Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module BUSI47O15: Leadership (ONLINE)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI47O15: Leadership (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None.
Tied to N2K507
Tied to N5K407
Tied to N1N107
Tied to N6K207

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Leadership (Taught)

Aims

  • To explore the nature of leadership and key issues in how it is conceptualised, practised, assessed and developed
  • To consider how leadership and followership are a pervasive part of human society and affect and involve everybody
  • To examine critically key theories of leadership, their contribution and limitations, and their practical application
  • To consider six core themes and practices of effective leadership
  • To examine critically the multiple ‘intelligences’ of leadership
  • To provide insight into how to enhance personal effectiveness as a leader

Content

  • The nature and importance of leadership in human society
  • Leadership characteristics and behaviour: self-assessment and review
  • Leadership and followership
  • Leadership and management
  • Leadership and change
  • Hierarchical, sectoral and cultural similarities and differences in leadership
  • Key theories of leadership: their contribution, limitations and practical application
  • Six core themes and practices of effective leadership: vision, purpose, values, strategy, empowerment and engagement
  • The multiple intelligences of leadership
  • Are leaders born or made? The assessment and development of leadership
  • Leadership brand: sustaining leadership excellence

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module students should have:
  • A critical understanding of the nature of leadership and how it is conceptualised, practised, assessed and developed
  • An appreciation of how leadership and followership are a pervasive part of human society and affect and involve everybody
  • A critical understanding of key theories of leadership, their contribution and limitations, and their practical application
  • A grounded understanding of the core themes and practices of effective leadership
  • A critical understanding of the multiple ‘intelligences’ of leadership
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should be able to:
  • Explain how leadership is conceptualised, practised, assessed and developed
  • Contribute effectively to the leadership of organisational change programmes
  • Effectively use their learning about leadership and enhance their personal skills and effectiveness as a leader
  • Assess and develop the leadership behaviour and potential of others
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of organisational leadership development programmes
Key Skills:
  • In addition, students will have had the opportunity to further develop the following key skills:
  • Effective written communication skills
  • Planning, organising and time-management skills
  • Problem solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to use initiative
  • Advanced skills in the interpretation of data
  • Advanced computer-literacy skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered via online learning across a six month period, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written report based on an analysis of a leadership case or topic 3,000 words 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University