Students
MGMT8011 – Learning to be a Leader
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Patrick Garcia
Contact via Email
4ER
By appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MGMT6051 or 20cp at 8000 level or Admission to MMgmt (1 year)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The goal of this unit is to help students understand and apply contemporary leadership theories to enhance their effectiveness and readiness as leaders. Emphasising personal development, the unit focuses on self-awareness, values, and strengths, enabling students to cultivate their leadership identity. It also equips them with practical leadership skills to plan and manage their leadership journey while effectively leading and inspiring others. Additionally, students will learn how to use power and influence for positive change, engage in persuasive communication, and refine their public speaking skills. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Evaluate contemporary theories of leadership and their relevance to different organizational contexts.
- ULO2: Analyse the role of power and influence in leading positive change.
- ULO3: Develop a plan to enhance leadership competencies and successfully navigate future leadership roles.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions:
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills development: Critical analysis | 20% | No | 03/04/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Professional practice: Leadership development analysis | 30% | No | Weeks 9, 10, and 11 | Individual and Group | No | Open AI |
| Skills development: Leadership development plan | 50% | No | 29/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
Skills development: Critical analysis
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 03/04/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of course concepts and theories through a critique of a video, podcast, or focused reading on leadership.
You will provide a critical analysis of the ideas presented by 1) relating the ideas to the concepts and theories discussed in class and 2) discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the suggested approach.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
Deliverable(s): Written report [max 500 words]
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate contemporary theories of leadership and their relevance to different organizational contexts.
- Analyse the role of power and influence in leading positive change.
Professional practice: Leadership development analysis
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Weeks 9, 10, and 11
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to a) demonstrate your understanding of course concepts by analysing a real world case and b) practice and improve teamwork, project management, research, and communication skills.
You will work in teams to examine a real-world case to analyse the leader’s development journey and evaluate their leadership approach using relevant theories.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Written group report [max 2000 words] accompanied by a group presentation (max 20 min per group).
Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate contemporary theories of leadership and their relevance to different organizational contexts.
- Analyse the role of power and influence in leading positive change.
Skills development: Leadership development plan
Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 29/05/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your ability to apply the leadership knowledge learned in this unit to produce an evidence-based plan for your leadership and career development.
You will draw on the leadership perspectives and theories introduced in this unit and the self-assessment tools you completed to reflect on and analyse your strengths/ weaknesses in leadership development and identify the opportunities/threats along your leadership journey. You then need to develop a plan of action on how to achieve your leadership development goals.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Written individual report [max 1500 words]
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse the role of power and influence in leading positive change.
- Develop a plan to enhance leadership competencies and successfully navigate future leadership roles.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Refer to iLearn for details.
Unit Schedule
Refer to iLearn for details.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook