Management in the Twenty-First Century - MAN00059H
Module summary
| This module explores the dynamic and ever-evolving challenges shaping the modern business world, from technological disruption to shifting social and environmental expectations. Students will critically examine how these forces redefine work, leadership, and organisational strategy, questioning conventional management wisdom along the way. |
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
| Amidst breakthrough technologies, evolving societal norms, and pressing environmental concerns, this module examines the key forces transforming work, leadership, and organisational strategy in the twenty-first century. Students will critically examine how these changes differ from the past and what they mean for the future of businesses, workers, and management as a career. Encouraging critical thinking and real-world application, the module challenges students to question mainstream management approaches, develop informed perspectives on contemporary business issues, and build the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to navigate the evolving world of work. |
Module learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Describe the challenges facing contemporary workers, managers, and organisations.
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Understand the extent to which the contemporary business environment is different from the past
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Critically evaluate managerial responses to contemporary organisational challenges
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Compare current issues in the contemporary business environment with issues that existed in the past
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Critically appraise the consequences of the changes that have taken place in working practices
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Critically reflect upon their own working experiences and the challenges they may encounter in their future working lives
Module content
This module will get students to engage with a range of issues related to the contemporary business environment. Suggestions for the kinds of issues that may be explored in this module include:
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Machine learning and the role of artificial intelligence (AI)
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Neoliberal capitalism and its various consequences
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Pressures to make organisations more sustainable, socially responsible, equal, diverse, and fair
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The disruptive potential of new working practices (e.g. the ‘gig economy’, collaborative working, etc.)
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New organisational forms (e.g. ‘networked’ businesses)
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Work-life balance and the impact of new ways of working on health and wellbeing
In addition, given the focus of this module, efforts will also be made to ensure that this module is as topical as possible by engaging with and relating to relevant current affairs.
The module will be taught using a mixture of lectures and seminars. In both cases, there will be a strong emphasis on combining theoretical ideas with real-life examples.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.
Indicative reading
Alvesson, M., Bridgman, T. and Willmott, H. (2011). The Oxford handbook of critical management studies, edited by Mats A., Bridgman, T. and Willmott, H. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Brenkert, G. G. (2019). Mind the Gap! The Challenges and Limits of (Global) Business Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 155 (4): pp.917–930. [Online]. Available at: doi:10.1007/s10551-018-3902-6
Dicken, P. (2015). Global Shift. Mapping the changing contours of the world economy (7th edition). London: Guildford Press (or earlier online editions)
Sulkowski, L.(2019). On Bullshit management the Critical Management Studies Perspective. Economics and Sociology, 12(1), 302-312