Artificial intelligence is changing the world of work

The world of work is facing profound changes as a result of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent study by the Oxford Internet Institute shows that, contrary to general fears, AI will not lead to the replacement of human labour. Instead, skills that machines can't do will become more important than ever before, especially creative problem solving, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Appointments that are cognitively and socially complex, such as those in science, management or politics, cannot be replaced by AI in the future, according to the study.

This is precisely where the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) comes in: "We are preparing our students to actively exploit the opportunities offered by AI and to position themselves in the digital transformation with their unique human skills," says Prof Dr Dirk Sauerland, Dean of the Faculty.

Human strengths in an AI-influenced world

UW/H consciously integrates the latest developments into its management degree programmes. Students not only acquire specialised knowledge, but also develop the ability to develop solutions for the challenges of tomorrow in practical projects and interactive formats that AI cannot provide. Methods such as design thinking and innovation management are used to help students design sustainable business models. In project seminars, they regularly work on real-life scenarios: in one case, for example, a catering supplier was faced with the challenge that purchasing decisions were primarily made on the basis of price. The students developed a long-term positioning for the company: they analysed the market, segmented customer groups and developed a new brand positioning including a new value proposition. With success: sales increased significantly.

Critical thinking is a central element of the programme. Professors encourage their students to engage with specialised content and discuss current social and economic issues. In this context, they learn to analyse developments from different perspectives and to question AI-supported decisions in a well-founded manner.

In addition, more and more attention is being paid to the importance of emotional intelligence. In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, the ability to communicate empathically and lead successfully is indispensable. Through teamwork and stakeholder management, students learn early on what effective collaboration and leadership skills look like in practice.

The interdisciplinary collaboration that students experience in real projects with companies is particularly worth emphasising. For example, in the seminar "Sustainable corporate management in practice" in the Bachelor's degree programme in Management, they work with well-known companies such as Katjes or Bitburger to develop ways to solve current challenges, e.g. reporting obligations or improving the environmental sustainability of the supply chain. The students present the results to the management. Here, they recognise how business, technology and society intertwine and develop solutions that transcend specialist boundaries.

"Our students are not only prepared for the working world of today, but also for that of tomorrow," says Sauerland. "They are the ones who will play a responsible role in shaping the digital transformation."