Outline

Overview

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	Josh Healy, joshua.healy@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Short essay-style answers	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Tutorial presentation with Q&A Group presentation and response to questions	20%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation Attendance and participation	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz in Week 3 lecture Quiz covering foundational concepts #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03	20 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester test Multiple choice questions covering Weeks 1-7	20%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Apr 2026 at 12:10	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

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

EFT quiz (10%): An Early Feedback Task (EFT) quiz, held during the Week 3 lecture, will assess students' knowledge of foundational concepts in the study of work and employment relations.
Tutorial participation (10%): Students will be assessed across the semester on their preparation for, attendance at, and respectful participation in weekly tutorials. It is expected that students come to classes prepared (having done the required reading/s) and ready to contribute to class discussions and activities.
Tutorial presentation with Q&A (20%): In tutorials, students will be allocated to a small group for the purpose of preparing and delivering a presentation and responding individually to questions.
Mid-semester test (20%): This multiple-choice test will assess students' learning of and capacity to apply the concepts covered in Weeks 1-7 of the unit.
Final exam (40%): This assessment will examine all the topics covered in weekly lectures, tutorials, and readings throughout the semester. The exam requires short essay-style responses and will be held in a secure environment during the formal exam period.

Further information about each assessment item is provided 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: welcome and first steps	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction: welcome and first steps	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Understanding work and employment relations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Understanding work and employment relations	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Ideology and power at work	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Ideology and power at work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Actors and institutions (1): Employees and trade unions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Actors and institutions (1): Employees and trade unions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Actors and institutions (2): Employers and employer associations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Actors and institutions (2): Employers and employer associations	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	No classes: Reading week	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	No classes: Reading week	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Actors and institutions (3): The State and regulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Actors and institutions (3): The State and regulation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Effective critical analysis and writing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Effective critical analysis and writing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Critiquing work and employment relations ideologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Critiquing work and employment relations ideologies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Processes and outcomes (1): Hiring	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Processes and outcomes (1): Hiring	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Processes and outcomes (2): Compensation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Processes and outcomes (2): Compensation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Processes and outcomes (3): Performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Processes and outcomes (3): Performance	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: unit review and final exam preparation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: unit review and final exam preparation	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and participation: Students should ensure they attend and engage in all classes. Participation during the semester is assessed.

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.

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

Textbook

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 University library here:

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

Make sure to use the 4th edition and not an earlier version of the textbook.

Other requiring weekly readings are shown in the unit outline and can be accessed via Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Sustainable Development Goals - 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

Responding to student feedback

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

In response to student and teaching staff feedback, the weekly schedule of learning activities has been reordered to strengthen the connection between theoretical content and practical application, and to facilitate the inclusion of a mid-semester test that will provide more timely evidence of students' learning and progress through the unit.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK1003: Foundations of Work and Employment

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links