module specification

The module aims to develop your critical awareness of the people dimension of teamwork and leadership. It will look at the role soft skills play in the successful leading and managing of a team and individuals, and how these can help you build and maintain a successful and focused project team. It will address how to distinguish between different types of change projects and propose techniques in leading teams to achieve success.

Assessment choice is available, including the option to undertake the role of a Peer Assisted Learning Coach, providing support to a Level 4 or 5 student over a period within the semester.

The knowledge gained will enable the student to develop strategies to form and maintain integrated project teams. 

By the end of the module, you should be able to demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of:

• soft and hard skills
• soft skills in teamwork and leadership
• stakeholder management
• team selection
• change management
• building inclusive teams
• the role of corporate social responsibility in the Built Environment
• managing conflict

The module syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in the management of risk and change. Topics will include:

• Ethical approaches to building and leading teams (LO1,3)
• Soft skills (LO2,4)
• Team Dynamics (LO2,3,4)
• Leadership and motivation (LO2,4)
• Change Management (LO2,3,4)
• Stakeholder Management (LO1,2)
• Team Selection (LO2,3)
• Inclusivity, ethics, and leadership (LO1,3)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (LO3)
• Resolving conflicts (LO2)

A blended and technology-enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, seminars, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Workshops and seminars will be held in which students will engage in discussions about topical areas around construction project delivery and project management within the Built Environment and wider sectors. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of team building and collaboration within the framework of the existing project management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice.

Problem-based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem that is complex and with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities. Staff will act as facilitators throughout the activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module, student outputs will be reviewed and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

Students will reflect on their learning which will contribute towards their online Professional Development Journals (PDJ).

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. reflect on what professionalism means to an individual and the wider society.
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques available to lead and manage individuals and teams.
3. relate the contribution that cultural diversity, and inclusive and ethical practice makes to successful teamwork and leadership.
4. demonstrate an understanding of the role that soft skills play in teamwork and leadership.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books that cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the online reading list below:

SU6053 Inclusive Teamwork and Leadership | London Metropolitan University