Activity 1

What are the differences between strategic plans and operational plans? Discuss in 120 to 150 words.

Activity 2

Create five WR performance standards or targets that might be used by an organisation. These performance standards must be different from those already provided in the text.

Activity 3

1.Complete the following statements (30 to 50 words):

a)Legislation is

b)Constructive dismissal occurs when

c)Health and safety legislation applies to

d)Equal opportunity legislation exists to

e)Regulations are

2.What discriminatory behaviour is prohibited by anti-discrimination legislation? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

3.What is the goal of industrial relations and employment legislation? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

4.What criteria are used as a basis to establish whether a dismissal is considered to be unfair? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

Activity 4

1.What should an organisation take into consideration when developing WR strategies? Discuss in 100 to

2.Explain the difference between a unilateralist and pluralist approach to WR. Discuss in 150 to 180 words.

Activity 5

Create a one page employment advertisement seeking applications from suitably qualified WR managers/ specialists. Your advertisement must describe skills and knowledge required of a WR manager/ specialist.

Activity 6

1.What are the sections that should be included in an implementation plan? Discuss in 120 to 150 words.

2.How do you develop a contingency plan? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

Activity 7

1.What is a training needs analysis? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

2.Explain the following training methods (30 to 50 words):

a)Self-study.

b)On-site training.

c)Off-site training.

d)One-on-one training.

e)Mentoring.

f)Action learning sets.

g)Job rotation.

h)Job shadowing.

Activity 8

1.What is the role of trade unions in industrial relations? Discuss in 120 to 150 words.

2.What is the role of employer organisations in industrial relations? Discuss in 120 to 150 words.

Activity 9

1.What are the five steps in a dispute/ grievance process?

2.What is a workplace relations tribunal? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

3.Who is the current workplace relations tribunal? (One sentence)

4.What does the workplace relations tribunal do? Discuss in 100 to 120 words.

5.How can the workplace relations tribunal assist in dispute resolution? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

6.What types of disputes can be referred to the workplace relations tribunal? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

Activity 10

What information about an organisation's grievance resolution procedure should be provided to employees via a communication plan? Discuss in 100 to 120 words.

Activity 11

1.When would it become necessary to alter or amend an induction policy or procedure? Discuss in 100 to 120 words.

2.Provide three situations where an amendment to an induction policy or procedure would be warranted.

Activity 12

1.Shown is a list of closed questions. Rewrite them as open questions.

a)Do you enjoy your job?

b)Do you like your boss?

c)Are you good at your job?

d)Are you angry with your colleagues?

e)Do you think you have been treated unfairly?

2.Conflict can be managed or it can become out of control. Managers and WR professionals play an important role in ensuring that the former occurs. Complete the following table that compares the characteristics of managed conflict and out of control conflict.

Managed conflict

Out of control conflict

Leads to strengthened relationships.

Discourages cooperation and collaboration.

Resolves conflict quickly.

Is loud, emotionally charged and chaotic.

Focuses on finding solutions.

Activity 13

Describe (30 to 50 words) the following strategies or techniques relating to avoiding conflict or grievance:

1.Active listening.

2.Open door policy.

3.Consultative committees.

4.Internal ombudsman.

5.Communicate with unions/ union representatives.

6.Participative management.

7.Management by walking around.

Activity 14

1.Where can organisations find WR specialists? List and describe 10 sources.

2.Identify 10 areas/ issues that WR professionals can provide advice on/ assistance with.

Activity 15

1.What are the five steps in the negotiation process?

2.Explain (100 to 120 words) the differences between a win/ win strategy, win/ lose strategy, and lose/ lose strategy.

Activity 16

1.What is an advocate? Discuss in 30 to 50 words.

2.What traits, skills or knowledge should an advocate have? Discuss in 100 to 120 words.

Activity 17

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false.

True or False

1. Certified agreements cannot cover employees from multiple organisations.

2. Certified agreements must pass the Better Off Overall Test.

3. Certified agreements are legally binding.

4. Certified agreements can be certified by unions who have a member in the enterprise concerned.

5. To pass the Better Off Overall Test, certified agreements must not reduce the overall terms and conditions of the employees covered by an agreement.

6. Employees who commence employment after an agreement has been made are not covered by the agreement.

7. Certified agreements can operate independently of industrial awards.

8. Signing an agreement is an indication that the signatories agree with an intention to abide by a decision/ agreement.

Activity 18

What are the benefits of using an action plan? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

Activity 19

1.What is conciliation? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

2.What is arbitration? Discuss in 80 to 100 words.

Question 1

Describe (120 to 150 words) the focus of industrial relations practices.

Question 2

What impact do the following pieces of legislation have on employment?

Anti-discrimination legislation.

1.Ethical principles.

2.Codes of practice.

3.Privacy laws.

4.Health and safety.

Discuss in 120 to 150 words.

Question 3

Identify and describe 10 common industrial relations objectives.

Question 4

What is a workplace grievance? What is a grievance resolution procedure? Discuss in 100 to 120 words.

Question 5

What is negotiation? Discuss in 50 to 80 words.

Question 6

List and describe (220 to 250 words) the key entities in the current Australian industrial relations system. If necessary conduct the appropriate research to answer this question.

Question 7

Where can you find workplace relations specialists or expert advice about WR matters? List and describe 10 sources.

Project 1

Select one major area of responsibility for WR professionals in private organisations (for example managing conflict and disputes, negotiating agreements such as collective agreements, developing WR strategies and policies, implementing WR strategies and policies etc).

Explain, in detail, what WR professionals need to do to fulfil their responsibilities in the area you have chosen. Your report should be between three and five pages in length.