Winter term 2021/22

16.11.2021: "Are algorithms the better managers?"

The use of algorithms to manage the workforce enables new business models (e.g. Airbnb, InstaCart, TaskRabbit and Uber) and is already an established practice in the platform economy. Meanwhile, corresponding management practices are also increasingly being used by traditional companies. While existing research points in particular 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 highly valued by workers (such as the opportunity to receive continuous feedback). Against this backdrop, the panel discussion on 16.11.2021 addressed the question of whether algorithms are possibly the "better managers".

The panel discussed:

• Prof. Susann Wagenknecht, PhD (TU Dresden, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Junior Professorship of Microsociology and Techno-Social Interaction).
• Prof. Dr. Alexander Benlian (TU Darmstadt, Faculty of Law and Business Administration and Economics, Department of Information Systems & E-Services)
• Prof. Dr. Udo Buscher (TU Dresden, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Chair of Business Administration, esp. Industrial Management).

Moderation:

• Prof. Dr. Martin Wiener (TU Dresden, Faculty of Business and Economics, Chair of Business Information Systems, esp. Business Engineering)

01.02.2022: "Challenges of the biodiversity crisis for the economy"

According to the World Economic Forum, over 50% of global gross domestic product depends directly on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Almost every business depends on nature and is linked to biodiversity. However, biodiversity is under severe threat, which also has an impact on the economy. The panel discussion on 01.02.2022 brought together scientific findings and practical experience to highlight the challenges facing the economy with the growing biodiversity crisis and possible solutions: Why is biodiversity an issue for business? What are the risks of companies in the context of biodiversity loss? What are the current challenges to overcome the biodiversity crisis? How can companies make a positive contribution to overcoming the biodiversity crisis?

The panelists were:

• Frauke Fischer (Managing Director, Agentur auf!)
• Dr. André Lindner, (TU Dresden, Executive Manager for the School of Construction and Environment)
• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Schaltegger (Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Chair of Sustainability Management).

Moderation:

• Prof. Dr. Remmer Sassen (TU Dresden, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Chair of Business Administration, esp. Sustainability Management and Corporate Environmental Economics and IHI Zittauch, Chair of Business Administration, esp. Environmental Management)