MG315

Employment Relations Theory

& Policy
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Semester/Year: Semester 2, 2024
2. Mode of Delivery/Location: Face-2-Face @ Laucala
3. Pre-Requisites: Any 2 x 200 level management units or TS207 and one 200 level TS
course
4. Course Co-ordinator: Jone Lako
5. Teaching Team
Course Coordinator Teaching Assistant
Name: Dr. Jone Lako Name:
Office: S260 Office:
Phone: +679 3232487 Phone:
Email: jone.lako@usp.ac.fj Email:
Consultation Hours: TBA Consultation Hours: TBA

6. Lecture & Tutorials Schedules

NOS DAY TIME DELIVERY MODE/ROOM
L1 Wednesday 1 PM Lecture @ 092-003
L2 Thursday 2 PM Lecture @ 092-003
T1 Tuesday 10 AM Tutorial @ 014-117
T2 Tuesday 12 PM Tutorial @ 014-014B
T3 Wednesday 11 AM Tutorial @ 093-202
T4 Thursday 12 PM Tutorial @ 093-201
T5 Thursday 6 PM Tutorial @ 014-014A
T6 Friday 10 AM Tutorial @ 014-117

7. Emergency Contact
Name: Ms. Susan Tafuna'i-Mani
Phone: +679 32 32137
Email: susan.tafunaimani@usp.ac.fj

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 1

8. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the relationship between theory research and policy as operative in the
field of employment relations. Further analysis of the policy dimension focuses on structure,
processes and technical aspects of the development, implementation and evaluation of
employment relations policy by unions, employer organisations, corporations and
government. Specific attention is paid to practice in the region, but this is put in the
comparative context of international best practice.

9. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
LO1 Determine the importance of ER history and theories and the role of
government;
LO2 Analyse ER applications and ethical practices in the Pacific region and global
context;
LO3 Compare the roles of employee and employer organizations from the practical
and philosophical perspective;
LO4 Apply knowledge of ER issues and trends in the Pacific region and global
context;
LO5 Assess the resolution of recent ER rulings impacting organizations in the
context of the Pacific region.

10 GENERIC SMPA PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:
PO1: Collaborate effectively in the practice and processes of human resource
management and employment relations in organisations in the Pacific Region
and global contexts.
PO2: Apply critically key principles, theories and concepts of human resource
management and employment relations to practical scenarios in a range of
contexts
PO3: Design academic research using appropriate methods and processes,
presenting findings in the required format
PO4: Communicate effectively in a range of organisational contexts, including cross-
cultural contexts.
PO5: Solve problems and challenges innovatively in human resource management
and employment relations, in a range of contexts in the Pacific Region and
internationally.
PO6: Demonstrate ethical and professional standards in all aspects of workplace and
scholarly contexts.

11 USP GRADUATE OUTCOMES

The USP graduate outcomes are as follows:
UGO1 Communication: Graduates will be able to communicate ideas clearly and
persuasively in structured formats using language and other modes of

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 2

 communication that are appropriate for context, audience and specific
disciplinary conventions.
UGO2 Creativity: Graduates will extend boundaries of current knowledge in a
particular discipline or profession.
UGO3 Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning: Graduates will be able to
evaluate multiple perspectives and arrive at a reasonable independent judgement
based on evidence.
UGO4 Ethics: Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to high ethical standards in
scholarly, professional and socio-cultural practices.
UGO5 Pacific consciousness: Graduates will recognize the cultural heritage and
diversity of Pacific societies for sustainable development in a contemporary
environment.
UGO6 Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to carry out tasks to
acceptable standards within their profession and occupations.
UGO7 Teamwork: Graduates will work together in a respectful and collaborative manner
to complete tasks within teams to achieve an outcome.

12. COURSE CONTENT

FOCUS FOR EACH WEEK

WEEKS
UNITS COURSE CONTENTS/ READINGS

Week 1 • Introduction and overview of the Course

course outline
22-26 July
• Industrial revolution
Week 2 • Overview of Unitary Theory Readers 1-
• Main assumptions 11, 13 & 14
29 July – 02 Unitary Theory
August • Versions

• Scientific Management theory Readers 1-

Week 3 • Administrative management 11, 13 & 14,
Unitary Theory
• Human relations & neo-human including
05 – 09 August
relations school of thought Admin 1/2
• Human resources management
Reader 1-10
• Overview of Pluralist Theory
Week 4 Pluralist Theory Assignment
• Man features & assumptions
1 is due on
12 – 16 August • Versions
Friday, 16
August 24

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 3

 FOCUS FOR EACH WEEK
WEEKS
UNITS COURSE CONTENTS/ READINGS

Week 5 Pluralist Theory • Dunlop’s Theory Reader 1-10

• Institutionalist & neo-institutionalist
19 – 23 August
Theory
Week 6 Pluralist Theory • Corporatist Theory Reader 1-10

26 – 30 August

Week 7
• Linking weeks 1 - 6
02 – 06 Mid Semester
September Test

MID SEMESTER BREAK (This week will not be counted as week 8)

Week 8 • Overview
• Main assumptions
09 – 13 Marxist theory Reader 1-10
September • Contributors

Reader 1-10
• Labour process theory
Week 9 Marxist theory Assignment
• Work-intensification theory
2 is due on
16 – 20
Friday, 20
September
September
24

Week 10 Strategic choice • Overview Reader 9

theory • Main assumptions & arguments
23 – 27
September

Week 11 Globalization • Overview Reader 12

theory • Assumptions & arguments
30 September -
04 October

Week 12
• Revision
07 – 11
October

Week 13
• Prepare for the final examination

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 4

 FOCUS FOR EACH WEEK
WEEKS
UNITS COURSE CONTENTS/ READINGS

14 – 18
October

Week 14
• Study week
21 – 25
October

Week 15 & 16
Final examination
30 October –
11 November

13. PRESCRIBED TEXT AND OTHER RESOURCES

Prescribed Textbook:
This course does not have a textbook but “MG315 Reader”. Students need to read the
reader throughout the semester to pass the course. The MG315 reader will be available in
the USP Book Centre in your country.

Recommended Readings

• Budd, J.W. (2005). Labour Relations: Striking a Balance. New York: McGraw Hill.
• Eaton, J. (2000). Comparative Employment Relations. Cambridge. UK: Polity Press.
• Blyton, P., and Turnbull, P. (2004). The Dynamics of Employee Relations. UK: Palgrave
Macmillan Basingstoke.
• Salamon, M. (2000). Industrial Relations: Theory and Practice (4th Ed.). Great Britain:
Ashford Colour Press Ltd.
• Edwards, P. (2003). Industrial Relations: Theory and Practice (2nd Ed.). USA:
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Adams., R. J. and Meltz, N. M. (2003). Industrial Relations Theory: Its Nature, Scope,
and Pedagogy. Rutgers University: IMLR Press.

Journals
• Industrial Relations Journal (UK)
• British Journal of Industrial Relations (UK)
• Australian Journal of Industrial Relations (AJIR)
• International Employment Relations Review (Australia)
• International Journal of Employment Studies (Australia)
• Australian Journal of Labour (Australia)
• New Zealand Journal of Employment Relations (New Zealand)

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 5

 • European Journal of Industrial Relations (Europe)
• The Journal of Industrial Relations (Australia)
• Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society (California)
• New Zealand Journal of Industrial Relations (NZ)
• Industrial and Labour Relations Review (USA)

Referencing Guide

Use Harvard referencing style see here: http://www.usp.ac.fj/?id=16266.

14.0 ALIGNMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES, ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSMENT

The following table demonstrates the alignment of the course learning outcomes to
appropriate activities and assessments and links to programme and USP graduate outcomes.

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 6

 Associated Teaching and Programme USP Graduate
Course Learning Outcome Assessment
Learning Activities Outcomes Outcomes
LO1 Determine the importance Individual/group assignments,
F2F lectures & tutorials,
of ER history and theories and tutorial debate, MST (Short Answer GO3, GO4, GO2
recorded lectures (uploaded in PO3 & PO5
based & case study analysis) & final GO1 (Written) &
the role of government. Moodle), tutorial debates, &
examination (essay & case studies GO6
assignment submissions.
analysis)
Individual/group assignments,
LO2 Analyse ER applications and GO3, GO4, GO5,
F2F lectures & tutorials, tutorial debate, MST (Short Answer
GO2, GO1
ethical practices in the Pacific recorded lectures (uploaded in based & case study analysis) & final PO2
(Written), GO7 &
region and global context. Moodle), tutorial debates, & examination (essay & case studies
GO6
assignment submissions. analysis)
LO3 Compare the roles of Individual/group assignments,
employee and employer F2F lectures & tutorials, tutorial debate, MST (Short Answer GO3, GO4, GO2,
organizations from the practical recorded lectures (uploaded in based & case study analysis) & final PO1 GO1(Written) &
Moodle), tutorial debates, & examination (essay & case studies GO7
and philosophical perspective.
assignment submissions. analysis)

LO4 Apply knowledge of ER Individual/group assignments,

F2F lectures & tutorials, tutorial debate, MST (Short Answer
issues and trends in the Pacific GO3, GO4, GO5,
recorded lectures (uploaded in based & case study analysis) & final PO5
region and global context. GO7 & GO6
Moodle), tutorial debates, & examination (essay & case studies
assignment submissions. analysis)
LO5 Assess the resolution of Individual/group assignments,
recent ER rulings impacting F2F lectures & tutorials, tutorial debate, MST (Short Answer GO3, GO4, GO2,
organizations in the context of recorded lectures (uploaded in based & case study analysis) & final PO6 GO1(Written) &
Moodle), tutorial debates, & examination (essay & case studies GO7
the Pacific region.
assignment submissions. analysis)

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 7

15.0 ASSESSMENT
15.1 Assessment Portfolio
LEARNING
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT WEIGHT COMMENTS/RATIONALE
OUTCOME
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: 50%
1 Assignment 1 – individuals (Wk 4) 10% Test learning outcomes 1-2 1-2
2 Mid Semester Test (Wk 7) 20% Test learning outcomes 1-3 1-3
3 Assignment 2 - group (Wk 9) 10% Test learning outcomes 1-5 1-5
4 Tutorial debate (ongoing in groups) 10% Test learning outcomes 1-5 1-5
5 Final Examination: 50%
Essay & case studies analysis Refer to Moodle 2-5

Assessment 1: Individual Assignment 1 (10%)

The individual assignment is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and
necessary experience in analyzing and relating data collected to relevant employment
relations principles, philosophies, and practices. Students will be required to work
individually on this assignment. Assignment 1 MUST be submitted via Moodle drop box in a
Word document ONLY. NB: students found plagiarising from Chat GBT, excessive TURNITIN
reports, and high AI will be penalized.

Assignment 1 Question:
Identify and critically analyze a journal article related to the unitary theory or any version of
the unitary theory of employment relations. Examine the advantages, disadvantages, and
major challenges faced by the main employment relations actors in that journal article. What
are some of your criticisms regarding that journal article? You must have a literature review,
use other literature to support your arguments and provide relevant example(s).
The structure must include:
• Introduction – summary of the article
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Challenges
• Critisicsms – your personal
• Conclusion
• Bibliography – minimum of 5 sources.
NB: Submit both the journal article and your essay in the Moodle drop box.

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 8

Assessment 2: Mid Semester Test (MST) (20%)
This mid-semester test will last approximately two hours: short answer-based questions and
case study analysis. Topics covered in the first six weeks of the semester will be examined.
Other relevant details relating to the test will be posted in the Moodle shell later.

Assessment 3: Literature Review - Group (10%)

The group assignment is designed to give the students the necessary experience to analyze
and relate data to relevant employment relations principles, philosophies, and practices.
Students must work in groups of two or three on this assignment. The other details of the
requirements of this assignment will be provided in Moodle. All assignments MUST be
submitted via Moodle drop box in Word document ONLY. NB: students found plagiarising
from Chat GBT, excessive TURNITIN reports, and high AI will be penalized.

Literature Review Question:

In your debate groups, write a three-page literature review on the topic “Employment
Relations is arguably the result of the main actor's competition.”

The proposed structure will be provided on the Moodle page.

Assessment 4: Tutorial group debate (10%)

The details of the tutorial debate will be provided via the Tutorial Outline.

Tutorials (F2F)
Your first point of contact will be your Tutor, but please adhere to their/her/his consultation
hours if you need to see/contact them/her/him. The tutorial will enhance students’
knowledge of theories/concepts learned in lectures & tutorial sessions. [Students are also
expected to participate in discussion during their tutorial classes. The questions and issues to
discuss will be given to students by the tutor(s)].
It will further develop essential management skills as discussions in tutorials relate theories
learned in the course to real-life practices by analyzing case studies

Assessment 5: Final Examination (50%)

The details of the final examination component will be provided in Moodle.

16 Passing the Unit

Students should take note of the following:
• Participants must obtain a minimum of 40% in both components (coursework and
final exam) to pass the course. The pass mark is 50/100.

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 9

 • Application for aegrotat or compassionate pass will be converted to special
examinations.
• Special exams are not approved for work-related reasons, and no change in exam
venue will be allowed. Refer to SAS on this issue.

16.1 Grade Distribution

A+ A B+ B C+ C D E
85-100 78-84 71-77 64-70 57-63 50-56 40-49 0-39

16.2 Assessment Policies and Regulations

For detailed regulations, please refer to the USP Handbook and Calendar.
Plagiarism, copying materials from other sources without proper referencing and
acknowledge of the source is a serious offence and will be dealt with severely. In the
Regulations Governing Academic Misconduct section of the USP Handbook & Calendar
plagiarism is defined as “the copying of another person’s creative work and using it as one’s
own – without explicitly giving credit to the original creator. Work copied without
acknowledgement from a book, from another student’s work, from the internet or from any
other source”. If lecturer is satisfied that plagiarism has occurred, they will report the matter
to the Head of School. They can reduce marks appropriately. If the matter is seen as serious
enough it can be taken to the Student Disciplinary Committee by the Head of School.

17.0 IMPORTANT DATES

Weighting
Activities Weeks
(%)
*Assignment 1 (individual) 4 (11 August @ 11.59pm) 10%
*Mid Semester Test (individual) 7 (Refer to Moodle) 20%
*Case study analysis (individual) 9 (22 Sept @ 11.59pm) 10%
*Tutorial debate (groups) Ongoing 10%
*Exact date and time will be confirmed on Moodle once classes start on week 1.

18.0 ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

18.1 Lectures
This unit will have two hours of lectures, 1 hour of f2f tutorials, and Moodle Chat Online each
as listed in the above table. The course coordinator and Teaching Assistant will be making
presentations. Students are required to read the assigned units and reading material before
attending the class(es). Students should attend or access all sessions in order to benefit from
the sessions where ALL major announcements will be made and also via Moodle. Failure to

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 10

attend and not adhering to announcements will not be considered an excuse at any time
during the course. Students are to note that classes will start on time, so students MUST be
on time. Students are responsible for taking notes during these sessions.

18.2 Online Help & E-Learning Information

Students are urged to make maximum use of the grade books located on their Moodle
platform. Your grade books will be updated periodically by the course coordinator so as to
ensure that you keep track of your performance throughout the semester. You need to send
your assignments at scheduled due dates to ensure regular and consistent feedback in your
grade books. If you have any queries, please send a message directly to course coordinator
or the tutor.

18.3 Faculty Student Learning Support (SLS) Services

Refer to the following website for more information:
https://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=8434

19.0 EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

19.1 Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:
• Spend enough time on Moodle and other activities required in the course
• Facilitate the course coordinator with any proof that he/she was sick and unable
to attend classes or assessment at the earliest possible time to avoid getting a zero
mark for the missed assessment.
• Submit softcopy of the assignment only which must be properly labelled with
students or group members ID numbers and names.

19.2 Student Workload per Week

TYPE HOURS COMMENTS
F2F lectures & 3 Class attendance
tutorials
F2F lectures & 2 1 hour towards weekly chapter reading
tutorials 1 hour towards tutorial preparation &
online activities
Assignment 1 & Case 3 each until Research, draft preparation, file
studies analysis submitted compilation
Mid Semester Test 2 until date Revision
Final examination 2.5 Revision from week 8
TOTAL 12.5

MG315F Course Outline – Semester 2, 2024, Page 11