Course Description
"The Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption" is a cutting-edge course offered by WBGx that explores the rapidly evolving landscape of work in the 21st century. This introductory-level course delves into the transformative impact of technology on our lives, communication, and business practices, while addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital hyper-connectivity.
What Students Will Learn
- Factors driving the changing nature of work
- Essential skills required for future workforces
- Understanding of the Human Capital Index and its methodology
- Knowledge of social assistance programs and insurance schemes
- Policy measures available to governments for addressing workforce challenges
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in understanding the future of work and developing the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
Course Coverage
- The impact of new technologies on traditional industries
- Changing employee-employer relationships in the digital age
- Automation and AI's effects on routine and low-skill jobs
- Opportunities for job creation and increased productivity
- The urgency of developing human capital in developing countries
- The gig economy and its implications for workers
- Critical analysis and problem-solving skills for the 21st century
- The importance of "soft skills" like teamwork and empathy
- Machine learning and its role in shaping the future of work
- Policy approaches to address workforce challenges
Who This Course Is For
- Students preparing to enter the workforce
- Professionals seeking to adapt to changing job markets
- Policy makers and government officials
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs
- Anyone interested in understanding the future of work and its implications
Real-World Applications
The skills and knowledge gained from this course will enable learners to:
- Anticipate and prepare for changes in their industries
- Develop adaptable skill sets for long-term career success
- Make informed decisions about education and training investments
- Contribute to policy discussions on workforce development
- Implement innovative strategies in their organizations to address future challenges
- Navigate the gig economy and new forms of employment
Syllabus
Week 1 - Changing Nature of Work
- Introduction to new technologies transforming daily life
- Exploration of new types of automation and digital platform businesses
- Discussion of decreasing demand for low-skilled labor
Week 2 – Human Capital: A New Framework
- Introduction to the World Bank's human capital index
- Examination of links between health, education, and worker productivity
- Exploration of skills increasingly important in labor markets
Week 3 – Lifelong Learning: From Birth to Retirement
- Focus on early childhood development and its impact on future productivity
- Examination of education systems and youth employment programs
- Discussion of programs from pre-natal care to youth employment
Week 4 – Returns to Work & Social Protection
- Exploration of lifelong learning approaches for workers
- Discussion of innovative pedagogy and technology platforms
- Examination of strategies to increase productivity and reduce informality
Week 5 – Investing in Social Inclusion
- Discussion of new social contracts for human capital investment
- Exploration of universal social protection programs
- Examination of financing methods for social programs
