The success of conservation projects at the species or ecosystem level is determined by the ability of those in charge to manage the teams and the individuals involved in delivering outputs. The failure of conservation projects worldwide to deliver pre-determined successes is in part due to the absence of sufficient people with these skill sets. We need to match the desire for scientific understanding about biodiversity with an appreciation of the social skills required to manage and lead conservation programmes if we are to make more efficient and effective use of the limited resources at our disposal. In this module students will begin by reflecting on the qualities required within a leader and how a leader's management style can impact on others within an organisation. Students will consider the extent to which we can apply management theory to the practice of endangered species and habitat recovery and the people involved in making it happen. They will go on to consider different approaches to managing conflict within teams and balancing organisational and individual expectations and motivations. By drawing on examples from both the business world and conservation community students will consider different models for developing and managing teams and consider how to optimise performance within an organisation.
Private Study: 170
Contact Hours: 30
Total: 200
Not a compulsory module.
Optional for:
MSc Conservation Science and cognate pathways
Evaluation report (3,500 words, excl. references) (70%)
Leadership guide (1,200 words excluding references) (30%)
Reassessment Details:
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The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the function of a manager and leader within conservation programmes and the personal attributes required for the role.
Critically evaluate the theory and practice of team development and demonstrate advanced theories about managing individual expectations through time.
Demonstrate a critical awareness in detail of how to manage performance within people and organisations and be able to apply methodologies to evaluate achievement of conservation outcomes.
Understand in detail and critically evaluate how leadership models and modes of practice can be applied to organisational effectiveness.
Demonstrate critical thinking and assigning priorities for action.
Demonstrate integration of theoretical models and practical data.
Assess and appraise case studies.
Write reports containing balanced arguments supported by qualitative and quantitative evidence.
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