ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
Code ULMS216
Coordinator Dr ES Hughes
Management School
E.S.Hughes@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

 6

         30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Essay Type: Coursework Size: 3000 Words Weighting: 100% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous Assessment: Yes  0    100       

Aims

This module seeks to provide students with a deeper understanding of contextual developments in contemporary Employment Relations to prepare them for some of the challenges they are likely to face in work and employment during the course of their careers. This will enable them to make more informed decisions when in work. A key aim of the module is to explore international variations in Employment Relations drawing on comparative data and frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to understand the nature and context of employment relations.

(LO2) Students will be able to assess key developments in the labour market and employment relations (including, labour supply and demand) in different national settings and the role of national context in shaping the nature, degree and ethics of these developments.

(LO3) Students will be able to gain knowledge of employment relations legislation.

(LO4) Students will be able to understand contemporary developments in employee involvement and participation

(LO5) Students will be able to gain knowledge of different forms of conflict behaviour and dispute resolution

(S1) Problem Solving

(S2) Commercial Awareness

(S3) International Awareness

(S4) Ethical Awareness

(S5) Communication Skills

(S6) IT Skills

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method: Seminars
Description: These sessions will be delivered on campus and/or online. If another lockdown is enforced, these sessions may need to be delivered online.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self Directed Learning Hours: 120 hours
In addition to (re)viewing each lecture and participating in the active learning seminars, students will be expected to complete reading assignments and short online knowledge-check quizzes, actively participate in the ULMS216 discussion board, participate in small group project meetings (web conference or asynchronous discussions) and work on the assignment for the module. Students are also encouraged to engage in wider independent reading to deepen their knowledge and understanding of contemporary developments in ER. This may include academic papers, books, reports, news and dat a from credible sources.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Problem Solving
How this is developed: Through engagement with the topics covered in each session and through addressing coursework question.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Essay

Skills / attributes: Commercial Awareness
How this is developed: Through engagement with the topics covered in each session and through addressing coursework question.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Essay

Skills / attributes: International Awareness
How this is developed: Through engagement with the topics covered in each session and through addressing coursework question.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Essay

Skills / attributes: Ethical Awareness
How this is developed: Through engagement with the topics covered in each session and through addressing coursework question.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Essay

Skills / attributes: Communication Skill s
How this is developed: Through engagement with the topics covered in each session and through addressing coursework question.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Essay

Skills / attributes: IT Skills
How this is developed: Through research for the assessment.
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Syllabus
 

The module begins by examining the nature and management of employment relations and their dynamic character. Key theoretical and conceptual frameworks on employment relations, management and labour processes are presented and critiqued. Following on from this, topics examined in the module include employee voice in organisational decision-making and why many managers are increasingly seeking greater control. We examine calls for fair pay, greater work life balance and equality and diversity and critically evaluate how they are being addressed. Means of dispute and conflict resolution are then examined.
The module reading list will be accessible through library resources, other key learning resources will be accessible through VITAL. Students do not have to read all of the resources within the reading list. They are encouraged to find their own supplementary resources through independent wider reading.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.