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 work, workplace, and workforce systems.

·       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, at least 80% attendance is mandatory to pass the course..

Teaching methods include short lectures, case studies, workshops, presentations, and discussions of practitioner and scientific articles.

Student grades will be determined by:

1. Participation - 35 %
2. A group presentation on the final day of the seminar - 35 %
3. Individual term paper (due date January 8, 2025) - 30 % 
4. Classroom participation and attendance is required.

Classroom Norms

The classroom norm is no laptop or cell phone use during class sessions. Using your computer during class for personal activities such as reading/writing email, writing letters, surfing the internet, playing games, etc. is also distracting and counterproductive and violates our norms. 

Missed /deadlines/plagiarism

Unless there is a valid, documented medical excuse, students who miss the final exam will fail this course. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and would lead to a failing grade for the whole course. 

No formal requirements, though a basic understanding of business and human resource management and good English language skills are recommended.

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