The module aims to:

Equip students with the necessary understanding, tools and techniques to be effective at developing, leading and managing project teams;

Provide students with the skills to lead, develop, and support project team members to do their job effectively, in the required time, at the required quality and cost;

Provide students with a range of theoretical and practical tools with which to identify, and critically analyse ethical problems arising during project development as well as effectively dealing with individuals’ wellbeing;

Equip students with the necessary knowledge to manage conflict between team members.

(LE1) Internationally aware.
Students will explore the global challenges for leadership and for leading across different national teams, contexts and frameworks.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role of the project manager and project teams and how these operate within organisations.

(LO2) Students will be able to understand and assess the need for development of team members and put in place appropriate development plans.

(LO3) Students will demonstrate the ability to use tools and techniques to help with leadership, development and control of teams in a local or international context.

(LO4) Students will be able to manage, interpret and critically examine conflict situations so that they have minimal impact on project progress.

(LO5) Students will demonstrate the ability to use tools and techniques to influence team working in order to optimise team performance.

(LO6) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of theory and empirical research findings published in recently published studies in this area of research.

(LRE1) Ethically aware.
Students will gain theoretical and practical tools with which to identify, analyse and evaluate ethical challenges within and affecting leadership practice. Students will develop self-awareness of their personal values and ethical beliefs.

(LRE2) A leader.
Students will be challenged to recommend solutions of conflicting issues within project teams.

(LRE3) A lifelong learner.
Students will develop research skills, and the ability to organise and analyse relevant information and apply theory to real-life situations.

(LRE4) A problem solver.
Students will develop problem solving skills by analysing case studies and their own work experience to consider how leadership theory and concepts could be used to enhance leadership practice.

(LRE5) IT literate.
The nature of the module in terms of online delivery will enable students to develop skills in using a virtual learning / communications environment.

(LRE6) An excellent verbal and written communicator.
Students will have the opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills through virtual group discussions, discussion boards, and individual assessment.

(LRE7) Organised and able to work under pressure.
This will be evident in the students’ independent management of their assignments and coursework and by meeting deadlines.

The module will be delivered over an 8-week period, primarily through a series of weekly e-lectures, covering key concepts, theories and case examples. These will be supported by individual online tasks, such as blogs, case studies, and discussion boards, which will be used to develop and apply learning. These activities will be moderated by the module instructor. Students will also be directed to key academic and practitioner readings to further develop their learning.

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 10 hours
Description: The e-Lectures will equate to 1.25 hours/week over 8 weeks undertaken asynchronously.
Attendance Recorded: Yes – tracked via the learning platform.

Students will also participate in eight weekly e-seminars where they will engage in peer discussion of key concepts and application to their own work contexts. Seminars will be conducted via a discussion board with input from the module instructor.

Unscheduled student hours: 8 hou rs
Description: The e-seminars will equate to 1 hour/week over 8 weeks undertaken asynchronously.
Attendance Recorded: Yes – tracked via the learning platform.

Self-directed learning hours: 132 hours
Description: This will involve directed and independent reading and research into leadership and management practices.

Leadership and people management in the context of effective project management – leadership traits, skills, and styles, nature of leadership: leadership v management, and the difference between tasks and relationships.

The contribution of individuals and teams in successful projects – the difference between groups and teams, and the impact of organisational structure and design.

Importance of teamwork - group dynamics and decision-making, psychological traps, and the characteristics of effective teams. Wellbeing and mental health of project management teams and individuals.

Managing and Inspiring Individuals – organisational power and politics, motivation theory, organisational culture, creating a vision and a constructive environment, diversity and inclusion, and listening to out group members.

Dealing with project team issues – managing conflict and principled negotiation.

Ethical leadership – why ethics is importan t, and how to be an ethical leader.

Leadership self-development – overcoming obstacles, and destructive leadership.