Outline

Overview

This unit addresses how to lead in diverse and multicultural contexts. Students develop a keen sense of their individual strengths and biases and explore how these might enable them to become responsible global leaders. To situate this development, the unit turns to a key challenge for global leaders. To lead innovation means including heterogeneous perspectives, capabilities, and backgrounds. Innovation requires a less rule and more relationship-based approach, which makes it a special case for managing a diverse workforce in a complex environment. It also raises awareness of issues related to openness, sustainability, and inclusiveness for global leaders. Overall, the unit moves from personal perspectives on global leadership via leadership in teams and organizations to leading in networks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Management Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CEMS6106
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Shields, john.shields@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Self-leadership Reflection Self-leadership Reflection	20%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 May 2026	1500 words (main text)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Weekly Reflective Postings Each week, post ONE short (c. 500-word) reflection on Padlet on either the required weekly reading or the in-class presentation on the leader, or the writer of the week, then submit your best TWO postings for assessment by the submission due date (Week12)	20%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	1000 words (main text)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Interactive Oral Assessment Case-based group role play activity (45 minutes) plus 1:1 interview with the unit coordinator (15 minutes).	30%	Week 13	60 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	In-class Role Play In-class team-based role play	20%	Weekly	30 minutes per team	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	In-class Case Presentation Team-based oral presentation on either the leader of the week or the writer of the week.	10%	Weekly	15 minute in class presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The unit has five assessment items, three individually-based and two team-based:
Interactive oral session - individual (30% hurdle item): This end-of-semester assessment has two connected components: (1) a case-based role play activity (45 minutes); and (2) a 15 minute 1:1 in-role debrief with the unit coordinator. This assessment allows you to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your learning and reflection in the unit. During the group role play exercise you may draw on the briefing notes provided and take your own notes. However, these materials must be handed in at the end of the panel session and no written or digital aids of any type are permissible during the 1:1 debrief during which you must also remain 'in-role'. Being a 'hurdle' task, you must pass this item in order to pass the unit, irrespective of marks achieved in other assessment items.

Self-leadership reflection and development plan - Individual (20%; 1500 words of main text): Prepare and submit a paper reflecting on your own evidence-based assessment of each of these dimensions of self-leadership: (1) self awareness; (2) self-motivation; and (3) self regulation. Your submission should also outline your plan for further developing your capabilities in leading yourself and others. In doing so you should draw on the results of the various psychometric profiling exercises made available in this unit. You may also incorporate input from peers and others, as well as using one or more of the pemitted Al platfoms to inform and refine your reflection but you must also document and reflect on how you have made use of Al. See Canvas for advice on preparing your self-leadership reflection and development plan. Due: 24/4.

Weekly reflective postings - individual (20%; up to 500 words of main text per weekly reading; 1000 words of assessable text): Individual weekly submissions via the Padlet platform on Canvas on either the required weekly reading, the leader of the week or the writer of the week. Your postings should be at least 10 in number and be a mix of these aspects of weekly learning content. Select your best two weekly postings for assessment. Due: 21/5.

In-class team-based role play - 6-7 member teams (20"/4): Each team is assigned to undertake one in-class role play during the semester, with the class to provide feedback and the coordinator to assess the team's performance. No written submission is required. No written, digital or audio-visual aids are to be used during the role play. Teams doing so will be penalised.

In-class team-based case presentation - 3-4 member teams (10%): Each team is assigned to undertake one in-class presentation on a designated 'leader of the week' or 'writer of the week', with the class to provide feedback and the coordinator to assess the team's performance. One team member will be chosen at random by the coordinator on the day of the presentation to deliver the presentation on behalf of the group. All team members will also be expected to respond to post- presentation questions and feedback. No written submission is required. Al may be used to inform the presentation but no written, digital or audio-visual aids are to be used during the role play. Teams doing so will be penalised.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found under 'Assignments' on the unit Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	No classes in this unit if Week1. Do preparatory reading for Week 2 and complete Clifton Strengths profile.	Self-directed learning (0.5 hr)
Week 02	Orientation and key themes (2/3)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 03	Understanding and embracing 'global leadership' (9/3)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 04	'Leadership' and 'Followership': Theories, styles and trends (16/3)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 05	Self-awareness: Acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses (23/3)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 06	Self-motivation: Understanding what drives you (30/3)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 07	No classs in this unit in 6/4 & 12/4 - Easter and mid-semester break	Self-directed learning (0.5 hr)
Week 08	Self-regulation: Managing your traits and emotions (20/4)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 09	No class in this unit on 27/4 - ANZAC Day public holiday	Seminar (0.5 hr)
Week 10	Leading responsibly: inclusion and sustainability (4/5)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 11	Leading across cultures (4/5)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 12	Leading global teams: Fostering collaboration and creativity (11 /5)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
Week 13	Assessment Centre Interactive Orals	Assessment (3.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes and attandance records will be maintained. Consistent with the approach adopted in other units offered at CBD campus, classes are not recorded. However, PDFs of lecture content will be posted on Canvas.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Weekly readings for this unit can be accessed in e-form via the 'Reading List' folder on the unit Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand the joint influence of self-awareness, self-motivation and self-regulation on contemporary leader behaviour and effectiveness and explain how you intend to develop and draw on these attributes in your own practice as a future leader.
LO2. Analyse global leadership challenges taking into account cultural context, business context and individual differences and capabilities of leaders and followers, and propose appropriate solutions.
LO3. Explain and evaluate different approaches to global leadership practice, drawing on concepts and cases addressed in course learning content, debates and discussions.
LO4. Critically evaluate arguments and supporting evidence on contentious organisational leadership issues and propose appropriate responses.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In line with feedback provided by the previous student cohort, this iteration of the unit affords students greater opportunity to contribute to and lead class discussion, presentations and debates.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CEMS6004: Global Leadership

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Castlereagh St, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links