2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5868M Tackling Global Challenges

15 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Dr Jonathan Muir
Email: j.muir@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Apr to 31 Jul View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

Globally, business and society are constantly changing with a number of particularly prominent factors influencing the situation e.g. climate change, demographics, healthcare provision, advancements in technology, geopolitics, supply of commodities (water, land, food, energy). The module provides students with the opportunity to focus on selected global trends/challenges, draw on expertise and knowledge from a variety of disciplinary/academic perspectives and develop a critical insight into the current situation and future scenarios. Through this students are able to identify potential threats and opportunities for business and society and propose suitable actions/measures. Going beyond this the module will also seek to challenge students understanding of the current systems addressing a number of fundamental issues e.g. what is the role/purpose of business in society, the role of business and business leaders as change agents, our individual influence/impact on society as change agents.

Learning outcomes
Knowledge outcomes:

Upon completion of this module participants will be able to critique theories and trends in relation to:
1. Select business/societal macro level trends/challenges
2. The potential impact of the selected trends/challenges
3. Current business practices, systems, the role of leadership and employees

Academic skills outcomes:

4. Critically evaluate both micro and macro trends within a socially responsible environment
5. Apply appropriate tools/techniques to evaluate the impact of certain trends/challenges at a macro business level and within specific sectors/organisations
6. Construct a reasoned, evidence based, analysis on the prominent threats and opportunities associated with selected trends/challenges
7. Devise a strategy for how an organisation(s) may effectively address the threats and/or opportunities identified
8. Critically evaluate the current system(s), along with the role and responsibilities of business, business leaders and employees

Workplace skills outcomes:

9. Develop a critical insight into the potential impact of selected macro trends/challenges on the participants organisation
10. The development of an organisational strategy outlining how the organisation may effectively address the threats and/or opportunities identified taking into account and critiquing current business practices, systems, the role of leaders and employees

Interpersonal skills outcomes:

11. Capacity to formulate and assess strategic plans in the context of complex environments taking into account PESTEL related factors
12. The development strategy(s) drawing on incomplete and diverse data
13. The ability to work as part of a team and effectively distil and communicate key concepts and theories
14. Critical awareness of the interconnected nature of systems within business and society

Skills outcomes
Successful students of the module will evidence:

Subject specific skills:
- Critically evaluate the relevant tools and strategies applicable to organisations
- Construct a strategy to address the threats and opportunities identified so that possible solutions can be found

Transferable skills:
- Develop written and oral communication skills
- Analyse case study materials and make constructive recommendations based on the evidence
- Critique the research materials and reflect upon the process of learning within a group setting
- Utilise the technology to produce a professional group presentation

Syllabus

This module will focus on a trend(s)/challenge(s) impacting on global business and society (e.g. climate change, demographics, advancements in technology, geopolitics, supply of commodities (water, land, food, energy). The module’s indicative content will include:

1. Factors precipitating selected challenges/trends to business and society
2. Tools and frameworks for assessing current/future trends (e.g. scenario analysis/planning, systems dynamics and feedback loops)
3. The implications for business in relation to the challenges identified
4. Organisational and individual roles and responsibility in meeting the challenge(s) identified
5. Current business systems suitability

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Directed Study	3	1.50	4.50
Group learning	6	3.00	18.00
Lecture	6	2.00	12.00
Independent online learning hours			15.50
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			34.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Prior to attending the on campus teaching students will engage with a variety of resources (independent online learning) hosted on the module Miverva site. These resources (film, module leader text, textbook readings, journal papers, case studies) will provide key information on the nature of the module, the particular trend(s) that will form the basis of the module and a selection of the theories and tool students will engage with during the module. During and subsequent to the on campus teaching students will engage with additional resources made available via the module Minerva site and through other sources i.e. University library. These resources will enable students to further their understanding and help them complete the summative assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The on campus teaching will incorporate a series of case studies/scenarios. Students will be required to critically assess the cases/scenarios and then outline key issues and/or potential options/solutions via formative presentations, group reports and discussion. These measures will enable formative feedback during the on campus teaching. Further formative feedback on relevant cases/scenarios and the issues associated with the summative assessment will also be available through a series of live online tutorials/workshops delivered after the on campus teaching.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	Group report, 3,500 words	70.00
Oral Presentation	Group presentation, 17 minutes	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Group report set during online preparatory work, prior to module start. Submission 5 weeks after on-campus teaching. Oral presentation set during online preparatory work, 1 week prior to module start. Due first day of on-campus teaching. For students who fail the group assignment, the resit will be a 2,100 word individual assignment (scenario planning and the impact of sustainability within/on a select organisation). The presentation and group project will be subject to peer assessment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:41:53

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