Innovation and Leadership

Master of Business

Course Details

Course Code	LY_BINOL_M
Level	9
Duration	2 years
Credits	90
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	Donegal – Letterkenny
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

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Course Overview

Our Master of Business in Innovation & Leadership is designed to develop the leadership talent of managers to deliver significant business impact in their organisations. This part-time programme has been developed in consultation with industry. It aims to substantially develop the capability of executive managers as innovating leaders within their organisations.

The course is structured over two years, and delivered over two day blocks with additional online learning. An integral part of the programme is action learning within the candidate’s own workplace. This approach enhances the use of specialist knowledge in practice and recognises the shared relationship between management theory and professional practice. The programme creates an environment in which participants can engage in knowledge development based on their work context. It is essentially a practical programme, with rigorous theoretical underpinnings, which draws on the real life experience of its participants.

Key features:

Provides a platform to gain new and insightful perspectives in a supported learning environment.
Provides the possibility to create transformative learning experiences and prepare managers for managing in a world of uncertainty, ambiguity and complexity.
Enables transformation and organisational change
Applied learning where real world problems and challenges are tackled.

“The MBS in Innovation and Leadership is a radically innovative programme built around the theory and practice of action learning. I am impressed how action learning informs and guides the work of the course participants. I commend the programme leaders and faculty in designing and implementing this approach”.

– David Coghlan, Professor Emeritus, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, June 2020.

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Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Organisational Context This module aims to equip learners with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate both the external and internal environments in which organizations operate. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, this module encourages learners to reflect on their own managerial practices and decision-making processes. The module introduces the learner to action learning as a methodology for tackling organisational challenges. Learning Outcomes 1. Conduct an external environmental analysis using appropriate frameworks to identify key drivers impacting an organisational context. 2. Apply appropriate frameworks to identify internal organisational capabilities. 3. Critically inquire into the role of the manager at an individual and organisational level. 4. Use appropriate tools to assess and comment on self as a manager and leader in an organisational context. 5. Demonstrate critical understanding of practitioner research using an action learning approach. 6. Present a wicked organisational problem appropriate to adopting action learning research. 7. Write, present, and defend material that articulates ideas, insights, analysis, policy and good practice to peer and practitioner audiences	10	Mandatory
1	Innovation This module aims to instill in learners the need for innovation in order for an organisation to remain competitive. In this module learners will evaluate the key issues pertaining to innovation and new product & service development, they will devise a strategic view on new product/ process development and develop a strategic orientation towards the value of creating competitive advantage through people. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess the contextual influences on innovative management 2. Critically appraise an organisation in the context of innovation 3. Evaluate the complexities involved in new product/ service development 4. Critically appraise a new product/ service development process 5. Evaluate the challenging nature of managing innovation to create value 6. Critically analyse the role of people management in maintaining a culture of innovation. 7. Critically assess organisational barriers (real or perceived) to innovation 8. Demonstrate strategic insights into innovation theory and be able to apply it to an organisational setting	10	Mandatory
2	Managing People & Change The Managing People and Change module provides an in-depth exploration of the complexities involved in managing organizational change within a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment. This module emphasises the multifaceted nature of change management and highlights the critical role of staff empowerment and commitment in ensuring successful transformation. Participants will develop essential skills to become effective agents of change, capable of navigating the challenges inherent in contemporary organisational settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Synthesise and critically discuss concepts, approaches, and theories of change in organisations. 2. Critically appraise a range of approaches in managing organisational change. 3. Recognise the key challenges associated with managing change. 4. Critically assess the integrative nature of behavioural, structural, ethical, and cultural issues associated with managing change 5. Appraise the drivers, behaviours and conditions required towards improving staff engagement. 6. Recommend approaches for addressing challenges and issues associated with managing people during change in the contemporary environment 7. Recommend and justify choices of appropriate approaches in facilitating organisational change. 8. Evaluate and reflect on the practice of managing change in an organisational context.	10	Mandatory
2	Leadership The aim of this module is to provide participants with a deep understanding of the need to build strategic capabilities in the human resources of the organisation's leadership and senior management. Providing them with an appreciation of the complexities of leadership in the modern business environment and encourage them to reflect on their own experience Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the differing roles, responsibilities, and styles of leadership 2. Compare and contrast a range of leadership theories with a view to proposing the most appropriate approaches to leadership for their organisation 3. Assess the relationship between team dynamics and leadership and the impact on organisational effectiveness 4. Propose reforms to current organisational leadership practices that could foster an equitable and inclusive organisation	10	Mandatory

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Professional Development The key aim of this module is to facilitate self-critical evaluation in the workplace and to develop the learner's use of tools for self-reflection and peer based learning. The module also aims to equip students with the skills, mindset, and tools necessary to thrive in dynamic and creative environments. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the ability to be self-critical in their work environment. 2. Reflect on their own learning and act accordingly 3. Evaluate and synthesise relevant literature in the process of developing a research proposal. 4. Write, present and defend material that articulates ideas, insights, analysis, policy and good practice to peer and practitioner audiences. 5. Provide evidence of their development as an innovator and leading initiatives/change through a portfolio of work based activities 6. Provide evidence of their development as an innovator and leader through reflection. 7. Learn and develop networking skills 8. Develop a portfolio of evidence from their workplace relevant to innovation and leadership	10	Mandatory
1	The Learning Organisation In this module learners will evaluate the key issues pertaining to organisational learning and the development of knowledge assets. They will determine appropriate frameworks/tools for auditing and evaluating learning and knowledge practices in organisations, and develop a strategic orientation towards the value of creating competitive advantage through the appropriate development of knowledge assets and learning practice. Ultimately, the module aims to enable participants to manage knowledge and learning in their organisations and be conduits for driving innovation and change in their domain. Learning Outcomes 1. Explore the factors that influence the reshaping of employees, workplaces and organisations from a learning perspective, and critically assess their organisation in the context of learning and knowledge practices. 2. Demonstrate strategic insights into different theories of learning and knowledge development at individual and organisational levels, and be able to apply it to an organisational setting. 3. Evaluate personal learning approaches, and design ways to improve team/corporate level learning in their own organization. 4. Critically appraise alternatives (scenarios) to designing, implementing and evaluating learning and knowledge solutions to current and future problems. 5. Critically analyse the barriers (real or perceived) to leading innovation and change in developing organisational knowledge.	10	Mandatory
2	Dissertation (ALR) The Action Learning Research Dissertation is a capstone project for learners enrolled in the MBS in Innovation and Leadership program. This dissertation provides an opportunity for candidates to engage in independent research that embodies the principles of action learning, focusing on real-world organizational challenges. Through a systematic inquiry, students conduct an environmental analysis of their chosen organisation, implement action strategies, and reflect on their experiences to foster personal and professional growth. Learning Outcomes 1. Show competence in choosing, designing and justifying chosen research area and methodology 2. Discuss pertinent theoretical and conceptual perspectives and underpinnings 3. Synthesise literature and evidence so as to contribute to knowledge in their chosen research area whilst advancing their own personal and professional understanding of the implications of their research. 4. Devise and implement actions to address a complex organisational problem or challenge in an ethical way. 5. Provide evidence of enhanced knowledge of the organisation, environment of change, colleagues and self, and honed relevant skills including communication, listening, problem solving, social interaction, reflection and team building. 6. Reflect on the learning from actions taken to address an organisational problem both at an individual and organisation level.	30	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

The recommended study hours per week for a 10-credit module is 10 hours.

Examination and Assessment

6 x 100% continuous assessments in the form of reports followed by an Action Learning Dissertation in the last six months.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

24 days for module delivery plus 6 days for Action Learning Set meetings.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold an Honours Degree, minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 2 or equivalent and at least three years relevant management experience. Participants are identified as those charged with delivering strategic, transformational change through clear mission and innovative leadership. We recognise that life and work experience counts, managers without an honours degree but with senior management experience are also eligible to apply.

“I had always wanted to take on a Master of Business degree but could not find the right time due to a busy work schedule. So when I finally enrolled on the MBS programme while my organisation was going through a major transformation, it felt like a daunting prospect. However, from day 1 of the MBS programme my mindset began to change.

The learning modules were relevant and perfectly structured to provide the right balance of reading, learning and research with an industry perspective from experts and leaders in the field. Introducing the Action Learning techniques in my workplace helped drive action from my meetings and deliver results. The flexibility shown by the programme supervisors allowed me to balance my studies and my busy work schedule with minimal impact. However, the most significant aspect of the MBS programme for me was the changes I experienced in myself. Rather than have a demanding impact on my work schedule, I believe the MBS programme provided me with the toolset to navigate the transformation within my organisation more effectively.

My mindset on Leadership, Change Management and Emotional Intelligence are just some of the areas where I feel my development during the MBS programme provided me with additional tools and confidence to communicate and deliver results to a higher level within my organisation. This MBS is a fantastic programme and has helped me in my career.”
Vincent Kennedy , Director of Software Development, Sita