Course overview
This course develops students’ advanced knowledge of the theory and practice of employment relations (ER) in a globalised setting, including the parties or stakeholders, social processes, institutional arrangements, outcomes such as rules, efficiency and equity, and their dynamic inter-relationships. The theoretical and practical aspects of employment relations are explored. The employment relationship is regulated by rules, which are created and enforced through social processes involving tripartite actors—employees and their representatives, employers and their associations, and the State or government who interact within the employment relations system. Students are assessed through problem solving exercises that require them to solve real-life employment relations problems.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically analyse the range of theoretical and analytical perspectives within employment relations
- Critically evaluate the structures, institutions, practices and contexts shaping employment relations at the workplace, industry and economy-wide level, including globalisation and its impact
- Identify and explain the Australian employment relations laws, regulations, practices and procedures in both formal study and practical application
- Explain the main steps in establishing, amending, terminating as well as utilising individual and collective workplace agreements, as well as awards, in the context of federal legislation and relevant court decisions
- Understand and apply the values or frames of reference in employment relations
- Demonstrate skills in problem solving, ethical awareness, written and oral communication, respecting cultural diversity, and applying global perspectives