Master of Leadership in Development (MLD)
The Master of Leadership in Development (MLD) program recognizes the needs articulated in PNG’s Vision 2050 for human capital development and people empowerment for responsible sustainable development for Papua New Guinea.
The MLD program is offered in flexible learning mode. Students take two units a semester and complete the program in two years. Students are required to participate in a two-week residential component each semester. Students are expected to have their own personal laptop.
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LD604: Professional ethics in organizations
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit explores the ethics and philosophy of human actions as foundations for leadership and management thought and practice. It helps students develop a framework for ethical decision-making that can be used to examine ethical dilemmas and identify appropriate courses of action within Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) complex and culturally diverse context. Students will examine theories and principles relating to what constitutes an ethical community, business, government, and society.
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LD609: Applied research and evaluation methods
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to undertake a research project. Students will explore different research paradigms and perspectives, along with relevant data collection and analysis techniques, and apply them to case studies. They will identify a research problem relevant to their workplace or organisation and apply their research knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal addressing the identified problem.
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LD606: Cross-cultural & Gender Leadership
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit aims to develop cross-cultural and gender awareness and competencies among leaders in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific Islands who work in culturally diverse settings. It is also designed for students preparing to work with people from different cultural backgrounds in multicultural environments. Using relevant theoretical frameworks, students will examine their own cultures, compare them with others, and develop strategies for working effectively across cultural boundaries. The unit emphasises intercultural understanding, gender awareness, social inclusion, leadership, and problem-solving in diverse settings. Students will also explore how cultural differences influence communication, the exchange of ideas, perceptions, and workplace performance. The unit further develops students’ skills in intercultural communication, negotiation, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
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LD610: Global & Regional Development
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit prepares students to analyse and interpret data collected for their research projects. The theoretical component introduces data analysis techniques suitable for both qualitative and quantitative research. The practical component develops students’ skills in coding, analysing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, as well as presenting research findings in a structured research report.
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LD603: Leading & managing change in developing countries
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit examines how leadership is shaped by cultural, social, political, and economic contexts in developing countries. Students will explore tensions between competing interests and priorities, including individual interests and the common good; local, provincial, and national governments; the public and private sectors; government and churches; professional and sustainable development; and multinational corporations and resource owners. The unit also develops students’ understanding of leadership skills required in challenging environments, including leading diverse teams, coaching and mentoring employees, and managing organisational change.
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LD611: Data analysis and research report writing
Study Period: Semester OneIn this unit, students are guided through the process of preparing a research report based on the research problem developed in LD609. Students will develop skills in writing key sections of a research report, including the introduction, background and context, literature review, research design, analysis of results, discussion, recommendations, references, and appendices. In addition to submitting a written report, students are required to present their research projects orally at an organised seminar.
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LD602: Strategic planning for development
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit explores strategic thinking and planning as essential leadership skills. It examines how organisational leaders can maximise their impact by effectively utilising limited talents, resources, and opportunities. Students will discuss the “think locally, act globally” model and explore how leaders can strengthen core organisational competencies to gain strategic advantages in uncertain and constantly changing environments. Key topics include organisational structure and function, strategic planning and management, organisational life cycles, vision, and adaptability.
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LD605: Conflict resolution and reconciliation
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit examines conflict from an organisational perspective, focusing on the costs of unresolved workplace conflict, the ethical and legal frameworks governing conflict management, and effective strategies for resolving and preventing disputes. Students will explore ethical considerations in conflict resolution and examine alternative dispute resolution approaches, particularly within Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the wider Pacific region. The unit emphasises reconciliation as an important outcome of conflict resolution and introduces students to Melanesian and Pacific approaches to managing and resolving conflicts.
Admission requirements
Potential candidates who hold a Bachelor degree in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, Education, Tourism and Hospitality Management, or related fields with at least three years of relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. An above average performance at undergraduate studies or equivalent, including Prior Learning, is prerequisite for entry to MLD.
