Cogs in the Wheel?

Synopsis

Examines whether economic changes are due to conscious actions of individuals, social classes and groups (agency) or whether changes result from the nature of the economic system itself (structure). Takes the case of British Leyland to illustrate its points examining the ways in which individual decisions were constrained and forced by the economic system. Discusses the changes that Sir Michael Edwardes made during his time as Chairman and continues with an examination of British Leyland management. Argues that management can be seen from both the agent and structure position. The education systemn in general affects the structure of management. Examines the role of workers in British Leyland. Again, the workers’ role can be viewed from both angles - agent and structure. Discusses the economic and social structure as a whole and how British Leyland’s development may be affected by worldwide events.

Series

Social Science Foundation Course, Course D102

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Economics; Sociology

Keywords

management of change; manufacturing industries; motor vehicle manufacturing industries

Credits

Producer

Clare Falkner

Cast

Jeremy Cooper
Vivienne Brown

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk