Bachelor of Administration Honours in Labour Relations

Purpose

The postgraduate qualification in Labour Relations is designed to provide students with a sound basis of Labour Relations theory as well as the application of principles in the business world. This Bachelor Honours Degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification which furthermore prepares students for research-based postgraduate study at Level 9.

This qualification has as purpose to consolidate and deepen the student an expertise in Labour Relations and to develop research capacity in its methodology and techniques. The postgraduate modules are in line with the development of academic research in the field and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to develop the student's ability to analyse labour relations issues/aspects, to advice employers and employees in this regard, and to render support where necessary. Students will be able to register with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). This qualification will empower students to continue with a Master's Degree in Labour Relations should they adhere to all the relevant admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role. The University subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution, or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the North-West University.

Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) level in relevant domains, which constitute credit-bearing units or modules, should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and, if appropriate, allows the cognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), maybe considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part.

An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission, or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor Admin Degree in Labour Relations.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 123 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 123 Credits

• Labour and Social Security Law, 15 Credits.
• Industrial Relations and the environment, 12 Credits.
• The Human Resource Management Function, 12 Credits.
• Strategic Human Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Research Project, 60 Credits.
• Collective Bargain and conflict man, 12 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge and skills to assess and predict work-related competencies and skills of existing and prospective labour relations.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to advice on or supply solutions to problematic labour relations situations in the work context.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to devise frameworks and systems regarding the maintenance (conditions of service, fringe benefits, legislation related aspects, etc.) of human resources.
4. Apply skills in the management of projects in the aforementioned areas.
5. Consult relevant literature and undertake empirical research of limited scope, draw valid conclusions and assist in the application thereof.
6. Manage the negotiation of labour relations agreements and the settlement of labour related disputes.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.