WORK AND EMPLOYMENT IN SOCIETY - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module seeks to develop students¿ understanding of theoretical and conceptual approaches to work, and employment relations. Key actors in the employment relationship (trade unions, employers, the state) are introduced, as well as more contemporary issues in employee relations such as precarious work and the gig economy, flexible working, and the gender pay gap. The module will encourage students to critically evaluate different theoretical perspectives and provide them with a foundation to make sense of the changing labour market and working life.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

GUILLAUME Cecile (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:
The employment relationship, employee relations actors, different forms of employee involvement and participation, flexible working, the gig economy and precarious work, labour market segmentation, and the gender pay gap.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of the key theories in employee relations, assess their ability to critically evaluate employee relations practices, relate general theories to specific examples, correctly interpret information and assess contradicting arguments against empirical evidence.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Vlog Employee Relations: Throughout the course, students will be presented with a range of contemporary issues in employment relations. I will highlight 2 discussion topics presented in the module and students will choose one of those that they will need to take some time to think about, research, and respond to in the form of an Employee Relations Vlog (video blog). The student will film him/herself presenting the information for the topic they choose. At the minimum, the video should summarize their perspective while demonstrating course-related knowledge and personal insight. Each Vlog should have the total length of at least 2 minutes and no more than 3 minutes. Students will submit a link to their video via Surrey Learn. This is an opportunity for students to exhibit their understanding of concepts covered in the module. Vlogs provide a creative way of processing and presenting information/knowledge. It supports students¿ learning by facilitating reflection and questioning and it provides an opportunity for students to take more control of their learning.


• Online, open book examination (4 hours): Students will choose 2 questions out of 5 questions provided.

Formative assessment: Students will receive formative feedback on a variety of in-class activities, including individual and group work.

Feedback: The module adopts an enquiry-based approach to feedback. Students will receive feedback on their performance throughout the module. These include both verbal feedback provided during seminars and written feedback on their assessment.

Module aims

• Provide students with a theoretical foundation of contemporary issues in employment relations.
• Encourage critical evaluation of different approaches to the management of employment relations.
• Prepare students for the practical challenges of managing complex employment relationships at work.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to support highly interactive activities such as group exercises, discussions, and case studies. This module will be taught through a blended teaching and learning approach. This will include a combination of weekly face-to-face lectures and seminars and online guided learning. Total student learning time is approximately 150 hours, including independent study. Teaching and learning will be made available through Surrey Learn.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3227

Other information

SCF Pillars: This module focuses on the professional capabilities of students by preparing them to manage their employment relationships in a meaningful way. Principles of ethics, responsibility and social sustainability are reflected in the design and delivery of this module where students develop an appreciation for behaving sustainably in the workplace. Teaching materials and class discussions encourage students to think critically about the importance of creating decent employment opportunities and enhancing social protection on work-related issues. In class, students have the opportunity to discuss issues of wellbeing in the workplace, as well as reflect on their own wellbeing and how HR and employee relations play a role in it. Students are also expected to produce their own vlogs focusing on contemporary issues of work and employment in society, contributing to the development of their digital capabilities.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.