The course presents concepts and theories of strategic leadership through different teaching formats. This includes the essence and scope of strategic leadership, the role and style, characteristics and experience of executives, decision-making style and their relationship to organizational outcomes as well as leadership in teams. Important topics like inclusive and ethical leadership and adaptive leadership will be covered.

Attendance in all online sessions is mandatory. This is because the course is offered in a format with less contact hours and more time for self-study (for preparation, group work and reading assignments).

Class contributions are an essential part of the grading. Students are expected to turn their camera on and participate actively. Please make sure to have a quiet and appropriate environment for an online lecture (no background noises or distracting circumstances).

The course grade is based on the following assessment elements:

• Class participation and reading assignments: 15 points
  • Oral participation: 8 points
  • Reading assignments: 7 points
• Learning diary: 10 points
• Peer grading: 10 points
• Group project: 30 points
• Final exam: 35 points

Excellent (1): 90 – 100 points

Good (2): 80 – 89 points

Satisfactory (3): 70 – 79 points

Sufficient (4): 60 – 69 points

Fail (5): <60 points

This course includes individual and group performance. Evaluation will be based on the different assignments by the instructor and peer evaluation by students of their group members (avoiding free-riding).

Class participation and reading assignments

An important course requirement is active involvement in class discussions and completing all assignments. Participation is essential for both the individual learning process of students as well as their peers. After each class unit, participation will be graded.

Students should be prepared in each session to participate voluntarily and when called upon. This means devoting time and energy to preparation before class, including reading and thinking about the assigned material, participating in study group meetings, listening to others and engaging in class discussions.

In addition to the oral participation, assignments are used to assess participation in a written format. Before every in-class session, students are expected to complete all the assignments, which can be found in the course schedule of this syllabus.

Learning diary: A learning diary is a collection of thoughts, notes, observations and other relevant material that students collected throughout the course. The diary should demonstrate the students’ learning and reflect upon the changes in perception.

Group project: Students will be assigned to groups and perform a project, analyzing in-depth a contemporary leadership topic and how that applies to a leader of interest. They must collect data and evidence on leadership aspects and present it in class. Topics refer to charismatic and transformational leadership, cross-cultural leadership and diversity, ethical and inclusive leadership and leading teams.

Final exam