Whether you are interested in a career in management or already hold a management position, the scope of this occupation is constantly changing. As new trends emerge, management professionals must be prepared to adapt their skills and expertise to meet the dynamic needs of their respective organizations.
By staying informed on some of the latest management education trends and their potential impact on the industry, you can be prepared to lead your teams to their full potential.
The Rise of Online Master’s in Management Programs
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of available online master’s in management degree programs. This is due to a higher demand for professionals with formal management education as well as a shift in focus from traditional business management theories to more practical, contemporary skills and knowledge. An online Master of Science in Management (MSM) program can help prepare graduates to not just adapt to the current business environment but also confidently shape and lead with future business trends.
The Future of Management Education
What does the future of management education look like? Expert predictions on future trends in management education point to several developments that are likely to shape the landscape of these programs. Specifically, these trends suggest future management education will be more digitally focused, globally oriented, and aligned with contemporary business challenges that prepare graduates to lead effectively in an increasingly complex, interconnected world.
Management Education Trends and In-Demand Skills
Explore some key management trends and in-demand management skills that the next generation of leadership will need to succeed.
Management Trends
- Resilience and growth mindset – Modern business leaders should be prepared to overcome new challenges and find ways to grow regardless of the obstacles they face.
- Understanding global dynamics – In a more globalized business world, managers must also have a solid understanding of global dynamics and cultural intelligence.
- Fostering critical thinking – Critical thinking skills have become increasingly crucial for leaders and business managers in today’s ever-evolving business world.
- Addressing global challenges – Emerging global challenges, ranging from supply chain issues to political conflict, inevitably affect the way businesses are led and managed. Competent leaders need to be informed and prepared to confront and address these as they occur.
In-Demand Management Skills
- Adaptability and resilience – The best managers are those who can think quickly on their feet and adapt to changing conditions as needed.
- Global and cultural competence – A strong sense of what is going on in the world as well as an understanding of different cultures and their norms is also key to great management and leadership.
- Innovative, critical, and strategic thinking – Being able to think critically and strategically while responding to issues or solving problems serves business leaders well.
- Sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) knowledge – With more businesses focused on sustainability and ethical decision-making, this type of knowledge is an absolute must-have for the next generation of managers.
- Leadership and emotional intelligence – Solid leadership skills allow managers to motivate, inspire, and confidently lead teams toward a shared goal or objective.
- Ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility – Making responsible and ethical decisions is a challenge all managers and leaders face, so tackling this with confidence is crucial.
- Change management – Businesses are constantly facing change and incorporating new innovations in order to stay relevant. The right manager would help businesses adapt and transition as smoothly as possible.
4 Contemporary Curriculum Changes in Master’s in Management Programs
To remain relevant in the ever-changing business landscape, management programs need to continually evolve along with it. Below are four of the most significant curriculum changes in master’s in management degree programs that best reflect current trends and industry demands.
1. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Across the globe, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility—so degree programs should ensure their curriculums reflect this global shift toward more environmentally and socially responsible business models. As a result, we expect to see more courses in such topics as:
- Sustainable supply chain management
- Green marketing
- Corporate ethics
2. Global Business and Cultural Intelligence
With the rise in globalization, management programs are also beginning to incorporate more global business content into curriculums to include an understanding of international markets, principles of cross-cultural communication, and global strategic management practices.
3. Soft Skills Development
Aside from technical skills, today’s business managers and leaders need to possess the right soft skills and characteristics to do their jobs effectively. More than ever, then, a master’s degree in management program may include training in areas such as verbal and written communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and other key interpersonal skills.
4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship and innovation are quickly becoming integral parts of the curriculum, fostering a creative and entrepreneurial mindset with topics on new venture creation, innovation management, and disruptive technologies. These subject areas encourage students to think creatively, problem-solve spontaneously, and embrace opportunities as they arise.
Key Factors in the Demand for Management Professionals
As the need for knowledgeable management professionals continues to rise, it is essential to look at some key factors influencing these changing trends. From an increase in reported worker stress to the emergence of hybrid work schedules, there are many reasons why industries across the board are seeking more management professionals to help them succeed.
Global Worker Stress and Employee Engagement
Across numerous industries, the workplace is seeing sustained levels of high worker stress—even as employee engagement statistics show signs of improvement. In fact, surveys have found that up to 84% of employees in the United States suffer from work-related stress. With this, there is growing demand for management professionals who can effectively address employee well-being and engagement needs.
Changing Nature of Employee-Organization Relationships
In addition, there has been a fundamental shift in the relationships between workers and organizations, mostly influenced by changes in work locations and management styles. This evolution calls for managers and leaders who are both adaptable and skilled in maintaining strong team dynamics, regardless of physical work settings.
Management Challenges
The management realm has always been prone to challenges. However, today’s management professionals are experiencing increased responsibilities and significant obstacles when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance and team engagement. This highlights the need for resilient management professionals who are skilled in navigating unique organizational changes while supporting their teams.
Hybrid Work Strategies
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hybrid and remote workers has risen steeply throughout most industries. With hybrid work becoming more of the “norm,” there is an expanding need for managers who can lead hybrid teams and help maintain collaboration, communication, and culture among various work environments.
Focus on Skills Development and Work Design
Skills development, particularly in flexible working and technology integration, is also becoming increasingly important. Management professionals should focus on skill-based talent management and redesigning work to optimize productivity while improving the overall employee experience.
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in Management
So, what can you do with a master’s in management? A rise in worker stress, the shift to hybrid work environments, and an increasing focus on skills development align well with new opportunities and career paths available to master’s in management graduates.
Increased Demand for Employee Engagement and Well-Being Experts
For starters, graduates with knowledge in employee well-being and engagement as well as human resources and organizational behavior may have an easier time finding opportunities in roles dedicated to optimizing employee experience and engagement metrics across a wide range of industries.
Opportunities in Hybrid Work Management
Additionally, a shift toward more hybrid work models opens up new management opportunities focused on overseeing remote and hybrid teams. Graduates with master’s degrees in management can specifically leverage their knowledge in digital communication, remote team management, and work culture to excel in these evolving managerial positions.
Skills Development and Training Specialists
Meanwhile, as businesses continue to invest more time and resources into workforce skills development, MSM graduates with experience in training and development can discover opportunities as corporate trainers, learning and development managers, talent development specialists, and more.
Change Management and Adaptability Roles
Many of these roles involve guiding organizations through major changes and transitions, along with managing change initiatives and adapting to new processes and structures. MSM graduates with specific training and knowledge in change management and adaptability can be valuable in ensuring these transitions occur as smoothly as possible.
Leadership in Sustainability and Social Responsibility
It is also becoming increasingly common for MSM graduates to pursue rewarding careers in sustainability management, where they can drive initiatives that align business practices with environmental and social goals. This could be an ideal career path to consider for those who are passionate about sustainability and social responsibility and want to make a true difference while putting their management skills to the test.
Strategic Management and Consulting
Last but not least, MSM graduates have the opportunity to leverage their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to advise organizations on how to navigate different market changes while optimizing their business strategies. Roles as strategic managers and consultants can be a great fit for those seeking this type of work.
Making the Decision: Is a Master’s in Management Worth It?
There’s no denying that the scope of the global workforce and management practices have changed significantly over the past several years. Today’s management professionals must be able to adapt to these changes in order to perform their jobs well—and enrolling in a master’s degree in management program could be an excellent way to do just that.
Looking for a master’s in management online that allows you to sharpen your skills without putting the rest of your life on hold? The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is proud to provide a 100% online Master of Science in Management degree program that could help you build your skill set and rise to the challenges of a changing business world.Learn more about our online Master of Science in Management degree program or any other programs offered at UTC by getting in touch today. Ready to get started? You can fill out your online application now to take the next steps toward an advanced degree through our Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
