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

2025-04-10 17:19:53

Assignment Brief                                                

 

 

 

 

Module       code and title:

MG629 - Developing Leadership & Management Skill

February cohort

Module leader:

 

Assignment No. and type:

Coursework 1: Report: 2,500- word 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. 

Internal approval: Yaser Shyyab

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:

v  Comprehend different leadership styles and the difference between leadership and management using theory and models appropriate to the task.

v  Analyse real-world cases of organisational change to understand the role of leadership in different contexts

v  Demonstration of research and analytical skills

v  Engage with scholarly articles, books, and industry reports on leadership theories, change management, and stakeholder engagement.

v  Develop the ability to lead and manage teams through complex organisational changes

v  Improve verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and engage stakeholders

v  Strengthen critical thinking skills to analyse situations, evaluate options, and make informed decisions

v  Apply analytical techniques to assess the impact of change initiatives

v  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).

v  Demonstrate junior executive level professionalism knowledge, skills and behaviours in your analysis.

v  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.

 

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).

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

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

 

Criterion 2

The work demonstrates a limited or no ability to work                 independently and deploy relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry accurately;

 

The       work              shows insufficient knowledge of the subject areas; leadership, management,                   firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with                   which                        to formulate a coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity of secondary research sources &       literature       is inappropriate.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is absent.

 

The communication and organisation of the work lacks flow and coherency.

The work demonstrates an insufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

 

The       work            shows limited knowledge of the  subject      areas; leadership, management,          firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with which to formulate a coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity            of

secondary research sources & literature is                        mostly

inappropriate.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is absent.

 

The communication and organisation of the work is weak and lacks flow and coherency.

The work demonstrates a sufficient ability to work      independently, deploying accurately established

techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

 

The       work       shows satisfactory knowledge      of                  the subject                 areas; leadership, management,         firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with          which                     to formulate a coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity of secondary research sources & literature is satisfactory.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is satisfactory but lacks depth and breadth.

 

The communication and organisation of the work  is  satisfactory

The work demonstrates a sound ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

 

The work shows good knowledge      of      the subject                              areas; leadership, management,         firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with                 which          to formulate a coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity            of

secondary research sources & literature is good.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is good.

 

The communication and organisation of the work is good, with the flow and coherency of the argument clear to the reader.

The work demonstrates a sophisticated ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline.

 

The work shows very good knowledge of the subject                     areas; leadership, management,         firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with                 which          to formulate a coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity of secondary research sources & literature is very good. The use of wider and less obvious sources enhances the work.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is very good, with excellent

integration within the argument and evidence used.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability          to                   work independently, deploying accurately established

techniques of analysis and enquiry

within the discipline;

 

The       work             shows excellent knowledge of the subject areas; leadership, management,         firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with          which                   to formulate a strong, coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity of secondary research sources & literature is excellent. The use of wider and less obvious sources enhances the work and demonstrates originality in their thinking and work.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is excellent,

with excellent

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability          to         work independently, deploying accurately established

techniques of analysis and enquiry

within the discipline;

 

The       work        shows outstanding knowledge of the subject areas; leadership, management,           firm performance, performance metrics, fiduciary duty, ethics, investor relations and stakeholder analysis, with which to formulate an              exceptionally strong, coherent and logical argument.

 

The range, age and validity of secondary research sources & literature is outstanding. The use of wider and less obvious sources enhances the work and demonstrates originality in their thinking and work.

 

Analysis of the case study and synthesis of relevant academic theory is outstanding,

with exceptional

Analysis and criticality 25% (Key

indicators for analysis and criticality)

• Logic and argument

• Use and range of independently selected sources

• Analysis and synthesis

• Organisation and communication of ideas and evidence

 

 

 

 

and struggles for flow and coherency.

 

The communication and organisation of the work is very good, with the flow and coherency

integration within the argument and evidence used.

integration within the argument and evidence used.

 

 

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required

standard

40-49 (D)

Pass

Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

of the argument clear to

The communication

 

The communication and organisation of the work is outstanding, with the flow and coherency of the argument clear to the reader and presents original   conceptual

thinking.

the reader.

and organisation of the

 

work is excellent, with

 

the flow and coherency

 

of the argument clear to

 

the reader and presents

 

original conceptual

 

thinking.

 

 

Criterion 3

Work demonstrates a limited or no ability to select and apply appropriate, disciplinespecific

methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to

initiate, and in turn:

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is not

evident within the work.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or

integrated into the work.

 

The work fails to address all the required

Work demonstrates an insufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

 

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is weak within the work.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

 

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is acceptable within the work.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident but this is acceptable and mostly appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is acceptable with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a consistent and informed manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is good.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is good with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or

integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a capable and effective manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is very good.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a very good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is very good with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

The development and application of

secondary research skills,                         analysis, evaluation                          and synthesis of data and information                   is excellent.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an excellent standard and appropriate for the standard required as a middle manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is excellent with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or

integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished and innovative manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

 

The               development and application of secondary research skills,                    analysis, evaluation                   and synthesis of data and information is outstanding.

 

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an outstanding standard and

appropriate for the standard required as a senior manager.

 

The ability to read and follow instructions is outstanding with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and

Application practice

 

(Key indicators for application and practice)

 

• Development and/or application discipline specific specialist skills

• Accuracy, coordination, and proficiency in completion of practical tasks/processes

 

 

elements set out in the briefing.

The work fails to address all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work mostly addresses the required

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

integrated into the work.

 

 

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required standard

40-49 (D)

Pass

Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

 

 

 

elements set out in the briefing.

 

 

 

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Criterion 4

Work demonstrates limited or no ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

- an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates insufficient ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

 

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a consistent and confident ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

 

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs

Work demonstrates a highly proficient ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

 

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a                         highly

accomplished ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

 

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates an exceptional ability to:

 

-communicate

information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

 

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

 

- consideration of sustainability (environmental, economic, and

Transferable skills 15% (Key indicators for transferable skills)

 

• Written, verbal and electronic communication

• Numeracy and digital literacy

• Personal motivation,

organisation, and time manageme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

personal) and social and ethical matters in their work/solutions.
 
   

 

 

 

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required

standard

40-49 (D)

Pass

Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding


 

Assignment

Parameters 10%

1.      Harvard referencing.

2.      Use of English.

3.      Spelling, punctuation and grammar.

4.      Presentation of work.

5.      Suitable academic & professional sources used.

6.      Work within the

+/-10% word limit/time limit.

An unacceptable range of                                academic, professional and peer reviewed          sources applied within the work. Incorrect                           Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages. Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Presentation of work is unacceptable                              and incapable      of                          being presented to a board of directors.    Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.

A below standard range of                         academic, professional and peer reviewed         sources applied within the work. Incorrect                          Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages. Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Presentation of work is below the standard required and incapable of being presented to a board of directors.

Work is outside of the

+/-10% word count.

A satisfactory range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Significant spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is satisfactory but not suitable for being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.

Good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Noticeable issues with the Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Noticeable spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is good and capable of being presented to a board of directors only with                       significant corrections                        and improvement. Work is only just outside the

+/10% word count.

Very good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work. Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages. Minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is very good and capable of being presented to a board of directors with some corrections. Work is within +/-10% word count.

Excellent range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work. Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages. Very minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is excellent and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.

Outstanding range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work. Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages. No spelling, grammar                      or

punctuation errors. Presentation of work is outstanding                                   and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.

 

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