Management trends and contemporary issues sheetEssay frameDiscuss the contemporary issues and trends that managers face today, with Sri Lankan examples.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
- 1 · Open. The business environment is changing faster than ever, so managers face new issues alongside the classic four functions.
- 2 · Globalization and digital technology. Cross-border competition; artificial intelligence, data, e-commerce and remote work.
- 3 · Sustainability, ethics and CSR.
- Triple bottom line: people, planet, profit
- Carroll's pyramid: economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic
- Classical (Friedman) vs socio-economic view
- 4 · Diversity, innovation and quality. Inclusive workforces, constant innovation, social media, TQM and customer focus.
- 5 · Managing change. Lewin: unfreeze, change, refreeze; reduce resistance through communication and participation.
- 6 · Draw Lewin's model. [Flow: unfreeze → change → refreeze]
- 7 · In Sri Lankan business. MAS's Thurulie green factory, Dialog's mobile money, and lessons from the 2022 crisis.
- 8 · Close. Managers who scan, adapt and lead with values turn these issues into opportunities.
Scoring tip: Pick five or six trends and give each a heading, one line of meaning and one Sri Lankan example.
