Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the policy debates in employment relations with an emphasis on laws, institutions and social processes. It combines theoretical and historical understandings of employment relations in Australia with a detailed examination of the current policies and strategies of the key employment relations players and the role of the state. Topics covered include: the regulatory framework, state and federal governments policies, union policy, employer policy, the practices of Australia's industrial tribunals and responses to current challenges, such as the quest for improved productivity and greater flexibility. Overarching themes include individualisation and decentralisation of employment relations policy in Australia and whether there are more suitable alternatives.

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	Marian Baird, marian.baird@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised test ?	Quiz 1 This Quiz 1 will cover conceptual framework and labour market essentials	15%	Week 02 Due date: 14 Sep 2024 at 10:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Quiz 2 Covers the application of policy knowledge to industrial relations policies	15%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Sep 2024 at 15:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Team oral presentation, full details will be given in class	30%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Sep 2024 at 10:00	10 minutes with 3-5 powerpoints max.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Policy essay Written essay, full details will be provided in class in week 01	40%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Oct 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Oct 2024	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Presentation: Students are required to deliver a group presentation and submit a maximum of 3-5 powerpoints of the policy issue summary.
Quizes: There are two in class quizes. Quiz 1 covers the conceptual framework and labour market essentials. Quiz 2 covers the application of policy knowledge to industrial relations policies as covered in the letures.
Policy essay: Students are required to write a submission (in the style of a submission to a givernment enquiry) advocating for the Australian government to make a change to any one industrial relations policy area discussed in this unit. The unit coordinator will provide more detail and writing directions about this assessment on Canvas prior to the first class and will discuss in class.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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.

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	Day 1 - (9am - 5pm); Lecture 1: Introduction to Industrial Relations Policy; Lecture 2: The Conceptual Framework; Activity 1: Using terminology correctly; Lecture 3: The Fair Work Act; Lecture 4: the Labour Market Context; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 01	Day 2 - (9.30am - 5pm); Lecture 5: Equity; Lecture 6: Efficiency; Lecture 7: Voice; Lecture 8: Policy into Practice (1) Right to request flexible working arrangements and family and domestic violence leave; Activity 2: Role Play; Weekend wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 02	Day 3 (9am-5pm); Quiz 1 -The conceptual framework and labour market essentials; Lecture 9: Governments, Policy Making and the Role of the State; Lecture 10: Policy into Practice (2) - The Fair Work Commission; Lecture 11: Policy into Practice (3) - Setting the minimum wage; Lecture 12: Policy into Practice (4) - Wage Theft and Underpayment; Activity 3: Presentation group preparations; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 02	Day 4 - (9.30am - 4.30pm); Lecture 13: Policy into Practice (5) Paid Parental Leave; Lecture 14: Policy into Practice (6) Migration and Skills; Lecture 15: Future of Work and New Challenges for Industrial Relations Policy; Activity 4: Presentation Group Preparations; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 03	Day 5 (10am-4pm); Group Presentations; Daily wrap-up.	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 03	Day 6 (11am - 3pm) Quiz 2 - Policy into Practice; Lecture 14: Unit wrap-up and discussion of major assignment.	Lecture and tutorial (4 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

A list of the required readings will be provided to the students via Canvas before the first class.

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. describe and evaluate different perspectives on the role of the state in shaping employment relations
LO2. apply theoretical frameworks to an understanding of policy-making
LO3. explain in both oral and written work the relationship between industrial relations policy and other aspects of government policy and the influence that employers, unions and lobbyists exercise over policy
LO4. evaluate the implications of certain policies for business, unions, employees and other stakeholders
LO5. engage in debates with other students and present clear arguments for and against policy directions
LO6. demonstrate awareness of industrial and employment relations policies that exist and changes proposed.

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.

The assessment weightings have been altered to reflect student feedback. Additionally, seminar tasks have been adapted to reflect student feedback.

Additional information

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

WORK6012: Industrial Relations Policy

Intensive August - September, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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