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Module Title
LM Contemporary Work in the Global Economy
School
Birmingham Business School
Department
Management
Module Code
07 32493
Module Lead
Lisa de Propris
Level
Masters Level
Credits
10
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
With the increasing internationalisation of business, attention has been focused on the changing nature of labour markets and labour relations. The climate and institutions of labour relations vary greatly between countries, in recent decades being more 'co-operative' in some, such as Germany and Japan, and more 'adversarial' in others, such as the US and the UK. Reflecting these trends, labour markets in some countries exhibit high levels of employment protection, while others have become increasingly flexible, including through greater degrees of flexibility in the way work is contracted e.g. gig economy, and performed e.g. flexible working arrangements. This module explores these changing labour market dynamics in an international context. Meanwhile, the increasingly global scope of enterprise and increased power of management brings greater choice and hence social responsibility to global enterprises, presenting them with important decisions relating to location, resources and labour. A key component of this module, therefore, explores the institutional framework and the evolution and impact of social and industrial market policies at the global level. It focuses upon the macro relationship between closer economic and political integration and social policy proposals to reduce variations in employment rights and forms of labour regulation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
Critically assess and make comparisons between the differing labour market regimes across countries, utilising economic and industrial relations theory to assess the impact of regulation on business performance;
Undertake an analysis of the labour relations practices of MNCs, with a view to assessing how MNCs adjust their practices to a specific national business environment;
Argue the case for whether a convergence in labour relations approaches is taking place across countries, or whether national systems retain their distinctiveness.
Assessment
32493-01 : 1hr written unseen examination (50%) : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
32493-02 : 1,500 word individual essay (50%) : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1hr written unseen examination (50%)1,500 word individual essay (50%) Reassessment: 2hr written unseen examination