LO 1: Understand and critically evaluate contemporary theories and models of management and leadership

Module code and title:  

MG629 - Developing Leadership & Management Skill

February cohort  

Module leader:  

Assignment No. and type:  

Coursework 1: Report: 2,500word report analysing the role of leadership in organisational change.  

Assessment weighting:  

70%  

Submission time and date:  

Sunday 13th April 2025 before 2.00 pm.   

Target feedback time and date:   

3 weeks after submission deadline

The Purpose  

This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of leadership in organisational change, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and manage change effectively in their professional lives. It will explore and analyse the critical role of leadership in navigating and managing significant organizational changes. By examining a real-world example of an organisation that has undergone substantial transformation, the assignment aims to illustrate how leadership strategies can effectively address resistance, engage stakeholders, and facilitate successful change implementation. This module will be assessed through a business report which will explore and analyse the critical role of leadership in navigating and managing significant organizational changes, through applying key models and theories.   

Understanding the different roles of leadership and management is an important skillset for business school graduates to have in their toolkit, as one size does not fit all.  Knowing which style to use, where and when, is part of developing your junior executive capabilities.    

The Context  

In the contemporary business world, change is constant and inevitable. Organisations must adapt to shifts in the market, technological advancements, mergers and acquisitions, and evolving cultural dynamics to maintain their competitive edge. As a management student, you are expected to understand that leaders play a crucial role in steering these transformations, requiring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage change effectively. Therefore, it is essential for you to develop effective leadership skills to guide transitions, manage resistance, and ensure stakeholder engagement. 

You will Identify an organisation that has undergone significant change (e.g., restructuring, merger, closure, redundancy, liquidation, or cultural transformation).

Case Study

In recent past in the UK the acquisition of Reynolds American by British American Tobacco was a landmark deal in the tobacco industry, providing strategic advantages to BAT and reshaping the market dynamics. The long-term success of this acquisition would hinge on effective integration, innovation in next-generation products, and adaptive strategies to regulatory changes. 

The Task: Using the case study above, write a 2,500-word report to Analyse the role of leadership in managing this change, including strategies used to overcome resistance and engage stakeholders.

This 2,500-word (+/-10%) report should have a front cover with a clear title, your student ID number and word count, an executive summary of no more than 250 words; a contents page; and a maximum of 4 pages of appendices are allowable. Note, the words used in these pages are not included in the word count. All words appearing in tables, charts and diagrams are also not included in the word count.  There should be a minimum of 15 references from reputable sources and referenced using the Harvard system used to support your analysis.   

Key independent learning activities, employability skills and stretch activities:  

• Comprehend different leadership styles and the difference between leadership and management using theory and models appropriate to the task.
• Analyse real-world cases of organisational change to understand the role of leadership in different contexts
• Demonstration of research and analytical skills
• Engage with scholarly articles, books, and industry reports on leadership theories, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop the ability to lead and manage teams through complex organisational changes
• Improve verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and engage stakeholders
• Strengthen critical thinking skills to analyse situations, evaluate options, and make informed decision.
• Apply analytical techniques to assess the impact of change initiatives
• Conduct research using, but not limited to field observation, archival research, e-research to develop deeper insight into organisation that has undergone significant change (e.g., restructuring, merger, or cultural transformation).
• Demonstrate junior executive level professionalism knowledge, skills and behaviours in your analysis.    
• Write a professional management report to analyse your findings. 

If you are registered with the Disability and Inclusion Services or have a disability, please contact your module leader to discuss how your reasonable adjustments will be applied to this assignment.

This assignment has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your achievement of the following module learning outcomes:  

LO 1: Understand and critically evaluate contemporary theories and models of management and leadership.  

LO 3: Analyse the significance and impact of leadership performance in relation to overall business performance.  

Practicalities: Referencing, presenting and submitting your work  

Please see your programme handbook for information on the standard referencing style, presentational requirements and process for submitting your work.  

Confidentiality You are expected to take responsibility for maintaining and managing confidentiality issues in your work. You should maintain and respect confidentiality in relation to the protection of personal, technical and/or commercial information of a sensitive nature in your assessed work, whatever the format.   

For further information and guidance, please see the relevant section in your programme handbook.   

Academic integrity   

Academic integrity means taking responsibility for your own work.   

When you submit an assignment, you are making a declaration that it is your own work and that you have acknowledged the contribution of others and their ideas in its development (for example, by referencing them appropriately). LO 1: Understand and critically evaluate contemporary theories and models of management and leadership.

For further information and guidance, please see the University website:

https://www.bnu.ac.uk/currentstudents/registry-helpdesk-and-academic-advice/academic-integrity-andmisconduct