Student
Handbook
Leading Diverse Workforces (7049CRB)
Semester 1 (September to January)
Academic Year – 2023/24
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is designed to provide you with key information that you need to know about the Coventry
University / Chartered Management Institute Professional Development module on Leading Diverse
Workforces.
You will find information on the modules aims, key dates, assessment etc. and this handbook must be read in
conjunction with the:
Module Descriptor found on the Module Information Directory (MID) of the student portal
Post-Graduate Student regulations handbook issued to you by your home College / School
Course specification for the Master’s programme you are studying
We strongly recommended you familiarise yourself with the contents of this handbook (and the other
documents) at the start of this module and refer to it when you have questions.
AIMS OF THE MODULE
A key strategic theme at Coventry University is to provide students with both the skills that employers are
seeking and additional qualifications that will enhance students’ prospects in competitive job markets.
This module aims to provide students with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively
lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way whatever the Master’s degree of
specialisation they elect to follow. Students will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership
theories, culture, wellbeing, and approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies
and practices that can be used creatively within a leadership role in different types of organisational scenarios.
Ultimately, students will be given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for leadership, equality,
diversity, and inclusion.
Finally, the module requires students to reflect critically on their personal learning and development needs and
how they work with others, from an ethical and professional standpoint to encourage their continuing
professional development.
All successful students who pass the module will gain an additional accredited award from the Chartered
Management Institute (CMI):
Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
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Additionally, as long as you remain in membership and apply to be upgraded, you will have another post-
nominal that you can use after your name as you will be a Foundation Chartered Manager “fCMgr”.
Please note, this module is a mandatory component of your overall programme which you must
successfully complete and pass in order to graduate.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
The intended learning outcomes are that on completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Critically evaluate ethical and inclusive approaches to leadership and diversity in professional practice
2. Critically reflect on the qualities and skills necessary for effective leadership in cross-cultural contexts
from a personal professional development perspective.
Professional, Statutory, or Regulatory Body (PSRB) Outcomes
The learning outcomes below are from the Chartered Management Institute’s’ L7 Strategic Management and
Leadership Practice qualification syllabus 2019, units 702 and 715* and are listed as a PSRB requirement.
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
PSRB 1. Understand the principles for leading and developing people
PSRB 2. Understand leadership and development strategy
PSRB 3. Understand equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level
PSRB 4. Know how to develop strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion
*(Unit 702: Leading and Developing People to Optimise Performance; Unit 715: Strategic Approaches to
Equality, diversity and Inclusion).
MODULE LEADERSHIP
Module Leader – Janice JOHNSON
Deputy Module Leader – Ashley TOOGOOD
Professional Development Support Office – 7049crb@[Link]
E-MAIL TURNAROUND
Every effort is made to respond to queries within three working days. Whilst emails can be sent at any time of
the day, emails are only considered as ‘received’ within the normal working hours of 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday
(excluding bank holidays).
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Please note that some staff are part-time and therefore your email will be only be considered as ‘received’, and
the three working days response time will only apply, in relation to their working days. If you receive an ‘out of
office’ reply, please make note of alternative contacts suggested.
In order to ensure an efficient response to your email you MUST:
1. Always use your Coventry University email account for all correspondence with the university (so we
can be sure it is you, and so your email is not marked as spam).
2. Ensure you are contacting the appropriate team or person to help with your query.
3. Include the relevant module information in the subject line.
4. Always ensure you insert your student ID number in your email.
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KEY DATES ‘AT A GLANCE’
ACTIVITY Week Commencing or Date*
MODULE INDUCTION 19 September*
START OF FACILITATED PROGRAM 25 September 2023
SHORT COURSE 1 25 September 2023
“EXPLORATION OF NATIONAL AND
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE”
SHORT COURSE 2 09 October 2023
“EVALUATING THE PRINCIPLES FOR
LEADERSHIP, DIVERSE WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL DATA
MANAGEMENT”
SHORT COURSE 3 23 October 2023
“ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN,
AND ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURAL
INEQUALITY”
SHORT COURSE 4 06 November 2023
“DISCOVER PRACTICAL WAYS OF
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE AND STRATEGIES
FOR PROMOTING DIVERSITY, ENGAGEMENT,
HEALTH AND WELLBEING”
END OF FACILITATED PROGRAM 17 November 2023
STUDENT INDEPENDENT STUDY / 20 November to 24 November 2023
ASSIGNMENT WORK
SUBMISSION DEADLINE 24 November 2023 by 18:00hrs*
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FLOW OF THE MODULE
OVERVIEW
This module is delivered and facilitated wholly on-line.
You will need to work your way through the short courses as outlined on page 5 of this handbook at your own
pace supported by a team of dedicated tutors / facilitators.
Each short course runs over a two-week period and you will need to set aside some time each week to work
through the on-line materials. As this module does not appear on your personal timetable you will need to
plan the days and times when you want to work on this module.
To deliver this module we are using two, separate web-based platforms to provide you with a comprehensive
program of blended learning, these are:
Aula
CMI’s LeadershipDirect Website
Further information on each of the platforms and how they will be used can be found below.
AULA
Everything on this module starts and ends within the Aula space for 7049CRB - Leading Diverse Workforces
– 2324 Sep Jan. Please ensure you have access to this Aula space and that you follow the regular messages
we post on it during the semester.
You will be guided through all the activities you need to do (in order to complete this module) and all the links
you will need will be released to you via this space. Over the run of this module we will post our regular
announcements advising you of when links are released and what you need to be doing, so please keep an eye
out for our posts.
The Aula space will also host links into MS Teams for the synchronous ‘Live’ sessions. Further details will be
made available to you on the Aula space when your facilitators introduce themselves to you during the
induction week.
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CMI LEADERSHIPDIRECT WEBSITE
The CMI also provide access to a range of curated resources to augment and enhance the learning on the
module. It is highly recommended you engage with these materials and also take advantage of the specialist
search facilities on their website (whilst undertaking your own independent study).
Shortly before the facilitation on the module starts you will be sent details of how to activate your CMI account
and how you can access and use the resources provided to you by the CMI.
No special software is required to use the CMI website. The site is designed to be accessible on mobile, tablet
and desktop. The CMI recommend the use of the Chrome browser and that is best viewed on a desktop or
tablet.
The CMI Engagement Manager will also be doing special sessions to all students to ensure you know how to
use all the resources that are available via this portal.
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ASSESSMENT
This module is assessed by a single, individual assignment. You must achieve a minimum mark of 40% in the
assignment to pass the module.
Component % of module mark Learning Outcomes Assessed
Coursework: a 3,500 word (+ / - 10%) 100% All
equivalent assignment based on a critical
analysis of a real organisational issue
including a presentation of the findings.
This module will use a variety of real world employer case studies as the fundamental foundation for
assessment (these can be found on the Aula space for this module). Please note that if you DO NOT base your
assignment on one of the case studies provided then you submission will be classified as a "Fail".
Any assessed piece of work that is marked below 40% is classified as a fail.
Please Note:
The content and/or subject matter of this Case Study is confidential due to third party
information/participation. Students must therefore not share any information relating to this Case Study in any
format on any website, including social media or any other media. Any infringements should be reported to
[Link]@[Link] .
The Case Study organisations presented in this assessment brief are for the sole use of Coventry University
students undertaking this module, 7049CB Leading Diverse Workforces including their assessed work. No
contact must be made to the employer(s)/organisations named in the case study nor should there be
inappropriate use of the organisation’s website materials. Your assessed work must not be copied, passed to
third parties or posted in any format on any website or social media platform or any other media. Any
infringements should be reported to [Link]@[Link].
A guide and a sample presentation template to submitting your work are provided in the assessment folder
on your AULA page.
Your final assignment must be saved as a PDF file using the file name format, "Final_Your_SID
number_7049CRB" E.g. Final_123456789_7049CRB.pdf
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SUBMISSION DATE - You will be required to submit by the following deadlines:
24 November 2023 by 18:00hrs
Full details of the assignment along with the case studies you must use and links for submitting it can be found
on the Aula space for this module when it is launched.
You must follow the directions provided on the Aula space and within the assignment brief on how to
format and submit your assignment.
Re-Sit Information – Should you be unfortunate not to pass this module assessment you will be required to
undertake a full re-sit. You will be notified of this formally after your exam results, including details of the re-
sit assignment and submission date.
Under University regulations students need only address their original work to improve it. Hence you can
resubmit your first submission with improvements and still use the original case study (unless you have been
specifically directed to produce a new paper).
The re-sit submission deadline will be 02 April 2023 by 18:00hrs
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IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT RULES FOR YOU TO NOTE
You need to submit your assignment on the Submission Date noted above and also shown on the assignment
brief. If you do not submit your assignment by the submission date and have not requested and received an
approved extension or deferral, you will fail this module. Your College / School registry team must have
approved any extension or deferral request prior to the deadline for submission.
How to submit your assignment (see also the assignment template provided in the assessment folder)
You must provide a title page for your submission. This must include:
o Module title and code
o Title of assignment
o Word Count
o Student Number
Your work must be typed using appropriate line spacing, font size and presented in the requested
format (see assignment template example)
Your work must be in the correct page order and contain all the required information
Submit your assignment via Turnitin* and obtain a receipt
Ensure that you have read and understood plagiarism statement
Please ensure that you retain a duplicate copy of all the work you submit for assessment.
You can access the Turnitin submission link through the Aula space for this module.
*Please note: You are not required to submit a hard copy
Word Count
You must indicate the number of words you have used on the front page of your assignment. When you
calculate this you must include any quotations and footnotes you have used but you do not need to count the
title page, contents page or reference list. If you exceed the word count range stated in the Assignment Brief
you risk losing marks.
The overall word count limit for this modules assignment submission is 3500 (+/- 10% variation)
The use of Appendices are discouraged and are not considered necessary to your work. Please refrain from
using appendices. Further details on what is and is not included within the word count will be provided on the
Aula space for this module.
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Plagiarism
As part of your study you will be involved in carrying out research and using this when writing up your
coursework. It is important that you correctly acknowledge someone else’s writing or thoughts and that you
do not attempt to pass this off as your own work. Doing so is known as plagiarism. It is not acceptable to
copy from another source without acknowledging that it is someone else’s writing or thinking. This includes
using paraphrasing as well as direct quotations. You are expected to correctly cite and reference the works of
others. The Centre for Academic Writing (CAW) provides documents to help you get this right. If you are
unsure, please visit [Link]/caw.
Assessors are able to spot cases of plagiarism. The University insists that coursework is submitted through a
plagiarism detection system known as Turnitin. Copying another student’s work, large sections from a book
or the internet are examples of plagiarism and carry serious consequences. Please familiarise yourself with the
APA Reference Style and use it correctly to avoid a case of plagiarism or cheating being brought. If you are
unsure please refer to your tutor or see the links provided on Aula.
Please Note: This assignment document is for Coventry University students for their own use in completing
their assessed work for this module and should not be passed to third parties or posted on any website.
Coursework produced must not be shared or posted on any website or platform (except for the Turnitin
submission point) or given to any other party for use.
Disability Statement
If you have a disability (including dyslexia, physical or mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing
impairments, medical conditions and mental health difficulties) and need support or adjustment to allow you
to fully participate in this module please inform the Module Leader and Learning Support Co-ordinator of your
home College / School so that suitable arrangements can be made. Coventry University has a range of robust
support services for the learning, study and assessment needs of students with disabilities; it is your
responsibility to ask for advice or guidance should you require this.
For students without additional needs it is important to respect those that do.
Recording of facilitation sessions
Covert recording is not permitted. All live sessions will be recorded.
RECORDINGS MAY ONLY BE MADE BY THE TUTOR FACILITATING THE SESSION WITH THE INVITED
CONSENT OF THE STUDENTS AT THE START OF THE SESSION.
Where a recording is to be made, all those present will be notified of the fact at the outset. All recordings will
be made available on the Aula site for students to access freely.
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WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
To help us to support you in a timely way it is important that you seek advice from the most appropriate
source.
General Questions – Firstly, please refer to this module handbook and the Aula space for this module. There
are also regular updates and ‘Important’ messages posted in the Aula Community area from the module
leader, so please ensure you read them both fully.
If you are unable to find a specific contact to direct your question to then please contact the Professional
Services Team who support the CMI modules, they can be contacted on:
Professional Development Support Office – 7049crb@[Link]
IT Issues – Should be directed to IT Services either on-line or via telephone on 02477 657777
Aula – If you experience any problems with using or accessing the Aula space you can obtain information and
assistance at the following web-page: [Link]
CMI Membership and Website problems – If you have not received your CMI login details please contact
CMI directly through their Partnership Mailbox partnership@[Link]
If you experience any issues regarding your CMI membership or accessing the website you can contact them
via the following e-mail address: mandirect@[Link].
Extensions and Deferrals – We know that sometimes events happen which means that you are unable to
submit your assignment by the deadline – these events may be beyond your control and not easy to predict. If
this happens you can apply for an extension to your deadline. If you need more time you can apply for a deferral
which takes you to the next assessment period. In either case you must apply before the submission deadline
and make the application via your home College / School Office. You will find further details and information
on how to make an application on the student portal website which can be found here and the full URL is:
[Link]
If you are granted an extension the submission date will be the 1 December 2023 by 18:00hrs
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VERSION CONTROL
VERSION DATE AUTHOR/S STATUS NOTES
0.1 07 Sep 23 [Link] Internal First Draft
0.2 11 Sep 23 [Link] Internal Second Draft (JaJ comments)
1.0 12 Sep 23 [Link] External Final version for release
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