New series of The Bottom Line begins

The popular OU/BBC radio series The Bottom Line, bringing a weekly look at business, money tips and strategy, takes to the airwaves for a new nine-part series on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 12:04pm from Thursday 9 January.

Each week presenter and OU Honorary Graduate Evan Davis hosts the lively business discussion show. He is joined by guests from across industry with insight from the board room, self-starting entrepreneurs as well as industry specialists.

The new nine-week series focuses particularly on issues important to those starting out in the workplace, or people who might be looking to change roles. Topics include networking and how to be your “authentic self” on job search sites and the all important interview, as well as new and immerging trends in the workplace.

The series also includes a discussion on the working week and whether a four-day working week is a better fit for today’s life.

Dr Oznur Yurt, senior lecturer in operations and supply chain management and Dr Alexandra Bristow, senior lecturer in organisational behaviour are both academic consultants for the new series.

Dr Yurt conducts research on service supply chains, managing business-to-business relations and sustainable operations which align with the exploration of contemporary business challenges featured in the series. She said:

This OU-BBC co-production series of The Bottom Line offers a thought-provoking examination of issues and timely topics like global supply chain disruptions and conflicts, workplace culture, the future of work, and the evolving role of technology in shaping our professional and personal lives.

“I hope it sparks meaningful conversations about balancing efficiency, authenticity, and sustainability in an ever-changing business landscape.”

Dr Alex Bristow said:

My research spans organisational behaviour, human resource management, and business ethics. I am particularly interested in how organisations and people at work deal with complex issues, and in developing more inclusive, caring, and responsible approaches to careers, leadership, and management. 

“My interests therefore align closely with the themes of the series. The programme explores a diverse range of thought-provoking business issues and does not shy away from ethical complexities. I hope it will spark interesting debates about contemporary business dilemmas and alternative ways of approaching them.”

This series was commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Business and Law, with particular relevance to Q91 BA Business and Management, Master of Laws (LLM) and F61 MBA (Master of Business Administration). 

• Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast and Partnerships 
• Academic Consultants: Dr Oznur Yurt and Dr Alexandra Bristow  
• Media Fellow: Alessandro Saroli  
• Broadcast Project Manager: Clair Robinson 
• Supporting Online Content: Matthew Ray

Visit the Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect to find industry tips and explore how young professionals are transforming their jobs into green careers.

Main photo: copyright BBC