Bachelor of Arts Honours in Labour Relations and Human Resources
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Human Resources
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The overall aim of the Honours qualification is to provide graduates with a strong grasp of the theoretical foundations and insight into the core values and principles informing Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR) best practice. Following on a Bachelor's Degree, this Honours qualification is a Postgraduate specialization that provides students with an opportunity for advanced study in the area, thus consolidating and deepening the students' knowledge and expertise relating to theories and practices of LR and HR. Students will develop appropriate competence to meet the needs of the South African economy for well-qualified and competent human resource and labour relations professionals. The qualification develops student's diagnostic and practical skills so that they may bring to any particular issue a clear understanding of the factors involved, insight into how problems may be resolved and practical implementation plans. By including a discrete research component in the curriculum, the qualification will also prepare students for research-based Postgraduate study in human resources and labour relations.
Rationale:
South Africa has a turbulent history of Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR), with the terrain characterized by conflictual relations. The qualification was initially introduced to fill the gap in advanced LR and HR created by the Eastern Cape regional labor upsurge post the 1979 Wiehahn Commission. However, South Africa remains a challenging LR and HR environment. The World Economic Forum in the annual Global Competitiveness Report consistently raises concerns regarding the labor market in South Africa. Many of the labor market issues relate to the current legislative environment and reflect differences in ideological perspectives. One of the particular areas of concern lies with the significant tensions in labor-employer relations where in the current 2012-2013 report South Africa was ranked as 144th out of 144 countries (The Global Competitiveness Report 2012 to 2013). South Africa needs professionals to manage this complex and challenging environment. The South African Department of Labor has recognized the need for human resource management competence and includes Human Resource Managers and Human Resource Professionals among their list of scarce-skills in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Integrate and apply knowledge of contemporary Labour Relations and Human Resource management theories, concepts, principles and practices to the design and management of Labour Relations and Human Resource systems at multiple levels and in a diversity of organisations.
- Integrate and apply knowledge of the international regulatory system governing employment relations and labour administration proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as a platform for appraising the South African regulatory environment governing employment relations and labour administration. Apply the knowledge of the South African regulatory environment to the management of the South African workplace.
- Engage in independent learning and research activities by planning, designing, conducting and reporting on empirical research in the broad area of LR and HR while adhering to appropriate research principles and protocols while applying appropriate research methods and analytical techniques.
- Identify following a case study approach and analyse specific organisational issues and resolve unfamiliar problems by applying contemporary LR and HR theory, principles, techniques and processes using critical and creative thinking in cross-examining and evaluating multiple sources of knowledge.
- Access, process and disseminate LR and HR information and research findings using relevant information technology, with due regard to social, cultural and ethical considerations of the different role players involved.
- Integrate the theory, principles and practices of organisational behaviour with those of LR and HR as they contribute to the effective functioning of the business organisation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Explore ideological foundations and historical development of LR and HR theory
- Use contemporary LR and HR theories to assess design and management of LR and HR systems
- Evaluate labour relations system for equity and efficiency
- Analyse the functioning of the labour market
- Investigate the role of trade unions, employers, and the state in LR and HR management
- Describe and analyse current LR and HR challenges and proposed solutions
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Examine ILO conventions and recommendations relevant to LR and HR
- Analyze and appraise the application of ILO principles in the South African labour regulatory environment
- Evaluate South African labour legislation for workplace compliance
- Explore Occupational Health and Safety legislation in relation to workplace challenges
- Critique the Skills Development Act and Fund in relation to workplace competency
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research design and methodology in the social sciences
- Submit a research proposal with a literature review and appropriate research design
- Collect and analyze research data using relevant statistical tools
- Report research findings logically and ethically
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Apply enquiry methods to resolve HR and LR problems
- Demonstrate critical awareness in analyzing different perspectives in the world of work
- Position LR and HR as strategic elements in business management
- Apply HR and LR theories to address workplace challenges
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Use Information technology to access and process information
- Analyze and assess information in appropriate formats
- Communicate conclusions effectively
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify managerial and leadership behaviors that enhance individual motivation
- Apply organizational behavior theories to HR and LR management challenges
- Analyze the impact of individuals and organizational structures on organizational effectiveness
Integrated Assessment:
- Use treatise, case studies, and practical projects for integrated assessment
- Include diagnostic, formative, and formal assessments
- Utilize practical projects, presentations, and formal tests
- Follow continuous assessment approach for Research Methodology and Design module
Treatise Assessment:
- Submit a typed and bound treatise of at least 30 pages
- Based on an approved topic or research problem
- Internal examiner and external examiner appointed for assessment
- Follow university's policy on examination and moderation
The assessment criteria cover a wide range of topics and skills related to Labour Relations and Human Resources, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the students' knowledge and abilities in these areas.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.