This course introduces learners to the principles and practices of Thought Leadership. It draws on theories and frameworks from psychology, management, and philosophy to explore the role that leaders play in leading discussions, raising awareness and changing behaviours on issues that impact the growth and progress in organisations and communities. Sessions will provide opportunities to develop skills and practices for effectively leading innovation, adaptation and change, for managing through uncertainty and building communities of practice. In developing an evidence-based approach to thought leadership, you will learn essential meta-cognitive abilities, skills to inspire and engage others, gain insight into how to turn ideas into reality and how to transfer these skills to others, integrating them into organisational culture. This course is designed for people wishing to take a courageous approach to work and leadership, who aspire to act as catalysts for new ideas, alternate practices and organisational learning and change.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Classify historical and contemporary approaches to leadership and expertise and distinguish the consequences of these approaches on how people work (Ask & Understand);
2. Use appropriate theories and frameworks to address specific leadership, interpersonal and organisational challenges (Acquire & Apply);
3. Critique the factors and events contributing to success in leadership, adaptation and innovation based on strong research literacy (Appraise & Evaluate);
4. Summarise relevant empirical evidence regarding the contextual and organisational factors influencing the way people think and act at work (Aggregate & Analyse);
5. Integrate evidence from diverse disciplines to find new ways of thinking and leading (Aggregate & Create);
6. Generate a plan for leading thought with regard to solutions to the social and environmental challenges faced by today’s leaders (Apply & Create);
7. Reflect on feedback provided during tasks and exercises to improve meta-cognitive and leadership skills (Assess & Evaluate).

Research-Led Teaching

Teaching is based on current research in the disciplines that contribute to thought leadership, including recent development in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Field Trips

No field trips

Additional Course Costs

No additional costs

Examination Material or equipment

No examination material or equipment is required.

Required Resources

Core resources will be provided through Wattle.

Students are encouraged to seek additional resources, expertise and advice for their selected thought leadership strategy project.

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and Course overview. Outline of course and learning outcomes. Introduction of students and lecturers.Assessment requirements. Defining “Thought Leadership” - conceptual frameworks and models.
2	The role of expertise in organisations. Knowledge, expertise, power and influence.	Preparation for Assessment 1
3	Metacognition, learning and critical thinking.Deep learning, systems thinking and reflective analysis.
4	Idea generation and adaptive expertise. Gaining support for ideas, creating and telling stories. Scenario thinking.	Personal Reflection: Model of Thought Leadership and Development Plan due at end of Week 4
5	Artificial Intelligence.   Guest Lecturer - TBABenefits and risks of AI. Implications for thought leadership, authenticity and trust in leaders.	Introduction of AI Project for Assessment 2.
6	Creativity and innovation.Developing creativity at the individual, team and organisational levels.
7	Design thinking. Concepts and processes for design thinking. Interpersonal and facilitation skills for thought leadership.
8	Improvisation and collaboration. Improvisation in organisations. Models and skills for collaboration and leading change.
9	Social media. Guest Lecturer – Dr Stephen Dann  Difference between thought leadership and marketing. Role of social media. Effective use of social media in thought leadership.
10	Media, politics and public policy. - Guest Lecturer – Professor Mark KennyFake news and threats to expertise. Challenges to thought leadership and evidence-based policy. E-leadership and social media.
11	Integration and synthesis of core concepts and capabilities for thought leadership.
12	Student presentations to class and stakeholders. Discussion and feedback to students.	Written or audio visual reports for Assessments 2 and 3 due at end of first week in exam period ("Week 13").

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Personal Reflection on Thought Leadership (30%)	30 %	18/08/2023	31/08/2023	2,3,4,5,6
Thought Leadership Strategy (50%)	50 %	03/11/2023	30/11/2023	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Reflection on Learning (10%)	10 %	03/11/2023	30/11/2023	6,7
Contribution and Engagement Mark (10%)	10 %	*	30/11/2023	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected, required, and strongly advised in all on-campus tutorials, seminars, workshops and assessments. Attendance at lectures, seminars and tutorials is expected in line with the “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Examination(s)

There is no examination set for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Personal Reflection on Thought Leadership (30%)

Due:  End of Week 4.

 Return Date: 30.08.2023

Word Guide: 2,000 words (excluding references).

Weighting: 30%

 

Each student will develop and present a personal model of thought leadership. The model should be based on a critical evaluation of the concepts from the first four lectures, relevant literature and adaption of the concepts to individual circumstances. Students will use their individual models to assess their current capabilities and to prepare plans for their development as thought leaders. The plans should include short term goals (for the duration of the course) and longer term goals (beyond the course and for the next 2 to 5 years). 

Submissions that exceed the word guide by more than 10% will lose marks. More information will be made available on Wattle.

More information on marking criteria will be available on Wattle

Assessment Task 2

Thought Leadership Strategy (50%)

Due:  03/11/2023

Word Guide: 3,000 words or equivalent (excluding references).

Weighting: 50%

 

Students will research and design a strategy for thought leadership in a discipline, organisation, work role or community that is familiar to them. The strategy should take into account the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), how these developments can be used productively and how any potential risks can be mitigated.

 

Students are encouraged to use creative thought leadership techniques to present the results of their work. The strategy can be presented as a written report, a short story, a series of scenarios, a short film or video, a documentary-style video or a PPT presentation.

 

Students are encouraged to self-select into teams of mutual interests to share research, knowledge, ideas, technologies and production techniques. Working in teams is optional and for mutual support. It is not for assessment. Each student needs to submit his or her individual report for assessment.

 

Your thought leadership strategy should include the following:

1.  Definition of the issue or concept;
2.  Relevance to your selected stakeholder group, organisation or community;
3.  Your personal views, elaboration or enhancements of the issue to support your stakeholder group’s engagement with the issue;
4.  The potential application and risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to the issue;
5.  Your strategy for influencing and leading stakeholders to appropriate action.

 

Further details, examples of thought leadership strategies, the marking guide and supporting process will be provided in the early weeks of the semester.

Submissions that exceed the word guide by more than 10% will lose marks. More information will be made available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

Reflection on Learning (10%)

Due: 03/11/2023

Word Guide: 1,000 words

Weighting:   10%  

Students will submit an individual, written, reflective report on personal learning from the subject and the though leadership strategy project, including progress against their personal learning goals as set in Assessment 1.

Submissions that exceed the word guide by more than 10% will lose marks.

More information on marking criteria will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 4

Contribution and Engagement Mark (10%)

Weighting: 10%

 

Class participation is a critical component of the learning process. Students are expected to contribute to Wattle discussion forums. The quality and impact of contributions to on-line discussions will be assessed by the lecturer and each student will be allocated a mark out of 10 at the end of the semester. Interim marks out of 5 will be available at the midpoint of the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students