HRM4822 Leadership Handbook Jan 2026 | Middlesex University Dubai

Online location of handbook

This handbook can also be accessed online via MyLearning at: Course: 2025-26 HRM4822 (DBI) Leadership | mdx
Other formats available

This handbook is available in a large print format for students with any disability. If you would like a large print copy or have other requirements for the handbook, please contact CampusCentral via our AskMDX service: https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae/ https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae We can supply sections from this publication as:

• a Word document with enlarged type — sent by email
• printed copy with enlarged type
• printed copy on non-white paper

Other formats may be possible. To help us, please be as specific as you can about the information you require and include details of your disability. We will do our best to respond promptly.

Disclaimer

The material in this handbook is as accurate as possible at the date of production. You will be notified of any minor changes promptly. If there are any major changes to the module, you will be consulted prior to the changes being confirmed. Please check the version number on the front page of this handbook to ensure that you are using the most accurate information.

Other documents

Your module handbook should be read and used alongside your programme handbook and the information available to all students on MyLearning and MyMDX, including the Academic Regulations. Your programme handbook can be found on the My Learning programme page for your course. The Dubai Campus Guide can be found at www.mdx.ac.ae/life-at- university/campus-guide

2.1 Communication with the teaching team

You are welcome to reserve an appointment during my office hours for timings that might suit us both. Please email me your appointment request along with your inquiry from your university email account. Don’t forget to state your student ID number, full name and module

code and title in your email/online booking request. If you turn up at the door unannounced or phone at an unsuitable time, then you are far less likely to make contact.

I will send urgent messages about the module to you by email and/or the Microsoft Teams platform, so it is important that you read your university email and check your MS Teams notifications regularly. I recommend that you check your email and MS Teams accounts at least three times a week. I will also use these accounts to tell you about events (for example guest lectures or academic enrichment sessions) and career opportunities (employability workshops, internships, job offers and so on) that will help enhance your learning.

Check the Middlesex University Dubai website, MyMDX App and MDX Dubai App regularly during the semester for any other notifications or announcements. Attempt to look for basic answers to questions (e.g. by using MyMDX, Dubai Campus Guide or MDX Dubai App) before contacting staff.

Use your Middlesex email address when contacting members of staff to avoid emails being caught in University spam filters. Please also always include your full name, student number, programme name, year of study and module details when contacting staff.

For all queries that don’t relate to your programme of study (e.g. fees, wellbeing, accommodation, IT issues, etc.) you should directly contact Campus Central via AskMDX on the MDX Dubai App or https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae/ rather than your module tutors. This will help ensure you get a response more quickly.

Take time to write polite emails (as you would in professional employment) in all communications with staff. This should include use of a clear subject line to indicate the subject of your message and previous emails on the conversation thread.

Respond to emails from staff within three working days (i.e. not including weekends, public holidays or University closure days) and allow staff the same period of time (three working days) to respond to your queries. Whilst staff may occasionally choose to respond to emails outside of normal working hours (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM GST), this should not be expected as standard. If you don’t hear back from a member of staff within the three working days timeframe, then sending a reminder email is encouraged, but not sooner. You can also try raising the question with a different member of staff – e.g. your Campus Programme Leader/Coordinator. You can find contact details for these members of staff within MDX Central App. If a staff member is away from work, they may have set up an 'out of office' automated email that will provide instructions of how you can get your query answered in their absence – so make sure that you carefully read any such messages.

Contact your Module Leader/Coordinator(s) and / or the Campus Programme Leader/ Coordinator if you are absent for any period of time and cannot attend scheduled teaching.

In the first instance, any problems you face with learning on this module should be dealt with by talking to your lecturer(s) after the teaching sessions. Any overall module and course feedback can also be given to the Student Voice Leader for this programme, which will be included in Programme Voice Group meetings each semester.

3. Module overview

3.1 Module Narrative

Aim:

The module aims to equip you with the skills to become an effective leader who can inspire, motivate, and guide teams towards achieving collective goals, while also emphasising ethical considerations and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. This module is designed to develop a deep understanding of leadership theories and their practical application in various organisational contexts. Through exploring historical and contemporary leadership models, you will learn to critically analyse leadership practices and their impact on organisational culture and change.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1.Understand the key principles and theories of leadership, including transformational, transactional, and servant leadership, and their relevance to contemporary organisational settings.
2.Recognise the significance of ethical leadership and the role of diversity and inclusion in enhancing organisational culture and performance.

Skills

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

3.Analyse and apply various leadership theories and models to real-world scenarios, demonstrating the ability to adapt leadership styles to meet organisational needs and challenges.
4.Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships, foster team cohesion, and manage conflicts within diverse teams.

Syllabus:

• Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Definitions
• Historical Overview of Leadership Theories
• Contemporary Leadership Models
• Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence and its Impact on Leadership Effectiveness
• Leading Change and Innovation
• The Leadership Pipeline and Succession Planning
• Personal Leadership Development: Communication, Decision Making, and Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation Skills for Leaders
• Team Building and Effective Leadership
• Future Trends in Leadership

Learning and teaching strategy:

This module offers a combination of formal lectures and interactive activities that include group work, debates, discussions, and case study analyses. The aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of leadership. During the lectures, students will be introduced to key theories and concepts, while the interactive elements will help them to apply these practically, enhance critical thinking skills and prepare for academic assessments. Moreover, active learning techniques will be used to keep students abreast of the latest developments in the field. This ensures that the students have a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.

3.2 Research Ethics

The teaching, learning, assessment and research activities undertaken in this module have been considered and are not likely to require ethical approval.

However, please seek advice if undertaking the module entails carrying out any research activities involving human participants, human data, animals/animal products, precious artefacts, materials or data systems or social media. If you submit work that includes data gathered from or about people, this may be treated as academic misconduct and could lead to fail grade being awarded.

Research ethics approval seeks to ensure all research is designed and undertaken according to certain principles of ethical research. These include:

1.Primary concern must be given to the safety, welfare and dignity of participants, researchers, colleagues, the environment and the wider community
2.Consideration of risks should be undertaken before research commences with the aim of minimising risks to those involved – i.e. human participants or animal subjects, colleagues, the environment and the wider community, as well as actual or potential risks to those directly or indirectly affected by the research.
3.Informed consent should be freely given by participants, and only by a trained person when collecting or analysing human tissue.
4.Respect for the privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of participants
5.Consideration of the rights of people who may be vulnerable (by virtue of perceived or actual differences in their age, social status, ethnic origin, gender, mental capacities, or other such characteristics) who may be less competent or able to refuse to give consent to participate
6.For participants below the age of 18, parental consent must be obtained prior to the study.
7.Researchers have a responsibility to the general public and to their profession; as such they should balance the anticipated benefits of their research against potential harm, misuse or abuse which must be avoided
8.Researchers must demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct and research integrity. They must work within the limits of their skills, training and experience, and refrain from exploitation, dishonesty, plagiarism, infringement of intellectual property rights and the fabrication of research results. They should declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest, and where necessary take steps to resolve them.
9.When using human tissues for research, the UK’s Human Tissue Act and Human Tissue Authority (HTA) requirements must be met. Please contact the relevant designated person (DP) in your department or the HTA Designated Individual (DI).

10.Research should not involve any illegal activity, and researchers must comply with all relevant laws

You can apply for research ethical approval using the Middlesex University Dubai Ethics Form. The relevant forms, templates and guidance on the approval process can be obtained from the module folder on MyMDX.
Your module coordinator can provide further guidance. Additionally, documents can be found through the following link https://bit.ly/35Zp7MZ

3.3 Learning resources

Essential

• Northouse, Peter G (2022). Leadership Theory and Practice. 9th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
• Andrew J. DuBrin (2022). Leadership: Research findings, Practice and Skills. 10th
  ed. Cengage Publications

Recommended

• Yukl, G C Gardner, W. (2020). Leadership in Organizations. 9th ed. Boston: Pearson.
• Hughes, Richard, Robert Ginnett, and Gordon Curphy (2022). Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Publications.

4. Assessment

4.1 Formative assessment

Formative assessments help show you and us that you are learning and understanding the material covered in this course and allow us to monitor your progress towards achieving the learning outcomes for the module. Although formative assessments do not directly contribute to the overall module mark, they do provide an important opportunity to receive feedback on your learning.

4.2 Summative assessment

Summative assessment is used to check the level of learning on the course. It is summative because it is based on accumulated learning during the course. The point is to ensure that students have met the learning outcomes for the course and are at the appropriate level. It is the summative assessment that determines the grade that you are awarded for the module.

There are two assessment components in this module. The table below specifies the associated deadlines:

In order to pass this module, you need to pass all assessment tasks with a minimum grade of 16 or equivalent.

Before you submit your work for final grading, please ensure that you have accurately referenced the work. It is your responsibility to check spelling and grammar as all written assessments will assess technical proficiency in English.
This means accurate and effective spelling, punctuation and grammar. Details of how it will be assessed will be provided in the marking criteria for each assessment and the University overall approach can be found within the Grade Criteria Guide in the University Regulations https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies (scroll to University Regulations)
Reasonable adjustments will be made for those students who have a declared disability/specific learning condition which would affect performance in this area.

If you have submitted a formative or draft assessment, you will receive feedback but no grade. The comments should inform you about how well you have done or tell you about the areas for improvement. All assignments should be submitted online unless specified in the assessment briefs.

Reassessment for this module normally takes place in the following way:

If students fail the module (fail grades are 17, 18, 19, 20 with an overall mark between 0% and 39%) they are eligible for a re-sit. Students will be re-examined in the assessed component(s), which they have failed (please note that this can be a different assessment task). Information on what element to re-sit will be made available on the module’s MyMDX site approximately two weeks after the module results have been published on MyMDX. You will be notified about reassessment dates in a timely manner.
Normally you would be entitled to only one reassessment opportunity if you don’t pass at first attempt.
Middlesex University is committed to being fair in its approach to assessing student learning following the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (Quality Code) (2024) and the UK Quality Code - Advice and Guidance: Assessment (2018) and External Expertise (2018). The Assessment Fairness guidance, policies and procedures put in place by Middlesex University is our commitment to ensure fairness in assessment.

Further information is available at: https://mymdx.mdx.ac.uk/campusm/home#pgitem/420738/t
If you have any queries or would like to know more on how this approach has been applied to modules you are studying, please contact your Campus Programme Coordinator. [Guidance for staff is available at https://www.intra.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/services/centre-for- academic-practice-enhancement/policy-bank]

We now look at each component of assessment for this module in detail. Each of the following tables provides an overview of the requirements for each component. The support provided for each component along with the feedback arrangements, is also detailed below. Each component will be marked as per the weightages given to each section.

4. 2.1 Assessment 1 (Strategic Leadership Evaluation and Organizational Analysis)

Academic Integrity Declaration

All submissions must be the student’s own original work. Any use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, or others) must be explicitly acknowledged in a short note at the end of the report (e.g., “I used [tool name] for idea generation / structuring / proofreading”). Submissions that rely heavily on AI-generated content without critical engagement, personal reflection, or integration with class material will not meet the assessment criteria and may be subject to academic misconduct procedures.

Assessment Rubric

4.3 Late Submission

Students must submit each component of assessment by the deadline set by the Module Leader. Non-submission of work by the deadline will result in failure in the component concerned (grade 20), unless students make an application and subsequently permission has been    granted   under   the   Extenuating   Circumstances    Policy (https://www.mdx.ac.uk/media/middlesex-university/about-us-pdfs/academic-quality/final_-
_policy_and_procedures_for_extenuating_circumstance_24-25.pdf) for an approved deferral of assessment to the next available opportunity.

For individual written coursework only, late submission of up to 24 hours from the deadline is permissible, however, the grade for the component is reduced by 10% or equivalent (or less where this would reduce a pass grade below 40%). Students should take into consideration

the impact this will have on their deadline schedule and their final grades before selecting this option.

4.4 Assessment support for students of determination

Students who have declared special needs or learning differences or an ongoing medical condition may contact the Inclusion Counsellor in the Centre for Academic Success. This will set out the reasonable additional support that will be put in place by the University to assist that student’s learning and assessment. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements and follow the procedures set by the Centre of Academic Success in order for reasonable adjustments to be put in place. This may include the option to take up to 5 calendar days late submission on individual written coursework without having a grade reduction. Check the Middlesex University’s Policy and Procedures for Extenuating Circumstances Claims 2024- 2025:https://www.mdx.ac.uk/media/middlesex-university/about-us-pdfs/academic- quality/final_-_policy_and_procedures_for_extenuating_circumstance_24-25.pdf

4.5 Feedback on your assignments

You will be provided with feedback on all coursework that is helpful and informative, consistent with aiding the learning and development process. The nature of the feedback shall be determined at programme level but may take a variety of forms including: written comments, individual and group tutorial feedback, peer feedback or other forms of effective and efficient feedback.

If you have been asked to and have submitted a formative or draft assessment, you will receive feedback but no grade. The comments should inform you about how well you have done or tell you about the areas for improvement. All assignments should be submitted online unless specified in assessment briefs. Feedback on summative assessments will normally be provided within 15 working days of the published submission date.

4.6 How is your assignment mark agreed?

External Examiners (external academic experts) review what we deliver at a programme level. The University reviews a sample of your work to quality assure the grades and feedback you received from the person who marked your work. Our External Examiners will sample a selection of modules from a programme, with more focus of outcomes between modules within a programme.

The following diagram provides an overview of the marking process for your module assessment. Further information on the role of external examiners can be found at. https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/academic-quality/handbook (section 4).

4.7 Results Confirmation

First Semester | Provisional Grades: At the end of your first semester, you can see your module grades in the ‘Grades and Progress’ tile within MyMDX. These grades are provisional and not yet confirmed.
Second Semester | Final Grades and Progression: After your second semester, the Programme Assessment Board will confirm your grades. Then, your final module results, progression status, or finalist classification will be posted in the ‘Grades and Progress’ tile within MyMDX.

For help or more information:

• University Guide: Find detailed information in the Grades and Progress tile within MyMDX.
• Support Team: Ask your Programme team or reach out to CampusCentral for advice.
• Regulations: Check the University regulations for more details.

5.Learning Planner (You may insert other formats for a weekly planner)

5.1 SEMESTER 1Results Confirmation

First Semester | Provisional Grades: At the end of your first semester, you can see your module grades in the ‘Grades and Progress’ tile within MyMDX. These grades are provisional and not yet confirmed.
Second Semester | Final Grades and Progression: After your second semester, the Programme Assessment Board will confirm your grades. Then, your final module results, progression status, or finalist classification will be posted in the ‘Grades and Progress’ tile within MyMDX.

For help or more information:

• University Guide: Find detailed information in the Grades and Progress tile within MyMDX.
• Support Team: Ask your Programme team or reach out to CampusCentral for advice.
• Regulations: Check the University regulations for more details.

6. Learning Planner (You may insert other formats for a weekly planner)

7. MyMDX App and Web Portal

MyMDX is Middlesex University's official and free student mobile and desktop application that allows students to manage their learning online. You will need to log-in via your @live.mdx.ac.uk credentials. MyMDX was developed in collaboration with students to make sure they get the most out of their studies at the University. Through MyMDX, students have access to online enrolment, research materials, teaching materials, their personal information record, and grades and assessment decisions.

You should seek the assistance of the IT Office (Helpdesk@mdx.ac.ae) if you have trouble logging in.

If you have a financial hold on your student record, you will be able log in to the MyMDX portal (deadlines apply), but links to other systems will be disabled until the financial hold is removed (please see link: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/studentfinance/student-finance-regulations).

Getting MyMDX is easy

Go to App Store >> Search for ‘MyMDX’ >> Install (accept T&C’s) >> Log in with Middlesex University Student IT User ID (@live.mdx.ac.uk) and Password.

Web app users can access MyMDX here: https://mymdx.mdx.ac.uk
Available on iOS and Android software and as a Web App. To find out more you can:

• Visit the Example page (please note that you need to be logged in to MyMDX for direct links to work)
• Search ‘Example’ in MyMDX.

You should seek the assistance of the IT Office if you have trouble logging in. If you do not find your Modules showing on the MyMDX, please visit our Campus Central team (Ground Floor, Block 15, DKP) or raise a support request via AskMDX (https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae).

3.1 MDX Dubai App and Web Portal

MDX Dubai is a dedicated space that provides you with the key information and resources you will need as a Middlesex University Dubai student. You will need to log-in via your @studentmdx.ac credentials. Here you will find key information about your weekly timetable for learning, attendance, what’s happening on campus and events, live updates about all things Middlesex Dubai, student support AskMDX (https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae), and MDX social accounts.

Getting MDX Dubai is easy

• To access MDX Dubai on your browser, use the link below to log in with your ‘Campus User Account’ details. Your Campus User Account Email ID looks like this:

M011111111@studentmdx.ac. You can access the MDX Central – Student Portal on your internet browser via this link: https://mdxcentral.mdx.ac.ae

• To access the MDX Dubai mobile app, search for and download ‘MDX Dubai’ via the Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS.

Download the user guides for the MDX Dubai Student Portal and MDX Dubai mobile app for further information about how to use each platform.

8.Expectations of studying this module

8.1 Attendance and Engagement

The University’s formal regulations about attendance are located in (section C2 in the ‘University Regulations’ section available here: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies. The main points are:

You should attend and engage with all scheduled classes and prescribed activities. Studies have shown that a good student engagement has a positive impact on performance and therefore is an important factor in helping you to fulfil your academic potential. In addition, for those who are on student visas, Dubai’s regulatory authorities require attendance to be monitored.

Your lecturers will maintain attendance records during scheduled teaching sessions using the MDX Dubai App. You are expected to follow any guidelines and instructions provided for proper recording of your attendance for your learning sessions.

The MDX Dubai App (available on iOS and Android) allows students to register their attendance at timetabled classes with a click of a button.

All you need to do is:

1.Connect to the internet using the #mdxDUBAI Wi-Fi network
2.Open your MDX Dubai App
3.Log-in via your Campus User ID (M0xxxxxxx@studentmdx.ac) and password
4.Ensure that you have given permission to the MDX Dubai App to access your smartphone’s location and camera settings
5.Find the correct module and timetabled class via the Calendar
6.When the tutor puts up the class QR code, use the scanner provided within the MDX App to scan the QR code.
7.You will get an automated notification onscreen within the App saying your attendance has been recorded

Middlesex University Dubai supports students, enabling them to achieve their full potential. We provide this support through a number of strategies, all of which provide our students with a supportive learning environment. Online support material on MyMDX is provided as a guide to the content of the class but is no substitute for interaction with your tutor and classmates. In accordance with University Regulation C2.1 for taught programmes of study, it is the responsibility of students to attend scheduled classes and prescribed activities for the modules on which they are registered.

Further information on engaging with your programme will be available at your Induction.

If you experience difficulties beyond your control, which prevents you from engaging with your module, you should notify your tutor and CampusCentral, who may be able to offer support and guidance.

Where your attendance and engagement fail to meet the minimum levels required (normally 75% of scheduled learning sessions and activities but could be higher) to attain the learning outcomes of the module, you may be excluded from the assessment. You may have the opportunity to retake the whole module with permission from the Programme Leader, without grade penalty, though you will have to pay the relevant additional tuition fees for the module re-registration.

8.2 Professional behaviour

The programme of study you are undertaking is underpinned by developing professional behaviour and attitude. You are expected to behave in a professional, supportive manner to your peers and teachers and the same applies to anyone you come in contact with in relation to your study at the University. The Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Rules are available here: www.mdx.ac.ae/about-us/university-regulations/student-conduct-and-discipline-rules.

You must come to sessions prepared and ready to contribute where appropriate.

Please remember that when you are on campus, your University Student ID should be carried with you always and you must be able to identify yourself if asked to do so. You must also comply with community health precautions, and other health and safety protocols.

Please conduct your email communication with fellow students, tutors and all relevant staff in a formal and courteous manner.

Unacceptable Behaviours in Face-to-Face Interactions

• Aggressive or abusive behaviour, including shouting, bullying behaviour, physical violence, rudeness, and making threats, inappropriate gestures, or indecent comments
• Persistently interrupting or disrupting learning activities and events
• Engaging in antisocial behaviour that impacts others
• Making derogatory or discriminatory remarks about others
• Using offensive language or engaging in personal verbal attacks
• Discussing sensitive matters in public settings
• Making unsupported claims that the University or individual staff have committed criminal, corrupt, biased or perverse conduct without any evidence
• Demanding that staff set aside or make exceptions to University regulations
• Demanding responses within an unreasonable timescale or insisting on seeing specific staff members when not feasible
• Refusing to accept outcomes or solutions offered or repeatedly seeking further explanations without new information or evidence

Actions to be taken by the University or Staff

• Highlight the unacceptable behaviour(s) and explain why and what effect it is having
• Pause or end the discussion or interaction if the unacceptable behaviour remains persistent
• In serious cases, ask for removal of individuals from University facilities and report the incident to relevant Dubai authorities
• Restrict personal contact and require communication via email or written channels and/or through third parties
• Referral to appropriate disciplinary procedures

For    more    information,    refer    to    the    Middlesex    University    Dubai    Regulations: www.mdx.ac.ae/about-us/university-regulations/

8.3 Laptops, Mobile phones and other devices

There are many advantages of using technology in higher education as long as we are able to address the associated challenges. You are encouraged to use your laptops, mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices as part of learning activities and for some sessions, your tutor may even require them. You must ensure that your devices do not disrupt your learning or that of other students or your tutors. Unless you are using technology together with your tutor as part of a learning activity, all mobile phones and other communication devices must be switched to airplane mode or put on silent settings. Calls, texts and social media activities should be avoided during the taught session unless agreed with the tutor before the start of the session. Disruptive use of devices during class can lead to students being asked to leave classes or other learning activities and face disciplinary action.

8.4 Recording of Lectures

As per section C16 of Middlesex University Regulations unauthorised audio recording, video recording or photography of lectures, or other forms of learning activities by students, is prohibited.

Limited recording by students may be permitted under exceptional circumstances only (for example, for an individual student as a “reasonable adjustment”, within the meaning of the UK’s Equalities Act), upon explicit permission provided by the tutor and, where appropriate, by everyone else involved. Permission for recording does not imply permission for publication (e.g. on Facebook, YouTube, or other Social Media), or distribution to others. Unauthorised recording of such activities violates the privacy of persons involved, may infringe on copyrights and intellectual property rights of others and can be intrusive and disruptive in a learning environment. In all cases, violation of this regulation will be managed under the student disciplinary procedures.

In addition to a violation of University Regulations, unauthorised recordings may expose students to other unintended consequences, as per UAE law. The United Arab Emirates has several laws (for example, Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes) for the protection of privacy and reputation and defamation. Some of the acts that could amount to a criminal offence are:

• possessing on an electronic device a photo taken without the subject’s consent
• posting other people's pictures or videos online or on social media (including WhatsApp) without their consent
• tagging a person without their consent
• threatening or insulting people online
• spreading information via social media, that is not verified by the official sources
• gossiping about people or maligning them.
  Further guidance is available within the University Regulations and via the Institutional Planning and Quality Office (qualityoffice@mdx.ac.ae).

9.Academic Integrity and Misconduct

Academic Integrity is a set of principles and values to show that you work in a professional, honest and ethical way.
Academic misconduct is a breach of the values of academic integrity. It can occur when a student cheats in an assessment or attempts to deliberately mislead an examiner that the work presented is their own when it is not. Academic misconduct is a corrosive force in the university’s academic life; it jeopardises the quality of education and devalues the degrees and qualifications of the University. It includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, commissioning or buying work from a third party or copying the work of others, unauthorised use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) tools and breach of examination rules.

Students who attempt to gain an unfair advantage over others through academic misconduct will be penalised by sanctions according to the severity of the offence, which can include exclusion from the University. Taking unfair advantage over other students in assessment is considered a serious offence by the University. Action will be taken against any student who contravenes the regulations through negligence, foolishness or deliberate intent. Academic misconduct takes several forms, in particular:

Plagiarism – using extensive unacknowledged quotations from, or direct copying of, another person’s work and presenting it for assessment as if it were your own effort. This includes the use of third party essay writing services.

Collusion – working with other students (without the tutor’s permission) and presenting similar or identical work for assessment.

Infringement of Exam Room Rules – Communication with another candidate, taking notes to your table in the exam room and/or referring to notes during the examination.

Self-Plagiarism – including any material which is identical or substantially similar to material that has already been submitted by you for another assessment in the University or elsewhere.

Purchasing or Commissioning - attempting to purchase or purchasing work for an assessment including, for example from the internet, or attempting to commission, or commissioning someone else to complete an assessment (even without payment). This includes the use of third party essay writing services. Essay mills are now illegal entities, and use of them is facilitating an illegal activity.

Unauthorised use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) - You cannot use Generative AI tools in your assessments unless specified by the module leader. Where the use of Generative AI is allowed you must provide as a minimum

• Written acknowledgment of the use of generative artificial intelligence, the extent of use, and how generated materials were used.
• Descriptions of how the information was generated (including the prompts used).

Where generated material has not been adapted, citing and referencing using closest source types in the relevant referencing style (e.g. “artificial intelligence” or “non-recoverable sources”). Appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is detailed in the assessment requirements grid in the Assessments section.

Links to the relevant University Regulations and additional support resources can be found here:

Section F: Academic Integrity and Misconduct: University-Regulations-for-Taught-Programmes.pdf

Referencing & Plagiarism: Suspected of plagiarism? https://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/plagiarismreferencing/referencing

Referencing and avoiding plagiarism: https://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/ld.php?content_id=35578377

Student Success Essentials (an online self-study course available via MyLearning) includes useful information about how to approach your assessments and complete them with honesty. The course also describes what plagiarism (cheating) is and how to avoid it, so you don’t face any action due to violation of academic integrity rules.

Access to course: You will have to log into to MyMDX and then MyLearning to access the course

Full details on academic integrity and misconduct and the support available can be found at Academic Integrity | MyMDX(mdx.ac.uk) as well as on the Campus Guide at www.mdx.ac.ae/life-at-university/campus-guide.

Our Library and the Centre for Academic Success (CAS) run workshops and clinics to help you learn how to avoid plagiarism and how to reference correctly. To get support and guidance on academic writing techniques that meet our expectations of Academic Integrity, please contact a staff member in CAS (cas@mdx.ac.ae).

The Dubai Academic Integrity and Misconduct Team (aim@mdx.ac.ae) provide guidance on responding to allegations of academic misconduct and its related processes.

10.Micro-course: Foundations of AI Literacy

You should complete the micro-course on ‘Foundations of AI Literacy’ on MyLearning to empower yourself with the basic skills you will need to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of generative artificial intelligence. This micro course has lessons that will equip you with essential skills to understand AI, evaluate AI generated content to make informed judgement about tools you encounter and use AI responsibly as part of your student journey. This micro course can be completed within 90 minutes. You can expect to learn through:

• Completely free and accessible bite-sized content based on the latest guidelines from thought leaders at UNESCO, IBM, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic
• Core AI literacy concepts written by leading academics and our information literacy experts in the library
• Progressing at your own pace using self-study materials and interactive content, including videos, case-studies, quizzes, and interactive activities
• Upon completing the micro-course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.

What does this micro-course cover?

Unit 1. Understand: AI and ethical aspects: This unit introduces the fundamental differences between AI and Generative AI, emphasizing the role of data in AI applications. It also addresses key ethical concerns related to AI-generated content.

Unit 2. Evaluate: Judgement and responsible use: This unit focuses on evaluating AI- generated output to identify bias and hallucinations, while developing the skills required to use AI responsibly. It also provides guidance on evaluating AI tools from an ethical perspective in academic contexts.

Unit 3. Use: Prompting skills and use of tools: This unit explores frameworks and approaches to help you develop effective prompting skills. It also examines the type of tasks best suited to popular AI tools and their applications in academic and research contexts.

11. Extenuating Circumstances

There may be difficult circumstances in your life that affect your ability to meet an assessment deadline or affect your performance in an assessment. These are known as Extenuating Circumstances or ‘ECs’. Extenuating Circumstances are exceptional, seriously adverse and outside of your control.

As a student, it's your responsibility to let the University know about any extenuating circumstances that have affected your work at the time they occur. You can request a deferral of assessment to the next assessment period, or your circumstances can be taken into account by the Programme Assessment Board when making its progression/finalist decision. If you are requesting a deferral of an assessment, you should submit an application by the deadline for completion of the assessment. If you are unable to do this, evidence must be provided which demonstrates the reason for not being able to meet the deadline, in addition to the evidence for the claim.

Extenuating Circumstances can only be requested for summative assessment, not for formative assessment. For example, only for assessment that counts towards your overall module grade.

You MUST provide evidence/supporting statement with any request for extenuating circumstances to be considered (except in cases of self-certification*) for a deferral to the next assessment opportunity, or for Extenuating Circumstances to be noted at the Programme Assessment board.

*Self-certification can only be used when an extenuating circumstance has affected you for period of 7 days or less, i.e. a short illness that occurs at the point of assessment submission. You can apply for the following outcomes due to your Extenuating Circumstances. Please note the outcome of any Extenuating Circumstances application may be different from what has been requested:

Deferral

Your circumstances have impacted on your ability to sit your exam or complete and/or submit your assessment. You are requesting an opportunity to sit the exam or submit the work at the next assessment opportunity

ECs noted for the board only
Your circumstances may have affected your performance on other assessments for one or more modules and, although you have sat the exam or submitted the assessments, you wish the Programme Assessment Board to be aware of this in case there is a borderline decision to be made regarding your progression/finalist decision.

Deferral & ECs noted for the Board
Your circumstances have impacted on your ability to sit your exam or complete and/or submit your assessment. You are requesting an opportunity to sit the exam or submit the work at the next assessment opportunity.

There could be progression (i.e. additional year(s) of study), financial (tuition fees and scholarships) and student visa implications as a result of deferring your assessment.

For more information on how to apply for Extenuating Circumstances, please check the Assessment tile in MyMDX or contact CampusCentral via AskMDX (https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae)