Assignment on Strategic Leadership and Organisational Transformation

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria specific to this assignment:

1.Critically examine and assess the contribution of leadership and management theory to strategic leadership styles and practice and appraise a range of tools, models and theoretical concepts concerned with the process of managing change.

2.Critically evaluate organisations ethical and value-based approaches to leadership and apply aspects of strategic leadership and management practice and impact on organisational effectiveness within a global context.

3.Consider, identify and critically evaluate change/transformation processes in organisations taking into account organisational dynamics, culture and human dimensions in transforming and managing change including the impact leadership strategies on organisational direction.

4.Recommend and justify appropriate change models/strategies and leadership strategy appropriate to manage change, reactions to and resistance to change.

This module is about leadership at strategic level and the role of transformational leaders as catalysts for change in their organisations and whole industries. The module therefore focuses on two but clearly intertwined elements of strategic leadership and organisational transformation.  

By studying this module, you should acquire a better understanding of their own leadership, or of the leadership in places of work and the changes that could take place in order to create a more effective leadership. Understanding of the concepts is achieved predominantly but not exclusively through the use of case study material. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.

It is envisaged that students will work in self-formed teams of 4 – 6 multinational students over the duration of this module. It is expected that each team negotiates roles for its team members. This will allow each student to develop a number of management / leadership skills that can be transferrable for use in other modules on the course and are essential in the workplace. It is envisaged that individuals will work as part of a team, undertaking the tasks that will be given throughout the module. The team work devised in response to these tasks will lead to you gaining formative feedback for your individual development.

Assessment

There are two forms of assessment that will be used during the module. On a frequent basis, you will gain verbal ‘formative feedback’ which will be derived to aid your learning. This feedback is not recorded against your student record, but is to be used by you to improve your work further. The second form of feedback is ‘summative’ assessment and will be the grade and feedback gained from the work you will submit at the end of the module.

Teamwork and Staffing

As an individual, you will electronically submit a two-part report comprising of (i) a critical review of academic material (1,000 words) and (ii) a critical appraisal, evaluation and justification of change within an International organisation (2,000 words).

Part 1: Critical Review of academic material

The first part of the module focuses on strategic leadership and management by examining the evolving nature of leadership and how transformational leaders lead their organisations. This part of the module explores leadership needs and the appropriate leadership style among other things. There will also be focus on leadership qualities and styles which will encourage students to reflect on their own development as leaders on the international stage. A few models, theories and perspectives of leadership are explored including Leadership style and the relationship with situational factors; Critical components of strategic leadership; Leadership development, styles, motivations and competencies. It is suggested that this Part is completed by Week 6.

Part 2: Critical appraisal, evaluation and justification of change within an International organisation

The second part of the module aims to help students develop an understanding of the concept of organisational transformation and change and to be able to reflect critically on current debates about the extent to which organisations may be manipulated or transformed.  You will study a range of tools, models and theoretical concepts concerned with the process of managing change and learn to apply this learning in a case study context.  This part of the module also aims to develop your appreciation of the human dimension of change initiatives and the strategic role of leaders, paying particular attention to the emotional impact of organisational change and enable student to consider change leadership behaviours at an international level using appropriate conceptual and practical tools.  The nature of change management and the impact of organisational dynamics, power and culture on the strategic change programme are also explored. (2,000 words)

To aid you for this section, it is strongly suggested that you keep an academic diary, from the first day of your studies within Birmingham City Business School. This will enable you to better plan your studies / research

Both parts in the report need to be attempted to achieve a pass overall – you cannot pass this module by submitting less than the two specified parts.

This assignment is to be submitted as one document, as a Word file – any other format uploaded is classed as a non-submission

Assessment

Include a title page on your Individual Report, including:

the name of the assessment (Individual Report), your name, your student id, module name (Strategic Leadership and Organisational Transformation), module code (MAN7068), your lecturer, and your submission date. Following this, you are to include -

Part 1 – Critical Review of academic material

Part 2 – Critical appraisal, evaluation and justification of change within an International organisation (2,000 words)

Final suggestions

- The assignment should be word processed and double line spaced. Do not (ever) use bullet points (except on PowerPoint slides!)

- Use Arial size 11 point (this font and size) for your assignments.

- State the word count used in two parts as stated above.

- On each sheet, ensure you have page numbers in the format ‘Page x of y’ – see the footer in this assignment brief for an example.

- All work (Part 1, Part 2 and References pages) should be referenced in Harvard style format – there are hand-outs available on-line at the Library website if you are unsure about this.

- Do not use Wikipedia, Google, Googlebooks or Yahoo – the former is not peer assessed and the work is unreliable and the latter are search engines. Do not rely too heavily on Internet sources. There is no need for a contents page.

- Do use contemporary academic text books and academic journal articles (newspapers are not articles); use post-year 2010 academic work.

University Regulations

The word limit is for your coursework assignment, and does not cover material which is submitted as an appendix. Material submitted as an appendix provides background for your coursework, but it will not be marked unless specified in the brief. Also, it is important that you cross-refer between the main text of your assignment and any appendices, in order to demonstrate the linkage, and that the Appendices do not constitute additional material unrelated to that included in the body of your assignment. If you do not refer to this work in the Appendix, then this included work in the Appendices are not marked.

Your References page will not be included in the word count, but where you quote within the assignment (e.g. Smith and Jones (2010) identified that…) will be included in the word count.

Since your work is submitted in electronic format, you are required to declare the number of words used in your assignment. Your work will not be marked without this declaration. All coursework will be checked for adherence to the word limit.

If you produce less than or exceed the word limit by up to 10%, no action will be taken, though you may receive adverse feedback. If you produce less than or exceed the stipulated word count by more than 10%, a deduction of the mark awarded will be made to reflect that you have not met the assessment requirements.