HR9638 - Employment Relations

There is a strong emphasis on professional skill development – learning and practicing valuable skills, underpinned by relevant theory. Weekly lectures will be used to introduce theories, concepts, perspectives and approaches of employment relations with examples from UK, international and multinational businesses. Weekly seminars will be devoted to the two assessments. Half of the seminars will be dedicated to the group negotiation simulation where you will learn by doing -identifying sources of conflict; developing bargaining strategies and tactics to leverage your power; balancing the interests of your bargaining principals and opponents and negotiating a deal. The rest of the seminars will provide students the opportunity to work in groups to explore and analyse contemporary ER case studies and prepare for both assessments.
Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities, and use of e-learning platforms. Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the specialist subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, and research.

Cooperation and collaboration are important features of the module both within and without the classroom. Lectures will be interactive and provide opportunities for directed learning. Seminars will consist of group work supported by module tutors. The module is supported by a Teaching and Learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, the tutor-directed study, and independent reading.
To support you in your academic progress, you will receive both formative and summative feedback/feed-forward on your work through the module. Regular formative feedback on class activities provides you with the necessary guidance to scaffold your knowledge and understanding of the key concept and principles of the subject to enable your success in the final summative assessments. Summative feedback/feed-forward will be provided on your work after it has been assessed and graded. You should use all feedback/feed-forward that you receive to identify areas of strength and areas for future study and improvement.

Academics will be available to support you outside of formal session time by responding to questions or concerns that you might have either via email or via pre-arranged appointments and/or drop-in sessions.

Academic support is also provided through the provision of a range of University learning support services. A wide range of online support materials is also available through the virtual learning environment. These materials may include recordings, powerpoints, supplemental teaching material, case studies and an electronic reading list.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
To develop a systematic and coherent body of knowledge concerning the role and function of employment relations.[MLO1]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
To develop core skills in the design and implementation of employment relations strategies. [MLO2]

To work collaboratively on a team project. [MLO3]

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
To consider competing values, interests and objectives and to find imaginative solutions to conflicts and dilemmas. [MLO4]

Formative assessment and feedback:
You will receive formative feedback throughout the module. Tutors are on hand throughout to facilitate, guide and support you. At the end of the negotiation simulation you will present your progress in role play to tutors who will provide formative feedback to be incorporated into the summative group assessment. Formative feedback for the individual assignment will be provided through discussions during workshops, via email queries and via individual tutorials as needed.

Summative assessment
There are two components of summative assessment on this module. One is a group report based upon the negotiation simulation and the other is an individual pre-recorded presentation.

Component 1 (50%)
Group-based report: In groups you will simulate collective bargaining with an aim of developing a negotiated agreement. Details and reflections on this process will be presented as a group report (5000 words).[MLOs 1-4]

Component 2 (50%)
Individual presentation: In a pre-recorded presentation (ten minutes) you will choose an organisation and critically analyse the employment relations in this organisation including providing recommendations. You will demonstrate the importance of understanding employment relations for organisational performance. [MLOs 1,2 and 4]

None

The employment relationship is fundamental to the management of people at work. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives, theories and concepts of employment relations. It will enable you to understand, compare, analyse and evaluate the contemporary employment relations environment and various forms of employee voice and participation. The module examines the changing context of employment and the implications for the employment relationship including conflict, mobilisation and resolution. This module looks at the employment relationship within the UK but also considers the international and comparative study of employment relations including different models of ER and the implications of the growth of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and global union organisations.

To enhance your learning of Employment Relations, you will engage in a group-based simulation of collective bargaining. You will develop your strategic negotiation skills by representing differing perspectives of the Employment Relationship.