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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an ability to analyse, evaluate and reflect on issues relevant for
professional practice and a critical awareness of the importance of being a reflective learner and a business practitioner.
Critically review a range of leadership models, theories and concepts and evaluate their effectiveness.
Demonstrate awareness of their leadership development needs and formulate a plan to address these.
Think critically and analytically, to demonstrate espousal of professional values by connecting theory and practice.
Use effective search techniques to find relevant, reliable information,reference sources in the appropriate referencing style for their subject area.
This module will introduce apprentices on the senior leader level 7 apprenticeship to the apprenticeship programme. They will look at the programme from two perspectives. Firstly, they will be introduced to level seven academic study skills in order to assist them to gain an understanding of business research; academic reading, writing and referencing and reflective practice. Secondly they will critically analyse the knowledge skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standards (which can be found here Senior leader apprenticeship) and understand what key competencies they will be expected to achieve through the programme to meet the requirement of the apprenticeship End Point Assessment. These two themes will be underpinned by discussion on leadership and how the outcome of the programme is to develop the learners to become responsible, ethical leaders. The modules have been developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In particular goal 4 (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all) and goal 9 ( build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation). Key topics include:
Study Skills
The apprentices will be introduced to the importance of study skills and will cover topics such as how to use the library and electronic resources, planning, note taking, building your references and avoiding plagiarism. Communication skills related to essay and report writing, delivering presentations and being a successful participant in debates and classroom/online discussions will be developed. How to be successful in managing time and stress will also be a feature of this module. Learning activities aim to make participants independent and reflective students. Other key topic in this section will be the importance of critical thinking; work based learning and negotiated learning.
Apprenticeship portfolio development
Throughout the apprenticeship, the learners are required to build evidence of progress towards competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) listed in the apprenticeship standards. The apprentices will undertake a gap analysis of the KSBs and will be introduced to the content of each topic and ways in which the KSBs could be achieved. The learners will be expected to create a personal development plan.
Leadership
The theoretical part of the module will focus on the critical overview of traditional approaches to leadership, such as trait, situational and process theories, as well as wide-ranging consideration of new approaches, which conceptualise leadership as separate from authority and management, such as Shared/Distributed Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Narrative Leadership. A critical analysis of ethical and values based leadership and principles of corporate social responsibility which underpins organisational strategy will be expected.
The criteria of the QAA Subject benchmark statement for Master’s Degrees in Business and Management will be delivered throughout the Senior Leader Apprenticeship (with the exception of marketing, which is included in the MBA top-up module). The list of topics is below and full details can be found in the QAA website.
- markets: the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
- marketing and sales: different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales, and the need for innovation in product and service design.
- customers and stakeholders: customer expectations, service and orientation
- finance: the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications
- people: strategic and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements, people development, HR systems
- operations: the management of resources and operations including the supply chain, procurement, logistics, quality systems, and project management
- information systems and business intelligence: the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations; tools and techniques for transforming (big) data into useful
- information for business analysis and decision support
- communications: the comprehension and use of relevant communications for
- application in business and management, including the use of digital tools
- digital business: the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology is reshaping traditional revenue and
- business models, associated risk management
- business innovation: creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property
- globalisation: growth of international business, inter-cultural perspectives
- strategic management: the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment, strategic risk management and issues of compliance
- leadership and management of people within organisations: leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation.
The sessions will be organised in 58-hour teaching blocks. The delivery of the induction will be incorporated into the delivery. Lectures will deliver core theoretical frameworks, followed by tutorials and personal exercises for reflection and development. Tutorials will be designed to support learners to be self-directed in additional research and with particular emphasis on research within their own employing organisation.
The module will make use of case studies and developing business trends and so the nature of the topics and exercises will vary. Learners will be provided with, and/or directed to, relevant reading and additional questions/ exercises to support their progress through the module material.
This module will make use of a range of teaching and learning strategies assisting learners with developing their skills as reflective and critical learners. Learners will engage in their learning at both the university and within their workplace which will create an opportunity for them to focus on positive actions and behaviours and develop skills of self-awareness. Debates and critical reflection will be employed to stimulate student interest. Students will work in groups to develop their understanding of trends and academic theories. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and be involved in formative peer assessment of each other work. Students will also be encouraged to take part in on-line discussion groups. On-line quizzes and resources will be drawn upon to support students’ learning. All learning will be supportive to foster increased self-confidence.
Lectures
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Guided independent study
Hours: 60
Further details relating to assessment
The focus of all the module on the programme will be work based learning and negotiated learning.
Module Coordinator - Carl Hartford
Level - 7
Credit Value - 10
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7AP7AP7AP