Overview
In today’s dynamic business environment, leadership and mentoring are game-changers—core skills that elevate consultants from competent to truly impactful. This unit empowers you to develop these essential capabilities, helping you influence change, guide others, and drive purpose-led outcomes. You will explore the power of transformational leadership, learning how to inspire collaborative teams and confidently navigate change. At the same time, you will delve into the art of mentoring—a powerful, long-term approach to supporting growth and development in others while sharpening your own leadership identity. Through real-world case studies and critical reflection, you will examine values, motivation, personality, and the use of power to shape individual and team performance. You will also discover how culture and context influence the effectiveness of different leadership and mentoring styles. Importantly, this unit connects leadership and mentoring to global impact. You will explore how business consultants and organisational leaders—both internal and external—can align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), turning businesses into catalysts for positive social change while still meeting stakeholder expectations. Whether you are looking to lead teams, grow talent, or drive sustainable business practices, this unit will give you the tools to lead with confidence, purpose, and impact.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Anti-requisite: MGMT29004 Transformational Leadership and Mentoring
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Personal reflection
Improve the clarity in assessment material
Re-develop the assessment criteria, information, and marking rubric. Develop this in collaboration with head of course.
Feedback from Personal reflection
Introduce an assessment item for group work
In-lieu of the take-home exam, group work assessment item can be introduced. This assessment can be linked to graduate attributes such as communication, leadership, research, and knowledge.
- Evaluate the impact of leaders and mentors in different organisational settings and actively reflect on how their practices can drive commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Assess how mentoring and leadership approaches influence employee development and client outcomes in consultancy settings.
- Apply established mentoring and leadership theories—individually and in teams—to effectively identify and address performance challenges and organisational change.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and effectively apply knowledge, skills, and concepts related to leadership and mentoring when working with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural differences in leadership and mentoring and evaluate their implications for followers.
The unit does not link to any specific external professional accreditation.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 20% | |||||
| 3 - Take Home Exam - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
q.alam@cqu.edu.au
s.mahmood@cqu.edu.au
WEEK 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Understanding Leadership
Chapter
Cole, K. (2019). Leadership & Management: theory & practice (7th edition). Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 10.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 1 and 4.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Types and Characteristics of Leaders
Chapter
DuBrin, A.J. (2022). Leadership: research findings, practice and skills. (10th edition). Cengage: Chapter 2.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 2 and 3.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Transformational Leadership
Chapter
DuBrin, A.J. (2022). Leadership: research findings, practice and skills. (10th edition). Cengage: Chapter 3.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 5 and 12.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-Reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Group Development and Team Building.Courage and Moral Leadership.
Chapter
Mosley, D.C. Jr., Mosley, D.C. Sr., & Pietri, P.H. (2015). Supervisory Management: The art of inspiring, empowering, and developing people. (9th edition). Cengage: Chapter 9..
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapter 6.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Leading Today's Teams with Head and Heart
Chapter
Cole, K. (2019). Leadership & Management: theory & practice (7th edition). Cengage Learning Australia: Chapter 14.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 5 and 10.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the eReading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Strategic Leadership
Chapter
Hanson, D., Backhouse, K., Leaney, D., Hitt, M.A., Ireland, D, R., & Hoskisson, R.E. (2022). Strategic management: competitiveness and globalisation (7th Asia-Pacific edition). Cengage: Chapter 12.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapter 7.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
Transformational Leadership and Sustainable Development (Individual Essay) Due: Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
WEEK 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Mentoring Skills for Developing Employees
Chapter
Cole, K. (2019). Leadership & Management: theory & practice (7th edition). Cengage Learning Australia: Chapter 29.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapter 9.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Motivation and Coaching Skills
Chapter
DuBrin, A.J. (2022). Leadership: research findings, practice and skills. (10th edition). Cengage: Chapter 10.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapter 8.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills
Chapter
DuBrin, A.J. (2022). Leadership: research findings, practice and skills. (10th edition). Cengage: Chapter 12.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 9 and 12.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
Performance Appraisal (Recorded Video Presentation) Due: Week 9 Thursday (14 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
WEEK 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Facilitation Skills
Chapter
Mosley, D.C. Jr., Mosley, D.C. Sr., & Pietri, P.H. (2008). Supervisory Management: The art of inspiring, empowering, and developing people. (9th edition). Cengage: Chapter 10.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapters 11 and 12.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the eReading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Performance Management Skills
Chapter
Cole, K. (2019). Leadership & Management: theory & practice (7th edition). Cengage Learning Australia: Chapter 15.
Daft, R. L. (2023), Leadership Experience, Chapter 11.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
WEEK 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Coaching Skills for Higher Performance
Chapter
Mosley, D.C. Jr., Mosley, D.C. Sr., & Pietri, P.H. (2008). Supervisory Management: The art of inspiring, empowering, and developing people. (9th edition). Cengage: Chapter 11.
Please also refer to the selected papers uploaded to the e-Reading list in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective transformational leader and mentor.
Case Study Analysis (Take home exam) Due: Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
For this assessment, please choose a company you are familiar with and with their Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is highly recommended that blue-chip companies be avoided.
You will need the unit coordinator's approval for your choice of company.
The essay needs to provide:
- Evidence of or lack of transformational leadership within the company.
- Evidence of consideration or non-consideration of selected SDG within the company and
- Recommendations on how the company could improve/ implement transformational leadership initiatives that help to achieve the selected SDG.
See the Moodle site for more information about this assessment task.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:00 pm AEST
Please submit your assignment through Turnitin in Moodle
Week 8 Friday (8 May 2026)
Results and feedback will be released through Moodle.
Your essay on transformational leadership and SDGs will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Understanding- 20%
- Analysis- 20%
- Research skills- 20%
- Recommendations- 20%
- Referencing- 10%
- Written presentation- 10%
A marking rubric will be provided in Moodle that elaborates on each of these criteria.
- Evaluate the impact of leaders and mentors in different organisational settings and actively reflect on how their practices can drive commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Assess how mentoring and leadership approaches influence employee development and client outcomes in consultancy settings.
- Apply established mentoring and leadership theories—individually and in teams—to effectively identify and address performance challenges and organisational change.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and effectively apply knowledge, skills, and concepts related to leadership and mentoring when working with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural differences in leadership and mentoring and evaluate their implications for followers.
2 Presentation
For this task, you will undertake a performance appraisal taking the role of a notional consultant who has worked on a typical client project. Having identified a common performance issue, this one-way dialogue needs to demonstrate the following:
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
- Clear explanation of areas where performance needs to be improved.
- Ability to apply coaching/mentoring skills.
- Identification of appropriate recommendations where performance needs to be improved.
See the Moodle site for more information about this assessment task.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Week 9 Thursday (14 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Please upload your recorded presentation through Turnitin using the link provided in Moodle
Week 11 Friday (29 May 2026)
Results and feedback will be released through Moodle.
The assessment task will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Professionalism- 20%
- Application- 30%
- Skills- 20%
- Recommendations- 10%
- Oral Presentation- 20%
A marking rubric will be provided in Moodle that elaborates on each of these criteria.
- Evaluate the impact of leaders and mentors in different organisational settings and actively reflect on how their practices can drive commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Apply established mentoring and leadership theories—individually and in teams—to effectively identify and address performance challenges and organisational change.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and effectively apply knowledge, skills, and concepts related to leadership and mentoring when working with both internal and external stakeholders.
3 Take Home Exam
For this task, you will be provided with a detailed case study and several questions that require the application of relevant theories from the list below:
- Trait leadership theory
- Transformational leadership theory
- Group development theory
- Managerial succession
- Coaching and mentoring concepts
- Conflict management theory
- Supervisory coaching
The answers to questions are expected in paragraph format.
See the Moodle site for further information about this assessment task.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or failure to disclose the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Please submit your assignment through Turnitin in Moodle
The marks and feedback for the final assessment task will be released on the certification of grades date.
This assessment task will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Understanding- 20%
- Analysis- 30%
- Research skills- 20%
- Recommendations- 20%
- Referencing- 10%
A marking rubric will be provided in Moodle that elaborates on each of these criteria.
- Assess how mentoring and leadership approaches influence employee development and client outcomes in consultancy settings.
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural differences in leadership and mentoring and evaluate their implications for followers.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
