This module introduces students to the theory and practice of negotiations and conflict handling in an employment relations context. It presents students with an understanding of workplace industrial relations and provides opportunities for students to develop their skills in diagnosing and handling workplace industrial relations conflict. The role and operation of the key 3rd party institutions in the context of workplace conflict resolution is reviewed.

Negotiation theory and research: the nature of negotiation; strategy and tactics of distributive bargaining; strategy and tactics of integrative bargaining; negotiation planning and strategy; negotiation breakdown causes and cures; the communication and persuasion processes in negotiation; power in negotiation. The practice of negotiation: team preparation and organisation for negotiation. The negotiation process: the use of negotiation and presentational skills; the phases of negotiation and the use of appropriate techniques at each stage; active listening and effective communication and persuasion; effective trading techniques and other tactics of conflict resolution; concluding the agreement; providing for breakdown.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the process of negotiation as a method of conflict resolution Work collaboratively to analyse a workplace conflict situation Apply the theory of conflict management to a practical workplace case/scenario Describe the role of 3rd parties in a workplace conflict resolution situation

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate the skills of active listening, teamwork and persuasion in the analysis of a conflict scenario

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Students will be taught through the combined use of lectures, tutorials, video analysis, and a range of case studies for both individual and team analysis. Students will also engage in several individual and team-based simulations. Reflection forms a core component of the learning environment as students engage in reflective exercise on the skills they demonstrate, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and learning. This is followed by detailed feedback from the lecturer on skills demonstrated to aid understanding. Using an evidence-based approach to learning, students will be directed to a range of resources written and developed by faculty. Case examples and problem-based case studies adapted from current real-life disputes and legal cases form the basis for learning and assessment. Thus, students will have the opportunity become curious (problem-solver, critical, knowledgeable, inquisitive, imaginative), having to use their knowledge to critically assess information, and to become articulate (strong inter and intra-personal skills, empathetic, collaborative) and courageous (tenacious, resilient, robust, transformative, enterprising, innovative), working together to find innovative solutions. Through proactive engagement in self-directed learning in researching current developments in employment regulation as part of their case analysis, skills demonstration and presentation and through collaborative work, as they research and analyse a work conflict situation, and articulate proposals for solution, students will develop the UL graduate attributes of agile (open-minded, independent, adaptive, flexible, responsive in actions) and responsible (personally, socially, professionally, sustainably and ethically responsible).