Critically evaluate the definition, roles and responsibilities of leadership and management in modern contexts.

Developing Leadership and Management

 (Module Code: 6HR510)

  2026 Academic Year

For Derby Business School BA Business Management

(and bracketed pathways)

Assessment Brief

6HR510 Developing Leadership and Management

Key dates and details

Description of the assessment

The assessment comprises a scenario placed within a real business context and challenges pointed out by the World Economic Forum’s report in early 2026.  This report forms the basis for the tasks that are required to be completed as part of the assignment. The assignment will be presented in an executive report format worthy of a professional working in a real business context.

Relationship to Programme Assessment Strategy

This module aligns with the programme assessment strategy. You can view its relationship to the programme learning outcomes at level 6 in the validated programme specification. You can find a copy of this in the programme information section for N200 (Bachelor or Arts (Honours) in Business Management with internal pathways) on blackboard.

This assignment is also aligned with the Derby International Business School’s vision of Digital Learning, also encouraging students to use of Generative AI, a must-have skill, in an informative and ethical manner to explore topics of interest while applying critical analysis and developing logical thinking rather than consuming AI texts descriptively. We expect that this assignment will not only help you finetune your understanding and application of leadership models but to also integrate the use of Generative AI in a more informative and ethical way in your studies and your future workplace and life. 

Attributes and Skills

The table below highlights attributes and skills which will be required and/or developed through the module and its assessment.  Also included is a link to Develop@Derby where you can gain support with regard to these. 

Assessment Content

This assignment will enable you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for this module. You are required to choose any multinational, that will form the subject of your executive report.

Individual report can be used to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the theories, contemporary business issues facing the successful formulation and implementation of organisational strategies within real business environment. In addition, this assignment will explore the extent to which the student has a critical grasp of relevant research literature and knowledge of leadership and strategic implementation in an organisation within current worldly issues while making practical and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.

Assignment case study scenario

Background and context

The scenario is inspired from the World Economic Forum report about the challenges leadership is currently facing in a world of transformation 2026 onwards.

World Economic Forum (2026) states that “Leadership models once built on stability and hierarchy can no longer sustain themselves in a world marked by constant transformation, accelerating change, and complex interdependencies. The widespread erosion of trust in leaders and institutions worldwide is not the cause; it is a symptom of a more profound crisis. Leadership practices have failed to evolve at the pace of reality, of crises unfolding. The structures and institutions, the assumptions and traits that have long shaped how leadership is defined and exerted, are under unprecedented pressure. Leadership models that were once built on stability and hierarchy can no longer sustain themselves in a world marked by constant transformation, increasing acceleration and complex interdependencies.”

The role

You have recently joined a Multinational as the “Head of People, Leadership & Strategy”. The multinational has been facing similar challenges as outlined by the World Economic Forum and the reason of your appointment is to steer the company in the right direction to overcome these challenges.

Your task

Now that you have joined the new Multinational, undergone necessary induction sessions and relevant training about the core values and mission of the multinational, you wish to start on your first assignment.

You are specifically asked to create an Executive Report to understand the nature of leadership within, identify the most appropriate leadership style and its relevant strategies.  This Executive Report should include the following:

1. An assessment of different definitions and approaches to leadership and a proposal of the best suited definition applicable to this Multinational and its challenging context as described by the World Economic Forum.
2. An analysis of different leadership models can be adopted to the case of this Multinational
3. A specific leadership development plan with relevant strategies applicable to this multinational
4. Using a Generative AI tool of your choice (Gemini, ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing Chat, Google’s Bard) provide a ‘prompt’ request or inquiry for a 300-word AI generated summary of one of the Leadership style.

This prompt and the accompanying 300-word AI generated summary response should then be screen printed into your report. Provide your own critical review and reflection as to the strengths and limitations and any inaccuracies that may be contained within the AI generated summary of your selected academic theory, concept or framework. This review should include your comparison and contrast of the AI generated response with the theorist’s original work.

Assessment Rubric

The assignment will be marked against criteria within a marking rubric.  This rubric will be explained during the introduction of the assignment. For reference purposes the rubric is available from page 7 onwards.

Anonymous Marking

Submissions in Turnitin and Blackboard

You must submit your work using your student number to identify yourself, not your name. You must not use your name in the text of the work at any point. When you submit your work in Turnitin you must submit your student number within the assignment document and in the Submission title field in Turnitin. Guidance is available showing how to do this.

Assessment Regulations

The University’s regulations, policies and procedures for students define the framework within which teaching and assessment are conducted. Please make sure you are familiar with these regulations, policies and procedures.

Formative Feedback

Assignment planning for the coursework will be covered in the 1 hour lecture and seminar sessions (practically week 4). This will include the provision of a planning document for you to develop to help you structure your work. You will have the option to show your seminar leader your planning document for formative feedback during the seminar in the following weeks.