As spring unfolds across Central Europe, gardens burst into life. Today, we’ll explore thirteen essential management functions—exactly as laid out in a garden illustration—from The Garden Plan to The Compost Heap. Picture your organisation as a community garden: each element, from planning beds to composting, represents a key management activity. In this episode, we’ll walk through each garden function in order, sharing an intuitive narrative and concrete examples from professional social work p...
Apr 30, 2025•17 min
Today, we're diving into a topic that affects every organization, every team, and quite frankly, all of us – resistance to change. As Waldman and O'Reilly (2022) found in their research, resistance to change is one of the main reasons why up to 70% of organizational changes fail to achieve their desired results. We will unpack why this happens and, more importantly, how you can successfully navigate it – especially in social work settings where the stakes are often incredibly high. Reference: An...
Mar 31, 2025•16 min
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the topic of “culture”–what it is, where it came from, and how recent thinking challenges our assumptions. One key idea we’ll be looking at is that culture isn’t a rigid, unchanging force pushing people apart but rather a dynamic interplay of multiple influences that can unite us if we learn how to forge a shared sense of belonging. By exploring this idea, we’ll see how moving beyond the notion of “clashing cultures” can open up more productive and inclusive...
Feb 27, 2025•14 min
Have you ever wondered why we manage our teams or institutions the way we do? Or how did management even become a discipline? Today, we'll journey back to uncover where management thinking began and how it has evolved. From the ancient roots of "manus" (Latin for "hand") to modern theories that emphasise people, context, and ever-changing environments. We will see that "what management is" truly depends on the perspective of how we approach it. Reference: Witzel, M. (2012). A History of Manageme...
Dec 31, 2024•13 min
Imagine a world where economic systems prioritise fairness, resource sustainability, and the well-being of all individuals. Sounds utopian, right? But this vision wasn't just a dream for Walras; it was a carefully constructed framework grounded in rigorous thought and a strong belief in a harmonious society. His ideas challenged laissez-faire capitalism and promoted the ethical management of resources and labour. He also embraced a harmonious balance between individual freedoms and collective re...
Nov 30, 2024•10 min
Today, we're diving into a topic that has reshaped education and practice for decades. It's the question of training future students and current professionals in many so-called literacies. Although everyone is talking about AI skills at the moment, this discussion is not new. A seminal moment was the publication by the New London Group in 1996, where they introduced the concept of multiliteracies. They argued for an expanded understanding of literacy that goes beyond traditional reading and writ...
Sep 30, 2024•9 min
In this episode, we’ll unpack phenomenography, how it can be applied to social management research, and its implications for future social and management sciences. By the end of this short discussion, you’ll have a clearer understanding of this innovative research design and its potential impact on your work. References: Hoory, L. (2024, June 1). What is a stakeholder analysis? Everything you need to know. Forbes Advisor . https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-stakeholder-analysis/ Tig...
Aug 01, 2024•10 min
Today, we're discussing the role of artificial intelligence in social work and its implications for social service organisations. A recent holiday reading inspired this episode. In this episode, we'll draw some insights from Ethan Mollick's book, 'Co-Intelligence—Living and Working with AI,' to understand both the potential and ethical challenges of integrating AI into social work. Although he didn't discuss the implications for social work, he presented some thought-provoking ideas relevant to ...
Jul 31, 2024•10 min
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Public Governance. We’ll explore its different concepts and their applications, particularly in the social and healthcare sectors. Buckle up for an educational yet entertaining ride through the intricacies of how public institutions are managed and governed. We’ll start by asking what public governance is and what concepts about it exist. Then, we will explore four of the most intriguing concepts in the field. References: Ansell, C., & Gash, ...
May 31, 2024•10 min
Today, we're peeling back the layers on a topic that often gets plenty of lip service but lacks in-depth understanding and implementation–diversity in social services. Picture this: a social work agency bustling with professionals from all walks of life, each bringing their own rich tapestry of experiences, cultures, and ideas. But here's the catch–does this colourful mosaic translate into the way the agency operates, makes decisions, and sets policies? Often, there's a disconnect. Many organisa...
May 02, 2024•10 min
Welcome to today's episode of Managing Around! Imagine a world where every voice, no matter how seemingly contradictory, will be heard. Where the diverse needs, goals, and perspectives within a social work organisation not only coexist but thrive together. This is not a distant utopia. It should be reality in social work institutions. Hybridity and multi-rationality in these organisations help us to understand why and how diverse perspectives and values can coexist, and how we can develop a cohe...
Apr 10, 2024•8 min
Have you ever wondered what separates the best from the rest in the world of management? What if I told you there's a secret tool that has transformed how we understand leadership, innovation, and organisational development? – The magic is simply the Critical Incident Technique or CIT – a tool that's been shaping management research since the 1960s. This technique, stemming from the innovative work of psychologist John C. Flanagan, has transcended its military origins to become a cornerstone in ...
Mar 02, 2024•10 min
We are drawing inspiration from Paul Bate's seminal work, "Strategies for Cultural Change," in which he challenges traditional views of organisational culture, urging us to see it not just as an attribute an organisation has, but as the very essence. As we explore his insights, we will unravel the complexities of 'thinking culturally' about organisations and discuss practical strategies for enacting meaningful and sustainable cultural change. We navigate the intricate pathways of altering the ve...
Jan 31, 2024•9 min
How, can learning in the field of management be made more exciting, practical, and effective? In today's insightful episode of Managing Around, we delve into an innovative Design-based Research project conducted at the University of Applied Sciences in Dresden. It merges the theories of 'Students as Partners' and 'Learning by Teaching', creating a new approach for theory-practice transfer in management. Let's kick things off by unpacking what Design-based Research, or DBR, really is. We'll explo...
Dec 31, 2023•9 min
Welcome to another insightful episode of Managing Around. I'm Maik Arnold, and today, we explore project management and teamwork. We're diving into improving project teamwork, a topic crucial for any project's success. We'll explore the contrasts between classical and agile project management and learn about the Team Charter Canvas tool, a game-changer in team and organisational development. Reference : Designbetterbusiness.tools (2019). Team Charter Canvas . https://www.designabetterbusiness.to...
Nov 30, 2023•9 min
Systematic reviews such as these are just one of many ways in academic writing to accumulate the current state-of-the-art in a relevant field of research. But fear not, we've got PRISMA as our guiding star. PRISMA stands for “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.” In this episode, we will embark on a journey to let you understand what systematic reviews are and how you could use this extraordinary tool to capture an aerial photo from your research. We will also intr...
Oct 01, 2023•9 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest research and trends to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of management, social sciences and education. Today, we're breaking down a fascinating study that my colleague Mattis Altmann from the TU Dresden and I presented at the GeNeMe 2023 conference titled "Exploring Critical Learning Incidents in Collaborative Online International Learning: Implications for Digital Readiness and Learning Design." Through self-reflection journals, we captured ...
Sep 30, 2023•9 min
This episode dives into a topic that's constantly challenging thinking about the future of work. We're talking about the intersection of Industry 4.0 and Human Resources. The key lesson is that as we advance into this new era of interconnected machines and real-time data, the human element doesn't diminish but becomes increasingly vital. So, stay tuned for an insightful and engaging conversation about "Navigating the Future of Work: Unveiling the Synergy Between Industry 4.0 and Human Resources"...
Aug 31, 2023•10 min
In this episode, we will discuss the topic of "Five theses for the further development of SoTL in higher education teaching". SoTL stands for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and it is a movement that aims to enhance the quality and impact of teaching and learning in higher education. And this is done through research and evidence-based practices. Based on a recently published article by the host of this podcast and his colleagues from the German-speaking SoTL-Netzwork (Nerea Vöing and Sabi...
Jul 31, 2023•10 min
This episode discusses the importance of coaching in social work organisations. Coaching is a powerful tool that can help social workers develop skills, improve performance, and achieve goals. It can also enhance their well-being, resilience, and motivation. But how can you implement coaching in your social work organisation? What are the benefits and challenges of coaching? To answer these questions, stay tuned for this exciting episode of Managing Around! Uncover even more insights and valuabl...
Jun 30, 2023•10 min
Today, we will delve into the concept of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, or for short SoTL, and how it can lead to the development and improvement of teaching in higher education. This concept, pioneered by Ernest L. Boyer, emphasizes the importance of treating teaching as a scholarly activity subject to systematic inquiry, reflection, and improvement. Our discussion is based on an article from the e-teaching.org website, which provides an excellent overview of this fascinating approac...
Jun 01, 2023•9 min
Welcome to this new episode of the "Managing Around" podcast, where today we explore the question of what it takes to maintain a welfare system that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow. With the world changing rapidly due to globalisation, technological advancements, and demographic shifts, the traditional welfare systems of the past may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the future. In this episode, we will delve into the key components of a specific example, the Irish welfare system, ...
May 01, 2023•14 min
Writing an essay that stands out from the crowd is essential for achieving top marks. It can be challenging to know where to start, but having a structured approach can help you succeed. In this episode, I will uncover a formula that has helped countless students achieve first-class grades at different universities. I will take you through the different sections of an essay and provide a few tips on how to structure your work for maximum output and quality. – Enjoy, and I hope you find this help...
Mar 31, 2023•8 min
Welcome to Managing Around, the podcast exploring the intersection of social work and management. In this episode, I aim to provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives, encouraging you to develop higher education didactics for social work management. I believe that an exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge are essential for achieving quality development in the field of social work and for preparing students to meet the so-called "Global Challenges". Whether you are a social work edu...
Feb 28, 2023•20 min
In this episode, we'll explore the current challenges in management education in the social sciences, both in Brazil and Germany. In this episode, we explore the complex world of teaching and learning by looking at the problems that higher education institutions face as they try to teach knowledge and train future managers. Through a comparative lens, we will look at the different problems that Brazilian and German universities face and show how they are coming up with creative solutions. My col...
Feb 01, 2023•12 min
In today's episode, we will explore what Communities of Practice are and share the fascinating insights and perspectives they can offer, especially for international university projects. So sit back, relax, and let's get started! Communities of practice (CoPs) are essential for international projects because they provide a platform for team members to share knowledge, expertise, and experience across cultural and geographical boundaries. CoPs can help team members learn from one another, build r...
Dec 31, 2022•13 min
Intercultural competence of managers and employees represents a necessary "key qualification" in all industries. Also, social work professionals increasingly deal with members of different cultures, groups, and minorities. In this way, intercultural competence has become a requirement for anyone who wants to work in the social work profession. In this episode of Managing Around, I will give you a glimpse of how intercultural competences are relevant to social work management. I start with a brie...
Nov 30, 2022•12 min
Digital technologies have been used in Virtual Exchange for almost 20 years, even though online teaching has significantly changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, I will talk about a few lessons learned from a recent web-based Virtual Exchange (VE) between University College Cork (UCC) and Fachhochschule Dresden-University of Applied Science (FHD). That exchange focused on life writing and biography, developing qualitative research skills, and speaking a foreign language. Claire from UCC and...
Oct 31, 2022•15 min
Inclusivity and accessibility are one of the most important trends in contemporary tourism industry, in relation to other trends such as sustainability, digitalisation, or even luxury expedition voyages. Tourism providers should give proper attention to customers with specific needs and must be open to all kinds of potential access requirements. In this context, accessible services will become a critical factor in the tourism industry. Moreover, tourism managers and respective frontline staff ne...
Oct 01, 2022•13 min
Virtual collaborative learning and teaching benefits from using immersive technologies. It helps to develop key competencies in learners, such as collaboration, virtual communication, and problem-solving skills, and social and digital skills. Virtual Reality or VR that uses information technology and behavioural interfaces to simulate the individual behaviour in the virtual world supports experiences of immersion and presence. Based on such technology and its uses in higher education, we conduct...
Aug 27, 2022•13 min
