2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5596M Strategic Change and Leadership

15 creditsClass Size: 36

Module manager: Dr Navneet Agnihotri
Email: N.Agnihotri@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides critical understanding of the concepts, frameworks and approaches for the effective management of strategic change and its leadership. It explores drivers and challenges of strategic change in the organisational context as well as approaches for successful implementation of various change interventions. The leadership actions and capabilities that are required in the process of transforming organisations will be explored in detail. The module places an emphasis on the importance of adhering to ethical/authentic leadership practices in managing change by drawing on contemporary research in this area. A mixture of activities, case studies and group discussions will encourage students to critically appreciate strategic change management in contemporary organisations and equip them with the skills and knowledge required of leaders in complex, unpredictable and fast-changing business environment.

Objectives

The complexity of business operations, rapid pace of technological innovation, and globalisation of businesses have put the leadership of organisational change at centerstage. In strategic change, it is the capability of leaders who lead the organisation that determines the success or failure of a new strategy. This module explores the role of leadership in managing deliberate strategic change and the issues that are critical in transforming organisations effectively. In this module, critical contemporary approaches will be followed, that seek to reframe theory and practice through encouraging more ethical, enduring and engaging ways of researching, conceptualising and practising strategic change and leadership.
This module also explores the underlying assumptions and expectations about organisational change and leadership and ways in which these have influenced its practice. Through a mixture of lectures, case studies and group discussions, we will encourage students to reflect critically on the nature and purpose of strategic long-term change and its leadership.

Learning outcomes
1. Evaluate and appreciate a range of theories and perspectives on strategic change and leadership
2. Critically evaluate the potential impact of these theories and perspectives on organisational change management practices and change leadership
3. Demonstrate an open-minded curiosity in thinking about strategic organisational issues and skills required by organisational leaders in effective management of such issues and challenges
4. Show an appreciation of how contextual and other organisational factors influence leadership, determine success of change initiatives and impact managerial performance
5. Engage in critical reflection and ethical debate on change leadership in the light of new theoretical and practical insights
6. Demonstrate personal skills in undertaking independent research and reading; articulate a convincing argument in writing; and engage in active debate about leadership and change practices in varied organisations

Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

Subject specific skills
- apply concepts and frameworks on which models of strategic change are built that include the nature/type of change, phases in change process and outcomes of change initiatives
- evaluate and debate perspectives on leadership approach to change and key actions required by organisational leaders in sponsoring and implementing strategic plans
- identify and evaluate leadership capabilities required in creating, communicating and managing the strategic direction for an organisation
- assess leadership capabilities and actions that help in developing an organisation culture that supports both day-to-day and long-term organisational change

Transferable skills
- Develop understanding of assessing and differentiating strategic initiatives and plans
- Build competence to understand, analyse and differentiate leadership styles and behaviours
- Develop ability to plan, communicate and work independently
- Reflect on their own leadership abilities and preferences

Syllabus

The module will primarily be taught through 10 x 2-hour workshop format that will include lecture/ discussions and student led activities. Key syllabus concepts for the workshops are elaborated below. The workshops will be intensive and interactive.

Indicative Syllabus
- Challenge of change – enablers and impediments associated with organisational change
- Understanding strategic change, including the strategic planning process
- Context of change leadership – contemporary issues
- Role of managers and leaders in the change process
- Leadership actions, styles and development of leadership capabilities
- Leadership and culture of change
- Impact and influence of leadership on organisational results and performance

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			130.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will be provided with readings and workshop tasks, in advance, for each session and will be expected to spend 4 hours a week preparing for the workshops and non-assessed presentations in classes. A further 5 hours a week are expected to be spent on additional readings, using the reading list and core text provided for the module. 40 hours of work are expected to prepare and write the coursework.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided to the students on group-work activities during module workshops. This will be largely in the form of inputs shared by the faculty to the group of students working on case study analysis, video-debriefing and class presentations.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	3,000 word assignment	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit is by 3,000 word assignment for 100% of the module mark

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/08/2024 11:44:42

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