Rationale

The course examines work, employment and employment relations within its wider socioeconomic context. Its central themes are the different employment relations actors: state, employers, employees and trade unions. The students will also be introduced to the latest developments in employment relations and will get an understanding of the factors that have an impact on them and the Human Resource sector. The course provides an opportunity to assess the development of and relationship between employment relations and HRM. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Define the factors that shape the nature of employment relations.
(ii)   Identify the significance and impact of the global context upon employment relations and HRM.
(iii)  Assess recent developments within the field and position them in a global context.
(iv)  Evaluate the policies and practices of the different employment relations actors: state, employers, employees, trade unions.
(v)   Distinguish between competing theories.
(vi)  Examine the different employment relations and HRM practices between different organisations and countries.