TOPICS COVERED
ACTIVITY
WEEK#
THEME
WK3
Scientific Management
(cont)
(cont)
His pioneering work in applying engineering principles to the work done on the factory floor was instrumental in the creation and development of the branch of engineering that is now known as industrial engineering. Taylor made his name, and was most proud of his work, in scientific management.
During the workshops we will go on to consider the links between Taylor's work and motivation
WK4
The Meaning of Work.
At this point in the module, we will begin to 'ramp up' the nature of the materials we cover, we will be drawing on some contemporary materials such as The Taylor Review into modern working practices and The Impact Entrepreneur: Building a New Platform for Economic Security in Work, to guide ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS and add more depth to your concept maps. You will be expected to engage fully with the directed reading and participate fully in the workshop discussions.
Note: If you have not started to compile your concept maps then this really is the very latest point at which you should start to do so!
This Lecture: The nature of work in contemporary society is in flux. This was officially recognised recently in the UK with the government - Taylor Review - into modern working practices and the need for better work (whatever that means?).
At the same time and on the immediate horizon the spectre of new technology - AI/robotics etc - threatens the very future of work, hence the emerging debates about a Universal Basic Income, in a ‘no work society’. While opinions differ about likely impacts, one thing is sure; the deep influence of the meaning of work on society and the human psyche cannot be ignored. But why is the meaning of work so significant? Enter the 'work ethic' on the stage and its role in shaping modern attitudes to work.
This lecture will attempt to explain where the ‘work ethic’ came from, explain how society viewed work before modernity (the current era) - which was very different - and consider what might happen to work values in the near future should work itself be radically remade.
Lecture, Round Table, concept mapping.
Guiding Question: Why do we work?
Session materials will be released, on Blackboard, incrementally as the module progresses.