GSZ553 Business Leadership Practicum


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Unit Outline: Flexible Period - AB 2024, Online (Start Date: 20 Jan 2024)

Unit code:GSZ553
Credit points:6
Pre-requisite:GSZ415
Equivalent:GSN553
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit gives the opportunity to develop advanced leadership insights derived from observations of, and strategic conversations with, a proven executive level leader from a government or corporate organisation over an extended period. This highly experiential unit provides an exchange of ideas relating to emerging, contemporary leadership issues and practices between you, your allocated Executive Advisor (EA) and your broader cohort and enable participants to build and reflect on their knowledge of leadership frameworks and real world leadership behaviours gained while undertaking the EMBA. The practicum is positioned to build on an Executive Coaching program and run parallel to other final phase EMBA units. By drawing upon their experiences and discussions within the leadership practicum, students have significant opportunities to prepare for and explore the responsibilities, challenges and issues relevant to their personal journey as executive leaders.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse the organisational issues and the decision-making processes used by an executive in a real-world context, drawing on the strategic conversations with your executive advisor. HO 2.1, SEC 5.2
  2. Critique leadership and decision making theories to determine the application and limitations of the theories to real-world working environments. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
  3. Determine suitable strategies and practical techniques for dealing with emerging problems and opportunities through synthesizing learning from a number of different disciplines in the EMBA program. HO 2.2
  4. Reflect upon executive decision making processes and the ethical implications of their personal leadership styles and behaviours. KS 1.1 SL 4.1, SEC 5.1
  5. Understand and be able to apply the principles of reflective practice as they relate to leadership decision making. KS 1.1, SL 4.1, SL 4.2

Content

  • Executive level leadership decision making approaches in action
  • Building an effective relationship with your executive advisor
  • Developing your leadership capability through reflective practice.

Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive) 
 
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment: 
 
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS) 
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice. 
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments. 
 
Higher Order Thinking (HO) 
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.  
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments. 
 
Professional Communication (PC) 
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences. 
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences. 
 
Self and Leadership (SL) 
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice. 
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action. 
 
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC) 
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments. 
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts. 

Learning Approaches

This unit adopts a blended learning approach and as such, includes a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

Intensive face-to-face class sessions and/or webinars are the primary methods of teaching this unit. Readings and a range of digital materials that are designed to support and extend learning prior to, during and after class sessions available in the unit Canvas site supplements the classes and/or webinars. Where appropriate, social media tools and forums will be used to extend learning and build connections with students outside the class or webinar sessions. Given the importance of the unit Canvas site to the teaching and learning strategy used in this unit, a computer or tablet device with internet access is strongly recommended for all students.

It is expected that once matched with an Executive Advisor (EA) that students will actively manage this relationship and are responsible for scheduling and participating in regular interactions with their EAs.

The principal purpose of the lectures and readings is to build upon the key concepts that were introduced through the Preparation for Class activities and readings. The purpose of the experiential learning tasks and all assessment tasks is to help the student develop their understanding of the concepts and enable them to be applied within a range of business contexts.

There is an expectation that the student will participate in class sessions, to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss important issues with their instructor and their peers in an informal environment. These sessions also provide students with an opportunity to hone important generic skills that are in high demand in the business.

It is expected that students have completed all Preparation for Class activities and readings identified in the unit Canvas site prior to coming to class to be able to maximise the learning opportunities of the class sessions.

A variety of learning activities designed to engage students in their learning will be incorporated into the lectures/workshops. Such learning activities may include short lectures, class discussions, debates, role plays, group work, guest speakers, student presentations, simulations, case study analysis, videos, readings, wikis, media/current events reports, web searches, etc.

There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered. Students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them and will be encouraged to share their experiences related to this unit with the class to enrich the overall learning experience of all students.

Expanding the awareness of Australian management policies and practices into intercultural and international perspectives is fostered within this unit. Typically, students enrolling in this unit have extremely varied backgrounds. There is diversity of professional background and socio-cultural background. Students are reminded that this is to their advantage and they have much to learn from one another. To this end, students are strongly encouraged to be sensitive to cultural, gender-related and international issues.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:

  • Informal Feedback provided by the academic during class sessions and through the peer coaching sessions during the course of the practicum. Conversations with the Executive Advisor will also provide the opportunity for informal feedback.
  • Formal Feedback will be provided on Assessment task 1 by the academic. The Executive Advisors may provide formal feedback at the mid-way point and towards the end of the practicum and will prepare a brief report comprising of a checklist and written comments.
  • Direct Feedback will be provided by the academic should a student request a private consultation

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Presentation

Working in a group you will collectively analyse your various EAs' approaches to leadership in-action observed by you in your interactions with them. The group will be required to identify similarities and differences in approach between each of the group's EAs and to determine the extent to which these approaches align with leadership theories. The presentation is expected to focus on the interaction of context, values, and personality in the practice of executive leadership and the extent to which leadership theory informs this practice.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SL (4.1, 4.2), SEC (5.1)

Weight: 40
Length: Presentation: 15 minutes & 15 minute Q&A + Handout: 1,000 words including graphics
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): As timetabled
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 4, 5

Assessment: Report with Reflective Journal

You will be required to critically analyse and reflect on executive level leadership practices observed and discussed with your executive advisor during the practicum, drawing upon contemporary theoretical frameworks and principles relating to executive level leadership and decision-making processes in action.

Drawing on your reflective journal your report is likely to include an analysis of how the knowledge gained through the Practicum has impacted upon your considerations of executive leadership and decision making, making appropriate reference to the synthesis of ideas, experiences and knowledge gained from across the Executive MBA.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SEC (5.2)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 60
Length: 2,500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): As timetabled
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 5

Assessment: Executive Advisors Report

The Executive Advisor will be required to complete an Executive Advisors Report on two occasions to provide feedback to the student against key criteria of:

  1. Engagement and motivation
  2. Professionalism
  3. Critical thinking
  4. Reflective practice
  5. Communication skills
  6. Leadership development

Formative or Summative: Formative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): N/A as this is a report completed by the Executive Advisor.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 0
Length: 2 - 3 pages
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): As timetabled
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

Practicum Handbook

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO3, Report with Reflective Journal

KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Report with Reflective Journal

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: Report with Reflective Journal

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: Presentation

SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding

Relates to: ULO4, Presentation

SE (5.2): Global, Cultural and Social Responsibility

Relates to: ULO1, Report with Reflective Journal

SL (4.1): Personal Leadership, Accountability and Reflective Practice

Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Presentation

SL (4.2): Leading and Developing Teams

Relates to: ULO5, Presentation

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

GS50 Executive Master of Business Administration

  1. Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles underpinned by a systems thinking framework to respond to global, complex real-world challenges.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Report with Reflective Journal
  2. Apply knowledge and skills to identify, interpret and critically reflect upon the social and cultural influences and impacts of personal, executive level and organisational actions and decision-making in organisational, local, national and global contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Report with Reflective Journal
  3. Critically analyse, interpret, evaluate and synthesise complex data, research, theoretical knowledge, ideas and situations to lead and support decision-making in global complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation
  4. Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for strategic leadership in global complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO3, Report with Reflective Journal
  5. Demonstrate advanced professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: Report with Reflective Journal
  6. Demonstrate advanced professional oral communication skills and media to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking and to engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders to achieve a strategic outcome.
    Relates to: Presentation
  7. Demonstrate reflective practice, foresight, self-awareness and personal accountability and the flexibility to adapt leadership style to achieve personal and organisational outcomes in complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Presentation
  8. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to lead and foster innovative teams using approaches that value and leverage diversity to maximise team and organisational performance.
    Relates to: ULO5, Presentation
  9. Apply knowledge and skills of responsible organisational governance, legal and business practices to make executive level ethical business decisions in organisational and local, national and global contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Presentation