module specification

This module develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of leadership in the digital era.

The module begins with an introduction to the classical and traditional leadership theories for example Trait, Transactional, and then builds on this knowledge by developing an important perspective of more current theories e.g. transformational, ethical and authentic, this will provide a basis for an exploration of leadership in the digital era.

The module develops students’ knowledge of leadership theory and supports the development of their awareness of the importance and influence of leadership in business today. It will then discuss how leadership has developed over time and will bring students to an understanding of how conventional leadership has influenced businesses so far.

Students will then learn about the changing context and complexity of leading in the digital era. In this context they will analyse not only the types of businesses most usually associated with digitalisation e.g. Google/ Apple but also digital leadership in other sectors e.g retail, finance.

Students will demonstrate the understanding of the importance of using different digital tools e.g. platforms, in the new eco-system of digital leadership. Most students will be familiar with the platforms and tools that businesses use to engage their target audiences, employees, stakeholders and shareholders, in terms of social media, websites, digital marketing. As such this module aims to develop students’ knowledge further about business and leadership to enhance their understanding of the impact of the innovative, cutting-edge technologies that are driving business today e.g. virtual reality, artificial intelligence, analytics. They will learn that in order to lead effectively leaders must understand technology. As such they will be able to apply and integrate their knowledge from other modules on the BSc Digital Business Management at level 4 and level 5 modules e.g. Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Business.

With this sound understanding and knowledge students will then start developing their knowledge of leading in the digital era and the types of skills and competencies it demands from leaders. It will focus on understanding what digital leadership is e.g. the strategies, approaches, capabilities and competencies it requires.

Furthermore, students will learn how leaders’ behaviour influences others. Importantly they will learn about leading and managing teams in the digital era.

Students on this module will have opportunity to develop their self-reflection skills by using diagnostic tools to establish their own skill levels in relation to leading in the digital era.

None

The module is structured in 3 core learning areas,

(1) Traditional; contemporary and digital era leadership theory:
The initial part of the module aims to help students understand the nature of leadership; introduce core traditional and contemporary leadership theories and concepts and provide a basis on which to develop their conceptualisation of digital-era leadership LO1

(2) Context of leading in the digital-era
The second area will focus on the changing business context. It will explore the complexity of leading in the digital era. Students will have the opportunity to explore and analyse the nature of leadership in the digital era. To do this they will analyse a business or organisation and compare as well as contrast digital leadership with conventional leadership theories and approaches. Crucially they will identify and learn the new approaches which are essential for successful leadership in the digital era. To do this, in this section of the module, students will evaluate the importance of leaders using different digital tools e.g. platforms, social media, websites, digital marketing, VR and AI. LO2

(3) Student Reflexivity: Developing the reflective practitioner
Students on this module will have the opportunity to develop their own personal and professional self-reflection skills by using diagnostic tools to establish their own skill levels in relation to leading in the digital era. LO3

This module uses a combination of blended learning; Peer-to-peer and formative / summative learning and feedback as well as the opportunity for students’ to learn from industry experts. In addition students have the opportunity to develop their self-reflective learning.
The module consists of 3-hour direct contact time per week, which will include workshops, flipped classrooms, guided learning and peer-to-peer discussion groups. Throughout the module students will be guided and encouraged to reflect on how they can apply their new knowledge, skills and abilities to their own personal and professional self-development in terms of becoming a digital leader.

The use of key digital learning platforms will support students learning activities e.g. multimedia, social media, videos, digital, leadership questionnaires, student centred discussions, guest speakers and virtual lectures.  A strong student-centred focus means that concepts of action and experiential learning will be emphasised and students will be encouraged to focus on their own professional, creative experiences and observations of leadership in the workplace. 

Weblearn will be used for the dissemination of module material and it will also be used as an interactive mechanism between students and lecturers, for example, to direct students to particular readings or to provide news about the module or the module content. It will also be used for the timely provision of generic and individual feedback following formative and summative assessments.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate awareness, knowledge and understanding of traditional, contemporary and digital era leadership, including traits, competencies and behaviour.
LO2. Understand leadership within the digital business environment including communication and team leadership.
LO3. Demonstrate their personal self–reflection skills specifically in relation to leading in the digital era – by identifying their own strength and weaknesses in this area.

A1: Group presentation on leadership theory.

A2: Individual written assignment on topic provided by the module leader. 1000 words.

A3: Video case study analysis followed by individual written assignment on the video case study. 2000 words.

Textbooks:

Core Text:

           Northouse, P. (2018) Leadership: Theory and Practice. 8th edn. London: Sage.

Other Texts:

Flanding, J., Grabman, J. and Cox, S. (2019) The Technology Takers: Leading Change in the Digital Era. UK: Emerald. 

Gill, R. (2006) Theory and Practice of Leadership. London: Sage.

Grint. K. (2010) Leadreship: a very short introduction. Oxford: OUP.

Grint, K. (2000) The Arts of Leadership. Oxford: OUP.

Kouzes, J. M., and Posner, B. Z. (2008) The Leadership Challenge. 4th edn. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

Pedlar, M., Burgoyne, J., and Boydell, T. (2004) A Manager’s Guide to Leadership. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.

Journals:

Journal of Leadership Studies

Websites: Digital Marketing Institute/ Digital Leadership Institute

            Electronic Databases: to be provided in class/Weblearn

Social Media Source: to be provided in class/Weblearn