LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Communicate a systematic understanding of the role of strategic leadership on delivering organisational change within the healthcare science sector.
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication
2. Critically evaluate the influence and impact of leadership on organisational behaviour at operational and strategic levels within the healthcare science sector, including reflecting upon your role as a leader and apply this understanding to the development of peers and team members.
Analysis
Reflection
Application
Learning
3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the business planning process within the healthcare and life science sectors, including financial planning, governance, accountability, and risk management.
Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving
Application
4. Actively appraise new business ideas, evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, and analyse strategic decision-making through applied understanding of finance and budgetary processes, entrepreneurship principles and commercial acumen.
Enquiry
Analysis
Application
Problem Solving
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment 1: (Learning Outcomes 3, 4) Option between:
Business Case and Scientific Strategy Plan or Business Case and Healthcare Implementation Plan
Students will develop a detailed business case and, depending upon their context, a strategic or implementation plan that addresses key elements such as financial planning, governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and risk management strategies. The task will involve applying principles of entrepreneurship, finance, and commercial acumen to justify the viability and impact of a proposed initiative, presenting a robust written implementation plan that reflects both sector-specific challenges and opportunities. (2000 words)
Assessment 2: (Learning Outcomes 1, 2)
Presentation
A 20-minute presentation (15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions) that builds upon the previously developed business case and implementation plan to explore the strategic leadership dimensions of delivering change within the healthcare science sector. Students will be expected to communicate a systematic understanding of how strategic leadership drives organisational transformation, using their proposed business case as an example. The presentation should be evidence-based, practice-informed, and tailored to a senior professional audience.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this module, students will develop the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel as scientific leaders in the healthcare/biomedical science field. They will learn to manage and lead teams effectively and navigate the complexities of ethical and regulatory requirements/expectations. The module will foster an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling students to conduct market analysis, assess project feasibility, and make strategic decisions. Emphasis will be placed on continuous professional development, peer-coaching and mentoring to enhance team performance. Students will also develop advanced communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and negotiation. Effective project management techniques will be covered, ensuring students can coordinate team activities and adapt strategies to meet various requirements. The module will highlight the importance of problem solving in context, aligning scientific objectives with organisational goals. Throughout, students will be encouraged to uphold integrity, manage expectations, and maintain accountability for their own and others' development needs.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
Strong leadership and strategic innovation are essential for driving progress in healthcare and biomedical science. This module develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel as a scientific leader, equipping you with the ability to manage teams, influence organisational change, and navigate ethical and regulatory complexities.
You will gain a systematic understanding of strategic leadership, exploring its role in shaping organisational behaviour and delivering impactful change within healthcare science. You will engage in peer-coaching and mentoring, enhancing team performance and fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
A key focus will be entrepreneurial thinking and strategic decision-making, where you will learn to conduct market analysis, assess project feasibility, and explore new business opportunities. The module will cover financial planning, governance, risk management, and commercial acumen, ensuring you can align scientific objectives with organisational goals.
You will also refine their communication and negotiation skills, mastering report writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Practical application of project management techniques will ensure you can coordinate teams, adapt strategies, and drive innovation effectively.
By the end of the module, you will be equipped to lead with integrity, accountability, and confidence, actively shaping the future of healthcare science through strategic vision and innovation.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Academic staff will act as facilitators, guiding students in the transition from theory to practice. Regular sessions will be centred around tasks aligned with the module's indicative content, with a strong emphasis on application and practice.
Students will engage in both individual and group work, taking on various roles across a range of scenario-based learning opportunities. This approach will allow for adaptability, ensuring that the learning strategy can evolve based on what works best for the students.
Opportunities to lead, and follow, in peer activities will be an important and valuable aspect of the learning strategy.
TEXTS
“Lean startup in large organisations: Overcoming resistance to innovation”
https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000893256006826
“Leadership agility: developing your repertoire of leadership styles”
https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000915189906826
“Leadership, Plain and Simple”
https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000873846406826
RESOURCES
VLE
Library
Flat teaching spaces with AV and moveable furniture.
Software suitable to support immersive and augmented 360-degree environments (eg ThingLink)