News

Business School leads the way with new studies

(29 November 2005)

Durham Business School is launching a new leadership module within its full and part-time MBA programmes next month.

The module comes as a direct result of student feedback, which suggested the subject would be of real interest and benefit to individuals aiming to go into senior management roles. It is designed to develop students’ general understanding of the complex nature of leadership, by looking at current approaches and cutting edge research in the field. At the same time, the module is designed to increase students’ personal effectiveness as leaders, develop transferable skills and provide a greater understanding of the practice of leadership. During the programme students will be encouraged to consider what is leadership, critically assess the development of leadership theory, consider various types of leadership and conclude by assessing effective leadership styles and whether leaders are born or made. To help them with their private study, group work and presentations, the students will also have the chance to hear from and question guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds – including military, business and religious leaders. Tim Clark, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Durham Business School, who wrote the module, said: “At Durham Business School we strive continually to be as innovative as possible when considering potential new programmes of study. “The issue of leadership – and developing managers – is of critical importance to businesses large and small across the region and indeed the UK as a whole. This new module is designed to give our students the best possible mix of theoretical understanding and practical guidance that will enable them to go back into work and gain benefits for both themselves and their organisations.” Core modules on the MBA programmes include: managing people, finance, information, managing in the global environment and methods of enquiry. Students then choose approximately six additional modules from a list of 20. For more information on MBA programmes at Durham Business School – which include full, part-time and distance learning options, contact the School’s admissions office on 0191 334 5533. Places are still available for the two-year, part-time MBA, which begins in January 2006. Durham Business School also runs a number of tailored, short courses on leadership. For more information, log-on to http://www.durham.ac.uk/dbs