Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Business and Law

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Managing Employment Relations

• Unit Code

  MAN6708

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Thomas James BARRATT

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Description

In this unit, students explore theoretical constructs in industrial and employment relations, aspects of the industrial relations system, relevant laws, institutions and policies and places them in a global context. The roles of the state, employers and unions are covered, together with current labour market and employment relations issues. Emphasis will be on the practical application of learning to workplace issues through exercises and case studies.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded MAN5710

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the impact of the statutory regulation of the employment relationship (e.g. obligations under various contracts of employment, bargaining, conflict resolution, disciplinary processes).
2. Apply their knowledge of employment relations (ER) theory and the context of ER in Australia, Asia and internationally to advise an organisation about important aspects of their employment relations (e.g. impact of labour market, organisation of work, role of management).
3. Examine the role of employers/management, employees/trade unions and regulators (the state) in maintaining safe and harmonious workplaces.
4. Explain how the rights, obligations and expectations of employers/management, employees/trade unions and regulators (the state) are derived.

Unit Content

1. Contemporary issues in the Australian workplace
2. Employment and industrial relations theory and approaches in the global context, including international and comparative aspects of ER.
3. Foundational concepts related to employment relations, including theories in employment relations, standard and non-standard work and the characteristics of the Australian ER system
4. The role of the key parties involved in employment relations and how they vary across the globe - the state, workers (and their representatives) and management.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On-campus students attend weekly seminars comprising lectures, class activities (e.g. brainstorming, group discussions), case study analysis and group presentation/facilitation. Regular and high level participation is expected in order to develop skills in critical analysis of employment issues. Off-campus students access online resources (modules, readings, review questions) in Blackboard and participate in practical activities, case studies and discussion of current issues. Activities are designed to develop critical analysis of employment issues and provide opportunity for both individual and team working. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• The Neoliberal State, Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining in Australia. (2008). British Journal of Industrial Relations, 46(3), 532–554.

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