49069 Leadership and Responsibility

This subject develops an understanding of the role of engineering managers as responsible leaders in organisations. It focuses on the need to work through other people, not only subordinates and supervisors, but other managers and leaders. The subject provides a comprehensive review of leadership theory. It teaches that there exists many complex facets of leadership and emphasises the belief that one should not accept a position of trust without accepting the responsibility that goes with it.

However, the art of leadership cannot be learned solely from books or virtual cafes; it needs to be experienced and practised face-to-face. A central teaching element of this subject is class-based activities that require engagement, motivation, critical thinking, verbal communication, group participation and performance under time pressure.

Assessment: Three assignments (75 per cent), class based exercises (25 per cent).