the contingency theory. From the contingency theory, Carmichael et al (342) argues that, when managers make decision on how our organization should be run, they must put in to consideration aspects which are evident in the present situation and then act on those situations that are currently at hand (Sack,152,). The same theory claims that there is no best way to organize a situation in leadership or even to make decisions and that, the optimal cause of an action by both leaders and managers depends on both internal and the external factors of our organization. A leader is termed as contingent if they are in a position to apply his own style to lead an organization. Carmichael et al (347) defined some contingencies for a company which includes the following: supplies of an organization, technology used by an organization, the customers and the government due to its involvement its involvement in business activities.
There various theories of leadership which have been applied at Gemak Food Processing Industry. Some of them include the contingency theory, trait theory and the style theory. The trait theory believes that people and especially leaders are born or either made with some useful qualities that make them to be successful leaders. Such qualities include creativity, integrity; sense of responsibility and others usually puts a person in the shoes of a good leader (Slack et al 39). Such theories are however not more useful in selecting leaders. The contingency theory argues that, when our leaders make decision on how the organization should be run, they must put in to consideration aspects which are evident in the present situation and then act on those situations that are currently at hand.
Recommendation.
After analysing on the above issues, I would like to make some recommendations for the organization which will still stimulate performance. First, all the leaders should be guided by very high levels of integrity, honesty and professionalism. The paradox between leaders and managers should be diminished as all this personnel has a common goal and duty; ensuring that Gemak Food Processing Industry achieves its mission. Again, leaders should work hand in hand with employees. I recommend that the leaders should adopt the democratic style of management whereby the interest of all the employees are put in to consideration. Subordinate employees should also take part in decision making as they are in a position to contribute viable ideas to the organization. The roles of leaders and managers should not be viewed in isolation. There should be integration of ideas s9 as to achieve a common goal. In this case, decision making should be centralized in the whole organization. Finally, I recommend that the theoretical approach of the organization should be converted in to practical approach so as to be applied in managing the organization.
Task 2
A review of the current processes (activities, decisions and responsibilities) in Gemak Food Processing Industry, which ensure the production and delivery of products and services our customers.
Operations management is the area of management which is concerned with designing and ensuring control of the process of production and redesigning of the activities in the production of goods and services. In our organization, operations management ensures that the operations of our organization meet the principle o efficiency, in terms of utilization of few resources to achieve the requirements of our customers. In the review of the current processes, some activities are contemporary to the expansion of our organization. These are the key factors which constitutes operational management. In order of the organization to ensure efficiency in its business processes, it has to plan on the way the production activities of the food and beverages should be conducted. To fulfill our goals, the organization has been in a position to minimize the utilization of raw materials which yield few less output. This increases the margins of our organization. The leaders and managers in different lines of the organization ensures that all activates especially those of production are monitored until the last result is obtained. For operations management to be effective, Gemak Food Processing Industry has deduced three inputs to the process which will make us achieve our key objectives. These include materials, information and customers. Operations involving raw materials mostly take part in the manufacturing line where raw materials are usually converted in to more useful products. Information is also part of operations management which involves the flow of information from one side of the organization to the next. Customers make a part in our operations management because they purchase our items making us to earn high profits.
Importance of operations management to our organization.
Gemak Food Processing Industry has benefited a lot due to the presence of proper operations management. It helps in the development and use of resources that are important in the development of our organization. We have been in a position to improve our stores layout which has given us a room for more customers. Managers refer to this as process design. We have also been in a position to adopt product design which has enabled us to manufacture products in the right shape which has made our process of packing easily. Operations management has enabled us develop a proper job design which has made us incorporate all the employees in the functions of the organization. We have also been in a position to improve our supply chain management where we have been in a position to monitor the flow of activities between the organization and the customers. This has facilitated the management work. Again, operations management has made us develop a good inventory management system where we have been in a position to ensure that the organization does not run short of raw materials hence the production work cannot be affected. We have been in a position to cope up with the demand patterns by stabilizing our prices to match with those of our competitors. This is called capacity management. Finally, operations, management has enabled us to achieve quality management by always providing the best to our customers.
Role of leaders in operations management of Gemak Food Processing Industry.
Leaders and managers of our organization play a critical role in ensuring that the importance of the operations management is achieved. In order to understand such roles, it’s important to learn the different roles of management so as to capture the role which is played in each level. Gemak Food Processing Industry has been subdivided in to three management levels, which includes the top management level, the middle level managers and the lower level managers. The top level managers are the highest rank of management in the organization. They are responsible for planning and directing the activities of the whole organization (Wakefield, 107). The functions of the other levels depend on the top level. The middle level plays a critical role in the operation of our organization. They get the directives from the top level management and their main role is organizing and directing. The last level is the lower level of management which comprises of the supervisors and the main role of this level of management is controlling and directing the activities of our organization for the achievement of organizational goals. Since the operation management functions of our organization are complex, both the leaders and managers also play the following roles:
Motivating the teams through provision of leadership and coaching. They take part in monitoring all the operations management activities of the organization and reward those workers who are competed in their tasks as a tool for motivation. This stimulates the efforts of workers and improves the performance of our organization as a whole.
Leaders and managers indentify business priorities for continuous business improvement. They are keen to identify any error in the whole operation model and take correction measures. For the leaders and managers to monitor the whole process and detect any error in operation, they use fishbone diagrams, robust diagrams and quality circles (Slack et al, 20).
They encourage and reward those staffs who contribute viable ideas in the operation process. This is also a tool of motivation. Finally, leaders and managers have the duty and role of emphasizing or stressing on how the skills of employees should be improved.
Examples of operation functions of our organization includes control and distribution systems, taking part during the transformation of raw materials in to finished good, building and designing of processes, ensuring capacity management, control of inventory and monitoring the whole distribution and logistical activities as well as scheduling of activities to achieve a common goal. Leaders usually apply to the tool of total quality management (TQM) to ensure productivity (Baffou, 87). As far as the total quality management is concerned, the organization ensures monitoring of all activities in the whole operational process. This contributes contribute to the fact that customers will get maximum satisfaction and obtain quality of their money.
Business environment and operations management.
According to (schedlitzki, 165), contemporary business environment refers to that environment which is composed of a changing economical, social and political forces and which have a major impact on the operations of Gemak Food Processing Industry . This therefore calls for the business to adjust to the changing environment so as to maintain its position in the market. The contemporary business environment is composed of both external and internal environment. The internal business environment is also known as the micro environment and it comprises of the internal factors of an organization and how they affect the organization. The factor of internal business environment includes:
The business resources: these are the possessions by the business and which are used in the achievement of the set goals. These resources can be human resources, manmade resources, financial resources and economic resources. Human resources include the human efforts needed in the operation of an organization. The main examples of human resources are the employees who take part in the operations activities of the organization. The role of both the leadership and management is relating. They take part in ensuring that such resources are available in an organization and that they are taken care of.
The external environment also forms part of the contemporary business environment. It is also known as the macro environment and it includes issues of economy, demography, legal political and the technological environment. (schedlitzki, 167) They are the factors that affect the operation of an organization and are outside the business. Leaders and managers should therefore make sure that such factors of the external environment are safeguarded. In the contemporary business environment, the other relationship between leadership and management is that, both are involved in strategic planning to ensure the success of the business. They take part in transforming the business so that it can keep in phase with the changing environment.
Recommendations for improvement.
Since proper operations management has contributed immensely to the increment of our sales, I therefore recommend that our organization improve in the following areas: the organization should adopt the new technology in the management of its business operations. For example, the leaders should adopt business processing Reengineering (BPR). This is a management strategy which is aimed at analyzing the design of the workflows and all business processes within our organization. This will improve the structure of our organization which will enable us achieve our key management operations. I also recommend that we adopt the lean manufacturing system. Through this process, we will be in a position to eliminate wastes through the whole processing processes. Since our customers’ tastes and references are gradually changing towards cleaned and hygienic foods and beverages, they will be in a position to enjoy quality products. We should also purchase the modern food preservation tools so as to prolong their durability. This is so due to the case of last month where up to one tone of fresh food stuffs went in to waste due to poor storage facilities. If those proposals I have recommended are adopted, then Gemak Food Processing Industry will raise to t he ceiling of country’s best food industry and we will be in a position to beat competition.