Much of the discussion on the Future of Work (FoW) pivots around the distribution of work between humans and machines and the extent of digital technologies replacing humans. However, one of the underlying feats of these discussions is the premise that organizations fully adopt all the potentially emerging possibilities created by technological advances, while in real life, the actual process of technology adoption is all but smooth. The reason is that in its traditional configuration structure, large incumbent multinational enterprises (MNEs) face unprecedented turmoil caused by technological and political forces that challenge the organizational model of the past 200 years. Some experts even argue that globalization is reversing itself. Radical, particularly digital, technological advances threaten the very key advantages long enjoyed by large MNEs, raising many critical issues concerning the validity of core principles of organizational theories—particularly “Internalization Theory.” 

Teaching methods include short lectures, case studies, workshops, presentations, and discussions of practitioner and scientific articles. If possible, we will ZOOM in or even invite guest speakers. 

This course aims to provide an understanding of future organizational MNE structures, the FOW, the mobility of activities across national and internationally dispersed subunits, and ultimately the mobility of people and practices will look like. We take a predominant organizational-level view on the topic rather than focusing on the micro/individual dimensions of work, although the two levels are inevitably intertwined. After the course you will:

- understand the effects of Megatrends on the Structural Aspects of Work, Workplace, and Workforce.

- understand the effects of the 4th Industrial Revolution on the FoW

- understand the FoW in the Post-Covid-29 Enterprise

-understand the implications of the FoW on MNE structures.

Participants are expected to attend all of the sessions.

The course is structured as a four-day-long “Block Seminar” from November 21 to November 24, 2023. Our modus operandi will be dialog, and the teaching approach varied, with a mix of interactive lectures, group discussion, case analysis, experiential exercises, and videos and, if possible, guest speakers.

Student grades will be determined by:

40% Participation.
35% A group presentation on December 13, 2023.                                      
25% Individual term paper (max 900 words), due December 13, 2023 before class.
Classroom participation and attendance required.

Participation and attendance is required for being admitted to the final presentation.

I expect you to be fully engaged in the learning process, and you should be prepared to participate voluntarily and when called upon in each session. This means devoting time and energy to preparation before, listening to others during and engaging in discussions. Collective reasoning and discovery are critical to successfully applying the case method.  Asking questions can make high-quality contributions to learning when they advance general understanding by stimulating an in-depth analysis or explanation of a point.

Final Group Presentations:

During the course we will have a number of active workshop sessions which will lead to a final presentation on December 13. In groups of 5 to 6 you will prepare a presentation that will build on the PwC “Four Future Worlds” scenarios reading (see reading list). The goal is to wrap your heads around what is coming for organizations and what executives in MNEs should do to be “future ready.” A good presentation will provide a vision with specific recommendations built on evidence or logic that have a foundation based on existing knowledge. You will have ample time to work on this.

Individual Deliverable: Term Paper

During the course, you will develop an informed view of the FoW and what it means for MNEs. For this assignment, you will write a short perspectives piece (max. 900 words), drawing on the course discussions and reading materials. Your perspective can be leaping, and it should not be a repetition of the group presentation or a repeating/summarizing of the readings. Instead, it can be provocative, and it should be your personal (informed) opinion. A good paper is counterintuitive while yet still supported by evidence.

Grading logic:

My assessment of your work depends on how well you argue for your perspective and how these arguments link back to the course. I will evaluate your work based on content appropriateness, analytic strength, relevance, and communication effectiveness. Please refrain from lengthy quotes or repetition of the readings.

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