MG315

Industrial Relations Theory &

Policy
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Semester/Year: Semester 1, 2024

2. Mode of Delivery/Location: Print

3. Pre-Requisites: Any 2x200 level MG courses or TS207 and one 200 level TS course

4. Course Co-ordinator: Jone Lako

5. Teaching Team
Coordinator Teaching Assistant

Name: Jone Lako Name: TBA

Office: Room S260 Office:
Phone: +679 3232487 Phone:
Email: jone.lako@usp.ac.fj Email:
Consultation Hours: TBA Consultation Hours: TBA

6. F2F Tutorials at Laucala & WebEx Schedules

DAY TIME F2F VENUE or WebEx
TBA

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 1

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

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 employment relations history and theory and the
role of government.
LO2 Analyse employment relations applications and ethical practices in the Pacific
region and global context.
LO3 Compare the roles of employee and employer organizations from a practical
and philosophical perspective.
LO4 Apply knowledge of employment relations issues and trends in the Pacific
region and global context.
LO5 Assess the resolution of recent employment relations rulings impacting
organizations in the context of the Pacific region.

10 GENERIC MPAD 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 organizational 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.

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 2

11. USP GRADUATE OUTCOMES
The USP graduate outcomes are as follows:
GO1 Communication: Graduates will be able to communicate ideas clearly and
persuasively in structured formats using language and other modes of
communication that are appropriate for context, audience and specific
disciplinary conventions.
GO2 Creativity: Graduates will extend boundaries of current knowledge in a
particular discipline or profession.
GO3 Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning: Graduates will be able to
evaluate multiple perspectives and arrive at a reasonable independent judgement
based on evidence.
GO4 Ethics: Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to high ethical standards in
scholarly, professional and socio-cultural practices.
GO5 Pacific consciousness: Graduates will recognize the cultural heritage and
diversity of Pacific societies for sustainable development in a contemporary
environment.
GO6 Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to carry out tasks to
acceptable standards within their profession and occupations.
GO7 Teamwork: Graduates will work together in a respectful and collaborative manner
to complete tasks within teams to achieve an outcome.

12. COURSE CONTENT

WEEKS AND FOCUS FOR EACH WEEK VIRTUAL CLASSES & ASSIGNMENTS DETAILS
DATES
Week 1 Introduction and Overview
of the Course and Assessment/
26 February – 01 Project Details
March

Unit 1: Unitary Theory WebEx Tutorial 1:

Week 2
• Overview of Unitary TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
Theory of IR
04 – 08 March
• Main assumptions of
Unitary Theory of IR
Week 3 Unit 1 (continued): WebEx Tutorial 2:
• Scientific Management TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
11 – 15 March Theory
• Administrative Theory
Week 4 Unit 1: Version 2 of Unitary WebEx Tutorial 3:
Theory TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
18 – 22 March • ‘Human Relations’ School
of Thought (by Elton Assignment 1 due 22 March 2024 at
Mayo) 11.59pm (Fiji Time)

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 3

 • Neo Human Relations
School of Thought
Unit 1: Version 3 of Unitary WebEx Tutorial 4:
Theory of IR TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
Week 5 • HRM theory
• Main Criticisms offered
25 – 29 March Unitary Theory
• Solutions offered Unitary
Theory
Unit 2: Pluralist Theory of IR WebEx Tutorial 5:
Week 6
• Overview of Pluralist TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
Theory of IR
01 – 05 April
• Main Assumptions of
Pluralist Theory of IR
Unit 2: Pluralist Theory of IR- WebEx Tutorial 6:
Week 7 Institutionalist theory of IR TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
• Old Institutionalist Theory
08 – 12 April of IR, e.g. – Dunlop’s Mid-Semester Test (20%)
Systems Theory and its (Please confirm time, date and venue of
criticism your test with your local USP Centre)
• New Institutionalist IR
theories e.g., Edwards NB: Laucala details will be provided via
(1986–UK), Blyton and Moodle.
Turnbull (1998–UK)
MID-SEMESTER BREAK
13 – 21 April
Unit 2: Pluralist Theory of IR- WebEx Tutorial 7:
Corporatist theory TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
• Role of State in IR –
Week 8 Solution of Tripartism/
Social Partnership
22 – 26 April • Main Criticisms of Pluralist
Theory
• Solutions offered Unitary
Theory
Unit 3: Marx/Radical/Conflict WebEx Tutorial 8:
Theories of IR TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
Week 9
• Karl Marx Theory – Class
Perspective and Labour
29 April – 03 May Process Assignment 2 due 03rd May 2024 at
• Richard Hyman – Work 11.59pm (Fiji Time)
Intensification
Unit 3: Marx/Radical/Conflict WebEx Tutorial 9:
Theories of IR TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
Week 10 • Harry Braverman –
Problems of Mass
Production Process, (e.g.
06 – 10 May Ford Motor Company–
Fordism) ‘Control of’
Labour Process’ and
‘Deskilling Theory’.

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 4

 • Burawoy/ Beynon (Game
Theory of IR) – Work
Intensification, Work–
Effort Bargaining.
Unit 4: Strategic Choice WebEx Tutorial 10:
Week 11 Theory of IR TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
• Kochan, McKersie, and
13 – 17 May Capelli (1984)
• Main Criticisms of
Strategic Choice Theory
Unit 5: Globalisation theory of WebEx Tutorial 11:
IR (continued). TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
• Question/Debate on
Week 12 whether IR theories been
converging (features that
20 – 24 May are similar) or diverging
(features that are different)?
• Examples from Developed
and developing countries.
• Rise of HRM approach
Week 13 Summary, Conclusion, WebEx Tutorial 12:
Revision and Guidance for TBA & refer to Moodle (Fiji Time)
27 – 31 May examination

Week 14 STUDY BREAK

01 – 09 June
Week 15/16 EXAMINATIONS
10 – 21 June Check with your USP Campus or Centre for the exact date and time of
your examination.

13. PRESCRIBED TEXT AND OTHER RESOURCES

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

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 5

 • 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)
• 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.

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 6

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 program
and USP graduate outcomes.

Associated Teaching and Learning Program USP Graduate

Course Learning Outcome Assessment
Activities Outcomes Outcomes
LO1: Determine the importance of ER
history and theories and the role of WebEx/recorded WebEx, f2f
Assignments (1 & 2) and PO3 & PO5 GO3, GO4, GO2
tutorials (if available), tutorial
government. mid-semester test GO1 (wc) & GO6
visits & reading of required texts.

LO2: Analyse ER applications and ethical
practices in the Pacific region.
LO3: Compare the roles of employee
and employer organizations from the
practical and philosophical perspective.
WebEx/recorded WebEx, f2f Assignments (1 & 2), mid- GO3, GO4, GO5,
tutorials (if available), tutorial semester test and final PO2 GO2,
visits & reading of required texts. exam GO1 (wc), & GO6
WebEx/recorded WebEx, f2f Assignments (1 & 2), mid-
GO3, GO4, GO2,
tutorials (if available), tutorial semester test and final PO1
GO1(wc)
visits & reading of required texts. exam

LO4: Apply knowledge of ER issues and WebEx/recorded WebEx, f2f

tutorials (if available), tutorial Assignments (1 & 2) and GO1(wc), GO3, GO4,
trends in the Pacific region. PO5
visits & reading of required texts. mid-semester test GO5 & GO6

LO5: Assess the resolution of recent ER WebEx/recorded WebEx, f2f

tutorials (if available), tutorial Assignments (1 & 2) and GO3, GO4, GO2,
rulings impacting PIC organizations. PO5
visits & reading of required texts. mid-semester test GO1(wc)

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 7

15.0 ASSESSMENT
15.1 Assessment Portfolio
LEARNING
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT WEIGHT COMMENTS/RATIONALE
OUTCOME
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: 50%
1 Assignment 1 (Week 4) 15% Test learning outcomes 1-2 1-2
2 Mid Semester Test (Week 7) 20% Test learning outcomes 1-3 1-3
3 Assignment 2 (Week 9) 15% Test learning outcomes 1-5 1-5

4 FINAL EXAMINATION: 50%

3 hours written exam 2-5
Assessment 1: Assignment 1 (15%)
Assignment 1 Essay:

Critically evaluate the State's challenges from the Scientific management theory of
employment relations. Discuss how the Scientific management theory of employment
relations challenges the State as one of the main actors of employment relations. Provide
examples from your country.
(1, 200 words)
(15 marks)

For other details, please refer to page 20 of your I & A (a copy is uploaded in Moodle).

All assignments MUST be submitted via Moodle drop box in Word document ONLY.

Assessment 2: Mid Semester Test (MST) (20%)

This mid-semester test (exam) will last approximately one hundred and twenty minutes or
about two hours, consisting of short answer-based questions. Topics covered in the first six
weeks of the semester will be examined.

Other relevant details relating to the test will be posted in Moodle later.

Assessment 3: Assignment 2 (15%)

Critically evaluate the challenges that the trade union movement will face from Dunlop’s
theory of employment relations as a version of the pluralist theory of employment relations.
As an example, identify a trade union organization in your country to discuss how the trade
unions will be challenged by Dunlop’s theory of employment relations.
(1,500 words)
(15 marks)

For other details, please refer to page 21 of your I & A (a copy is uploaded in Moodle).

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 8

All assignments MUST be submitted via Moodle drop box in Word document ONLY.

Assessment 4: Final Examination (50%)

The final examination timetable will be provided by ‘Timetabling’ at least a month before the
final examination. The final examination will be three hours long excluding 10 minutes reading
time. The format and coverage will be discussed during the last Satellite session and 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.
• 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
acknowledging the source, is a serious offense 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
acknowledgment from a book, another student’s work, the internet, or any other source”. If
the lecturer is satisfied that plagiarism has occurred, they will report the matter to the Head
of School. They can reduce marks appropriately. The Head of School can take the matter to
the Student Disciplinary Committee if it is serious enough.

17.0 IMPORTANT DATES

Activity Week Weighting (%)

*Assignment 1 (individual) 4 15%
*Mid Semester Test (individual) 7 20%
*Assignment 2 (individual) 9 15%
*The exact date and time will be confirmed on Moodle once classes start on week 1.

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 9

18.0 ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

18.1 WebEx sessions

This unit will have two WebEx sessions every week commencing from week 2 for regional
students. The first session will be a lecture session, while the second will be a tutorial session.
The times and rooms are mentioned (tabulated) on page 1 above. If not, it will be provided in
Moodle shell. The course coordinator will be making presentations to the students enrolled
in this course. Students are required to read the assigned chapters and reading material
before attending the class(es). They are expected to contribute to class discussions on the
given topic during tutorials. All major announcements will be made in WebEx via Moodle.
Failure to attend and not adhering to announcements will not be considered an excuse at
any time during the course. Students must note that sessions will start on time, so the onus
is on you to be on time. Students are responsible for taking notes during the sessions.

18.2 Online Help & E-Learning Information

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

The course coordinator will provide weekly tutorial questions in Moodle. Even though tutorial
classes are voluntary, students are expected to answer those questions in the Moodle
platform or during f2f classes in Laucala.

18.3 Student Learning Support Services (SLSS)

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 assessments at the earliest possible time to avoid getting a
zero mark for the missed assessment.
• Submit the softcopy of the assignment in a Word document ONLY via the
assignment drop boxes in Moodle before or on the due dates and times.

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 10

19.2 Student Workload
TYPE HOURS COMMENTS
WebEx lecture and 26 Class attendance
tutorial
WebEx and tutorial 39 1-hour towards weekly chapter reading.
preparation & online
activities 1-hour towards tutorial preparation & 1-
hour online activities
Assignments 1 & 2 39 Group meetings, field research, desk
research, draft preparation, file compilation
Mid Semester Test 52 Revision from week 2
Final Exam 52 Revision from week 8 until exam date
TOTAL 208 13 weeks

Prepared by: Course Coordinator, Discipline of Management and Public Administration ,

School of Business and Management, University of the South Pacific, Laucala
Campus, Private Mail Bag, SUVA, FIJI ISLANDS

MG315P Course Outline – Semester 1, 2024, Page 11