HR3SX3 - Developments in Employment Relations 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: HR3SX3
Module Title: Developments in Employment Relations
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Professional Development
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Development
Module Leader: Karl Greenhough, Davina Evans
Module Team: Rebecca Brittain, Adam Poole, Kevin Brown, Shehla Khan, Tiru Madahar, Christine Esposito, Linda Hamweemba
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of the nature and context of employment relations in contemporary settings. Students will be required to make informed and effective judgements about existing and emerging models, processes and practices of employment relations in local and international jurisdictions.

Human resource professionals need to understand key developments in the theory and practice of employment relations, both within and beyond the immediate organisational context.

The module is designed to encourage learners to assess and understand broader developments that influence the effective management of the employment relationship in indigenous and multinational organisations from a critical perspective.

Content Summary

Indicative content of the module:

  • Context of employee relations -competing theoretical perspectives.
  • The effects of globalization on employee relations.
  • Multinational companies - union responses and international labour standards.
  • Changing context of work (in light of the below):

Economics.

Politics.

Industrial Structure and Employment (ENDS).

Social divisions and employment relations.

Contemporary developments in the world of work – from a ‘job for life’ to the Gig Economy.

  • The role of HR strategies in employee relations.
  • Employment relations legislation.
  • Union and non-union employee representation.
  • Employee voice and organisational insight.
  • Contemporary developments in employee involvement and participation.
  • Forms of conflict behaviour and dispute resolution.

Looking ahead – thoughts for the future?

(This module is mapped to the following CIPD unit(s):

5CERv2 Contemporary Developments in Employment Relations)

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Seminar 20
Independent Study 110
Directed Study 40
Formative Assessment - Independent 2
Groupwork 8
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Use theoretical understanding to synthesise diverse opinions about the changing nature and context of employment relations in local and international jurisdictions.
LO2 Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate contemporary developments in employment.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Practical Assessment (CW) Production (Audio visual) (CW) 1 An individual podcast/vodcast discussing a predetermined topic. 20 N/A 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 A written composition which critically engages with existing employment relations literature, and proceeds to sustain a coherent argument on a targeted topic. 0 3000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Production (Audio visual) (CW) 1
Essay (CW) 1

Reading List

Baccaro, L & Howell, C, (2017) Trajectories of Neoliberal Transormation, European Industrial Relations Since the 1970’s, Cambridge University Press

Bamber, G., Lansbury, R. and Wailes, N. (Eds) (2011) International and Comparative Employment Relations, (5th edn). London: Sage.

Frege, C. And Kelly, J. (Eds). (2013) Comparative Employment Relations in the Global Economy. Routledge.

Hyman, R. (2001) Understanding European Trade Unionism: Between Market, Class and Society. London: Sage.

Johnstone, J & Ackers, P, (2015), Finding a Voice at Work? New Perspectives on Employment Relations, Oxford

Morley, M. J., Gunnigle, P. and Collings, D. G. (Eds). (2006) Global Industrial Relations. London: Routledge.