Course Details in 2022/23 Session

Module Title	LM The Future of Work
School	Birmingham Business School
Department	Birmingham Business School
Module Code	07 37335
Module Lead	Alex Wood and Ed Granter
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module examines how the digital economy, new technologies, and the disruption of labour markets are shaping the Future of Work and impacting management. The first part of the course provides students with the conceptual tools to understand and critically evaluate the transformation of work. In particular, students will look at theories dealing with how new technologies impact the quantity and quality of jobs and give rise to novel management practices. Students will also conceptually consider the risks entailed by unsustainable production and consumption. This first part of the module encourages students to develop their own ideas based on critically evaluating these theories. The second part of the module looks at several pressing issues related to the Future of Work and Human Resource Management, such as the consequences of automation, digitalisation, the growth platforms and the gig economy, algorithmic management, and the move towards a zero carbon economy. This part of module will focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Future of Work for diversity and inclusion, skills upgrading, and job quality.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Develop a deep and systematic analysis of the major concepts and theories relevant to current debates on work and technological change. Conceptualise how digitalisation and automation affect business organisations with a particular focus on management functions (e.g. hiring, direction and control of labour). Analyse the initiatives taken by employers in response to challenges arising from the Future of Work. Flexibly and creatively produce original policy positions that overcome the challenges presented by automation, digitalisation and climate change, in order to harness opportunities presented by the Future of Work for improving jobs and employment.
Assessment	37335-01 : 3,000 Word Essay : Coursework (70%) 37335-02 : Group Paper and Video : Group Assessment - Coursework (30%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment 3,000-word individual essay (70%) Approx. 5 minutes group video and 1,000-word policy position paper on a pressing Future of Work issue (30%) Reassessment Reassessment by failed component. If the component failed is the essay then reassessment would be via new 3,000-word individual essay (70%). If group video and policy position paper is failed then reassessment will be via a critical review of their own policy paper of up to 1,000 words.
Other
Reading List