Outline

Overview

The unit provides an integrated overview of the social, legal, psychological, ethical and strategic dimensions of human resource management (HRM) and industrial relations (IR). The learning content develops broad and deep knowledge in a select number of topical HR and IR issues and links these to a real-world context. As such the unit provides students with the essential preparatory knowledge and skills to build an intellectual foundation for the suite of subsequent core and elective units in HRM and IR available in the program.

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	Ju Li Ng, juli.ng@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Group Presentation Presentation based on a topic chosen. Please see more details in Canvas.	30%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes plus Q&A.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Participation in discussion during tutorial.	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflective Career Report: Scaffold 1 This is the first submission which is aimed at scaffolding your learning for the final assessment called Reflective Career Report. Please see details in Canvas.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Aug 2025	300 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online Quiz 1 Multiple choice question (MCQ) quizzes. Please see Canvas for info.	5%	Week 04	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online Quiz 2 Multiple choice question (MCQ) quizzes. Please see Canvas for info.	5%	Week 08	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflective Career Report: Scaffold 2 This is the second submission which is aimed at scaffolding your learning for the final assessment called "Reflective Career Report". Please see details in Canvas.	5%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Nov 2025	300 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Report Group Report	20%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Oct 2025	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Reflective Career Report: in-class test - Canvas Using "Reflective Career - Scaffold 1 and 2", you are required to demonstrate critical analysis and reflection skills in response to extended questions/stimuli and submit a written career plan. Please see Canvas.	20%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 17:10	1.5 hours.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Group presentation: This is the first part of the group assignment and the aim of this assessment is to build students’ teamworking and collaborative skills as they work in teams to formulate a group view of a specific topic. Students are expected to present and facilitate a short discussion during the tutorial on the chosen topic.
Group Report: Based on the written feedback from the group presentation, the students are expected to work collaboratively to learn to engage with the feedback to write up a group report on the topic they presented in the group presentation assessment.
Online Quiz: The aim of the online quizzes is to test students’ understanding of the relevant topics and students’ ability to critically analyse and apply theory.
Participation: The aim of this assessment is to help facilitate peer-learning through discussion whilst building individual communicative abilities and confidence.
Reflective Career Report: This assessment consists of a tri-part submission (Reflective Career Report Scaffold 1 and 2, and In-class Test). The aim of this assessment is to facilitate a scaffolded approach to help students develop their reflective skills as a HR practitioner. The submissions will assess students’ ability to critical analyse and reflect to develop solutions using their personal context of a HR career report.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.al context of a HR career report.

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:

Please note the University of Sydney Business School's policy regarding late penalty, word length and academic integrity:https://business.sydney.edu.au/students/policy). The policy may be different from the other faculties that you are familiar with. Please also note the additional marking rubrics and information posted on Canvas regarding penalties.

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	Online Module and Face-to-Face Lecture: Introduction to HRM and IR (The role of HR and IR)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Self-assessment and Reflection of Your HR Career	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Online Module: Understanding the Systems' Thinking, Context and Evidence-based HRM (EBHR)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Understanding the role of HR: Review of Industry Articles: "Why we love to hate HR..and what HR can do about it"	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Online Module: Industrial relations (IR) in practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	EBHR: Reflection and Critical Evaluation of Research Evidence	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Online Module and Face-to-Face Lecture: Managing Recruitment and Selection	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	IR in practice: Case study 3.1 "Working Holiday Woes"	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Online Module: Managing Talent and Careers	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Presentation Group 1 and Group 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Online Module: Managing Performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Presentation Group 3 and Group 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Technology and Artificial Intelligence in HR and IR	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Presentation Group 5 and Group 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Online Module and Face-to-Face Lecture: HR Systems and Outcomes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Critical Skills Development in the Face of AI	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Online Module: Employee Relations and Voice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	HR and Outcomes: Hard measures of performance versus employee well-being	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Online Module: HR Analytics in the Real World	Online class (3 hr)
Week 11	Reading week: No lecture or tutorial (Reflective Career Report Preparation)	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 12	Online Module: Sustainability in HR Strategy and Practices	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Reflective Practice in HR Career	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	In-class Test (Reflective Career Report) and Face-to-Face Lecture (Unit review and Conclusion)	Lecture (3 hr)

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

Nankervis, A., Baird, M., Coffey, J., & Shields, J. (2022). Human Resource Management: Strategy and Practice (11th Edition). South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning Australia.

In addition to the textbook, there are required readings for the various topics and weekly modules, so please access these via Reading List on the Canvas website. There are also additional resources that may be cited during the lectures, so also please pay attention to these too.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Apply the key concepts, techniques and trends in human resource management (HR) and industrial relations (IR), and meet challenges and opportunities involved in applying this knowledge in diverse contexts.
LO2. Think critically, question, assess and respond independently and creatively to assumptions, propositions and debates within human resource management.
LO3. Apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research skills to identify and diagnose complex and unfamiliar problems and to be able to apply evidence to formulate strategically appropriate HR and IR solutions.
LO4. Communicate and negotiate effectively to reach agreement with others about appropriate HR and IR strategies and responses to complex and unfamiliar problems within human resource management.
LO5. Lead and work collaboratively in work-related contexts to address complex and unfamiliar problems within human resource management
LO6. Act upon ethical and responsible decision-making on issues related to industrial relations and human resource management.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

New and emerging topics such as sustainability and artificial intelligence have been introduced, which are aimed at extending students HR and IR application of theories in these areas. The “Case Study” assessment has been replaced with a “Reflective Career Report” which is aimed at developing students' reflective and learning skills to be future HR practitioners.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK5002: Foundations of HRM and IR

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links