Winter term 2021/22

November 16, 2021: "Are algorithms the better managers?"

The use of algorithms to manage workforces enables new business models (e.g. Airbnb, InstaCart, TaskRabbit and Uber) and is already an established practice in the platform economy. Meanwhile, related management practices are also increasingly used by traditional companies. While existing research particularly points to the "downsides" of so-called algorithmic management (e.g., insufficient transparency, continuous monitoring, and dehumanization of work), recent studies show that algorithmic management also enables new forms of interaction that are definitely valued by workers (such as the possibility to receive continuous feedback). Against this background, the panel discussion on November 16, 2021 addressed the question of whether algorithms might be the "better managers."

Under the moderation of Prof. Dr. Martin Wiener, Prof. Susann Wagenknecht, PhD (TU Dresden, Faculty of Philosophy, Junior Professorship for Micro-Sociology and Techno-Social Interaction), Prof. Dr. Alexander Benlian (TU Darmstadt, Faculty of Law and Economics, Department of Information Systems & E-Services) and Prof. Dr. Udo Buscher (TU Dresden, Faculty of Economics, Chair of Business Administration, esp. Industrial Management) discussed the topic.

Februrary 1, 2022: "Challenges of the biodiversity crisis for the economy"

According to the World Economic Forum, over 50% of global gross domestic product is directly dependent on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Almost every business depends on nature and is connected to biodiversity. However, biodiversity is under severe threat, which also affects business. The panel discussion on February 1, 2022, brought together scientific evidence and practical experience to highlight the challenges business faces with the growing biodiversity crisis and possible solutions: Why is biodiversity an issue for business? What are the business risks associated with biodiversity loss? What are the current challenges to overcome the biodiversity crisis? How can companies make a positive contribution to overcoming the biodiversity crisis?

Frauke Fischer (Managing Director, Agentur auf!), Dr. André Lindner, (Department Head of Building and Environment, TU Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Schaltegger (Leuphana University Lüneburg, Chair of Sustainability Management) discussed these questions. The moderation was taken over by Prof. Dr. Remmer Sassen.