The course focuses on the leadership of individuals, groups and organisations in various organisational settings relevant to engineering students.
The practical application of the course’s theories and models is an essential part of the course. Students participate in a simulated hierarchical organisation, acting as managers who lead one or more groups or subordinate managers. This gives students the opportunity to reflect in a structured and systematic way on their own leadership and on the development of their work group throughout the course.
At the individual level, the course covers concepts, models and theories that define and explain motivation, followership, effective and successful leadership, the distinction between management and leadership, and different leadership styles.
At the group and organisational levels, the course covers concepts, models and theories that define and explain the fundamental components of an organisation. Topics include different perspectives on organisations (structural, process and cultural perspectives), organisational communication, middle managers’ dual role as representatives of both management and employees, group development processes, decision-making, and addressing leadership and organisational challenges in group-based settings.