UMUC-Europe Syllabus

(Formerly BMGT 362.) A study of the development and methods of organized groups in industry, with reference to the settlement of labor disputes. Labor unions and employer associations involved in arbitration, mediation, and conciliation are analyzed from an economic as well as a legal standpoint. Specific attention is focused on collective bargaining, trade agreements, strikes, boycotts, lockouts, company unions, employee representation, and injunctions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 362 or HRMN 362.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, you should be able to: * describe the relationship between labor and management in American business and the influence on that relationship of economic, social, statutory, and regulatory policies and systems * recognize and restate the impact of the principal historical developments that have influenced the evolution of unionism in the United States * identify, interpret, and apply the principal statutes bearing on labor-management relations * describe in your own words the process of union representation, collective bargaining, contract administration, and dispute resolution, and the roles of labor and management representatives within their respective entities * describe the significance of labor relations in the context of international commerce * identify the key issues and events affecting the current and future status of labor relations and formulate your own conclusions and opinions * recognize and apply to the labor-management relations process the tools provided by rapidly accelerating technology, especially telecommunications * describe and interpret the process of collective bargaining, negotiations and contract dispute resolution thru cases in a role playing situation. Cross-Curricular Initiatives In addition to these learning objectives, this course also concentrates on UMUC's cross-curriculum initiatives, detailed below, designed to help UMUC students build business skills to enhance their careers and overall effectiveness in their employment. Effective Writing. There are numerous writing assignments throughout the semester. Those assignments are expected to reflect appropriate professional writing skills. That is, they will be evaluated on the basis of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and overall sound writing principles. At least 10 percent of your grade on each writing assignment will be based on your proficiency in expressing yourself in writing. Information Literacy. You will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in research activity through the library and use of online sources. Globalization. An important outcome of this course will be the realization that the principles of labor relations apply in global situations, as well. Computerization. The computer has virtually altered the way labor relations is conducted. This course will emphasize the increasing importance of the computer in labor relations. Historical Perspective. This course will integrate the historical development of theory to provide the student with a context for current theories and practice. Civic Responsibility. Ethical behavior and role of labor relations in society will be explored in this course.

Course Introduction:

The purpose of this course is to give you the opportunity to learn and apply the fundamentals of labor relations as a function of human resource management. The perspective of the instruction is neither pro-management nor pro-union. It is, rather, reflective of the U.S. national policy of encouraging and supporting free collective bargaining between employees (through their duly chosen unions) and employers and the peaceful settlement of labor-management disputes. In this course, we describe and analyze the economic, legal, social, and global environment in which labor unions and employers engage each other in establishing policies and practices governing employees' wages, hours, and working conditions. The course also includes an overview of the historical development of labor unions in the United States and a discussion of current issues, and likely future trends, of particular importance to labor and management. Topics for discussion will include employee representation; the collective bargaining process; strikes, boycotts, and lockouts; mediation, arbitration and alternate forms of dispute resolution; and the administration of the collective bargaining agreement. Available time will be devoted to considering two topics of special interest-(1) the unique features of public sector union-management relations and (2) the current issues in the labor movement. The course will involve reviewing and applying relevant statutory and case law as well as federal government regulations, particularly those of the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. Department of Labor. The course will also include external readings, assigned projects, and group exercises to give you the opportunity to learn from peer experience and observation. HRMN 362, Labor Relations, consists of the following topic areas: 1. Understanding the Relationships, Rights, and Responsibilities among Employees, Labor Unions, Employers and Other Participants in the Labor Relations Process 2. Negotiating the Collective Bargaining Agreement 3. Collective Bargaining Issues and Outcomes 4. Living under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)-Contract Administration and Arbitration 5. Labor Relations Systems in Public Employment and other Special Work Environments 6. Current Issues in Labor Relations

Grading Information and Criteria:

Midterm exam: 30% Writing Assignment: 30% Final Exam: 40% Total: 100% A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F below 60% No student will receive a final passing grade unless the minimum requirements of (1) writing assignment, (2) midterm examination, and (3) final examination are completed. Reading Assignments Reading assignments from the textbook are listed by week in the course schedule. Readings will relate to material covered in each module. Examinations There will be two examinations-a midterm and a final. Both will include some questions requiring essay-type answers along with multiple choice, and definition questions.

Other Information:

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include: * General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class * Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers * Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs) * Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics) * Optional activities such as study groups

Project Descriptions:

Writing Assignment You will be required to write a term paper on a subject of your choice that is related to labor relations. This subject must be approved by your teacher. The assignment must include a least six outside reference sources, not including the textbook, from scholarly literature. The paper should be no less than seven double-spaced typewritten pages or the equivalent (excluding references, appendices, notes and exhibits.) The paper should be organized generally as follows: INTRODUCTION: Statement of purpose, hypothesis, or reason(s) for the topic. 2. DESCRIBE research methodology and research sources. 3. ANALYSIS. What did you find in your research and, most importantly, what do you think of it? 4. CONCLUSIONS. What did you learn? Do you have any recommendations? Further research? 5. DOCUMENTATION. Exhibits, attachments, bibliography, references, etc. (NOTE: A student may request a project that deviates from these guidelines only with consultation and permission of the teacher.) CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING TERM PROJECT: Equal weight is accorded each of the following: Quality of research and documentation Thoroughness of preparation Organization of material presented Quality and clarity of writing Validity/credibility of conclusions and recommendations.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

These schedules and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Notice will be given of any change and you are responsible for amended deadlines or assignments. Session 1 Read Chapter on union/management relationships Begin to consider your choice for term project topic, which must be approved by the Instructor by the end of session 6 of this course. Session 2 Read Chapter on Evolution of Labor- Management Relationships Session 3 Read Chapter on Legal Influences Session 4 Read Chapter on Key Participants in the Labor Relations Process Session 5 Read Chapter on Why and How Unions are organized. Session 6 Read Chapter on Negotiating the Labor Agreement. NOTE: Term project topic choice should have been submitted and approved before the end of this session. Session 7 Read Chapter on Negotiation Impasses and Developing Cooperation NOTE: The Midterm exam is scheduled for Session 9 Session 8 Read Chapters on Contract Administration , and Labor and Employment Arbitration. Session 9 Mid-term Examination Session 10 Read Chapter on Employee Discipline Session 11 Read Chapter on Managerial, Minority and Female Rights, and Union Security Session 12 Read Chapters on Administrative and Economic Issues. Session 13 Read Chapter on Labor Relations in Multinational Corporations and in Other Countries. NOTE: Term projects are due by the end of Session 13. Session 14 Read Chapter on Labor Relations in the Public Sector Session 15 Discussion of Current Issues in Labor Relations Session 16 Final Examination