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Unit outline_

WORK1003: Foundations of Work and Employment

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit draws on concepts from industrial relations and human resource management to examine the interests and strategies of workers, unions, managers, employers and the state. It explores the relationships between these parties as they seek to manage their environments and workplaces and to exercise control over each other. The unit enables students to understand how and why the organisation, regulation and management of work are changing in Australia and globally. As well as providing an introduction to all aspects of the study of the employment relationship, this a foundation unit the industrial relations and human resource management and management majors.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Chris F Wright, chris.f.wright@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Chris F Wright, chris.f.wright@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Short essay style answers
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Presentation group assignment Tutorial presentation and facilitation
Presentation and class discussion facilitation
10% Multiple weeks 25 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Participation Tutorial participation
Attendance and participation
10% Ongoing Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test In-class quiz (during lecture)
Quiz focused on foundational themes and concepts #earlyfeedbacktask
10% Week 03 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Critical essay response development
Guided essay response preparation
10% Week 06
Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 23:59
300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO7
Assignment Critical Essay
Written essay
30% Week 09
Due date: 26 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Quiz: An early assessment quiz held during the lecture will be aimed at assessing knowledge of foundational themes and concepts relevant to work, employment relations and the labour market. 
  • Critical essay: The essay question is designed to develop your critical, analytical, and research skills. Students will be asked to develop a response to a current work and employment issue using quality scholarly sources from unit materials and library databases.
  • Critical essay response development: To build understanding and critical assessment skills you will be asked to respond to guided questions that will help develop your critical essay. You will receive feedback on these responses that can be used to improve your critical essay.
  • Tutorial participation: Students will be assessed on preparation, tolerance, respect, attendance, and participation. Students are requried to make a regular and informed contribution to class discussions.
  • Tutorial presentation and facilitation: Students in their tutorial classes will be allocated to a small group for the purpose of an in-class presentation and facilitation of class discussion on the allocated week’s discussion topic.
  • Exam: This assessment item will cover all the topics examined in weekly lectures, tutorials, and readings. The format will be short essay-style answers.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with Business School policy (https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/business_school/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml), "any assessment submitted after the due time and date will incur a late penalty of 5% of the total marks per 24 hour period, or part thereof, late (note that this is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked)". This does not apply to students with extensions resulting from an approved special consideration application, special arrangement or previously arranged disability adjustment.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the World of Work and Employment Relations Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 02 Employment relations and the changing context Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 03 Ideologies in work and employment relations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 04 Interrogating work and employment relations ideologies Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 05 Writing convincing critical essays Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 The state and the regulatory framework Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 07 Employers and employer associations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 08 Workers, employees and trade unions Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 09 No classes - reading week (Critical essay due Friday 26 April) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO5 LO7
Week 10 Recruitment, selection and development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 11 Pay and performance Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 12 Contemporary challenges in work and employment Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 13 Conclusion, unit overview and exam preparation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Bray, Waring, Cooper and Macneil (2018). Employment Relations: Theory and Practice (4th edition), Sydney: McGraw-Hill Education (Australia) Pty Ltd.

You can purchase the text via online retailers or access an online version through the library:

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/1r05knn/alma991031501116105106

Make sure to use the fourth edition and not an earlier version of the book.

Other readings for this unit can be accessed through Leganto, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. define and explain key terms in employment relations
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of approaches to employment relations in the Australian context and identify the strategies of the major institutional ‘parties’ in employment relations
  • LO3. explain the economic and political context in which employment relationships develop
  • LO4. explain current issues in employment relations, as reported in the media and in public policy debates, and their implications for managers, organisations, employees, and other employment relations parties
  • LO5. demonstrate the analytical skills and the ability to read and write in a critical and academically-appropriate fashion
  • LO6. work effectively as a part of a group to better understand the ‘world of work’
  • LO7. locate relevant and current reading, data, and research.
  • LO8. explain the relevance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to work and employment issues, including SDG #3 good health and wellbeing, #5 gender equity, #8 decent work and economic growth, #10 reduced inequalities, #12 responsible production and consumption, and #16 peace, justice and strong institutions

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO8
Sustainable Development Goals - PRME
10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
3. Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback the critical essay has been further structured and divided into two assessments, with feedback to be provided before the second component is due.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.