Module: Leadership & Career Development

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Leadership & Career Development
Module Code	MNA1081 (ITS: HR559)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The key purpose of this module is to encourage students to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and help them to develop a range of definable skills which are pivotal to successful management practice and to effective leadership in particular. Additionally the module provides students with the opportunity to engage in effective career planning through a range of exercises and activities. Students will develop knowledge and skills in relation to analysing career trajectories, market place trends and researching, assessing and evaluating potential employment opportunities in their specific discipline of Human Resource Management. The module places a central emphasis on the key activities of personal development planning and reflective practice. Students are expected to attend weekly lectures and participate in class discussions and activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Examine the concept of and reasons for continuing professional development
2. Identify critical skills and abilities that are required for successful careers as managers and professionals in a business environment
3. Examine leadership, styles of leadership and their own leadership style and potential
4. Develop an essential people management skill set including self-management, decision making, problem solving and interpersonal competencies
5. Assess and evaluate potential employment opportunities following completion of their programme of study
6. Develop self awareness and understanding through personal development planning and reflective practice

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly lecture, incorporating guest speakers
Group work	25	Preparation for and completion of group project and presentation
Independent Study	76	Completion of personal portfolio, career planning exercises and reflective journal
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12061	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Patrick Flood	Module Teacher	Claire Gubbins, Jennifer Kennedy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Group presentation based on written project	15%	Sem 2 End
Group project	Written research project: analysis of career opportunities	25%	Week 10
Portfolio	Portfolio of self-development exercises	15%	Other
Assignment	Personal development and career planning: DCU Career Service	20%	Other
Reflective journal	Reflecting on the experience of preparing the portfolio	25%	Other

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Managing Yourself and Understanding Success
An introduction to continuing professional development and personal development planning; establishing your vision of success; goal setting

Leadership and Change
Leaership and change in turbulent times; effective leadership

Reflective Practice
The art of reflection; techniques for reflection; recording reflection

Career Planning and Development
Researching, assessing and evaluating potential employment opportunities; identifying your individual strengths and weaknesses and strategies for professional success

Time and Project Management
Effective and efficient time management skills and techniques

Presentation Skills
How to deliver a winning presentation; delivery do's and don't; general tips and techniques; handling questions

Managing Personal Stress
Understanding the nature of stress; diagnosing your stress levels; strategies for managing and eliminating stress

Effective Communication
Tips and techniques for effective verbal communication

Motivating Others
The nature of motivation; motivation and the manager

Teamwork and Group Effectiveness
Diagnosing your teamworking skills and ability; solving inter-group conflict

Problem Solving and Decision Making
Tips and techniques for solving problems and making effective decisions in multiple contexts

Managing Conflict
Identifying sources of conflict in teams and organisations; strategies for managing and eliminating conflict

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Whetten, D.A. and Cameron, K.S.: 2007, Developing Management Skills: International Edition, 7th, Prentice Hall, New Jersey,
Cottrell, S.: 2003, Skills for Success:The Personal Development Planning Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan.,
Winstanley,D.: 2005, Personal Effectiveness, CIPD, London,
Pedler,M., Burgoyne,J. & Boydell,T.: 2004, A Manager's Guide to Leadership, McGraw Hill, Maidenhead,Berks.,England,
Bolles, R.: 1999, What Colour is your Parachute?, Ten Speed Press, London,
Burgoyne, J.: 1999, Developing yourself,your career and your organisation, Lemos and Crane, London,

Articles:

0: Additional material will be recommended during lectures,

Other Resources

DCU Careers Website: DCU Careers Service Online Resources,