Announcements

 

Academy Documents

Kindly access the Students' Policies & Forms by clicking on the button below. The following documents, among others, can be found there: Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Students' Privacy Notice, Deferral, Suspension, and Cancellation Policy, Assignment Extension Policy, Re-Sit Policy, Complaints Procedure Policy, Equality Policy, and Student Disciplinary Policy.

Students' Policies & Forms

 

Sessions' Venue

All sessions will be held at:

21 Academy, 21 Business Centre, No. 20., Triq in-Nutar Debono, Naxxar NXR 2525

 

Lecture Schedule & Notes

Lecture notes will be available during the week following the respective lecture. Schedule dates are indicative and may change. All changes, if any, may be communicated via email, SMS or telephone calls.

LectureDateTimePresentationNotes (If Any)
Lecture 012 July 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 022 July 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 039 July 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 049 July 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 0530 July 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0630 July 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 0720 August 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0820 August 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 0927 August 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1027 August 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 113 September 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 123 September 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 1310 September 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1410 September 202513:00 to 17:00hrs
Lecture 1517 September 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1617 September 202513:00 to 17:00hrs

 

Lecturers 

Ms Nathalie Xuereb Saydon

 

Lecture Summaries & Suggested Reading

Lecture 1 - Introduction to Employee Relations and Wellbeing

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Define employee relations and wellbeing in organizational contexts.
  • Explain the evolution of employee relations from industrial relations to strategic HRM.
  • Assess the strategic importance of ER and wellbeing for business outcomes.
  • Identify the key themes and competencies to be developed in the course.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Dundon, T., & Rollinson, D. (2011). Understanding Employment Relations (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  • Guest, D. E. (2017). Human resource management and employee well-being: Towards a new analytic framework. Human Resource Management Journal, 27(1), 22–38.
  • Armstrong, M. Taylor S (2020). Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice 15th Edition. London: Kogan Page

 

Lecture 2 - Legal Frameworks in Employee Relations

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Evaluate key employment laws impacting ER.
  • Assess legal requirements for consistency and fairness in ER practices.
  • Interpret case law in the context of employee disputes.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Davies, A. C. L. (2012). Perspectives on Labour Law (3rd ed.), Chapters 2–3
  • UK Government. Employment Rights Act 1996 (Summary)
  • CIPD (2021). Employment Law Guide [CIPD Knowledge Hub]

 

Lecture 3 - Theoretical Perspectives on Employee Relations

Following this session, students will be able to:

  • Compare unitarist, pluralist, and radical perspectives on ER.
  • Examine how theoretical frameworks influence ER strategy.
  • Critique psychological contracts and their role in conflict and trust.

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Kaufman, B. E. (2010). "A new theory of the firm: The role of coordination and transaction costs in organizing economic activity." Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 63(2), 204–232.
  • Blyton & Turnbull, Ch. 2–3 (Unitarist, Pluralist, and Radical models)
  • Fox, A. (1974). Beyond Contract: Work, Power and Trust Relations

 

Lecture 4 - Organisational Culture and Power in ER

Following this session, students will be able to:

  • Analyse how organisational culture shapes ER climates.
  • Evaluate the role of leadership and communication in shaping trust.
  • Identify power dynamics that influence fairness and consistency.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th Ed. London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership (4th ed.), Chapters 1–3
  • Dundon, T., Wilkinson, A. (2018). "HRM and employment relations: Continuity and change." In Palgrave Handbook of Employment Relations
  • Foucault, M. (1980). Power/Knowledge, selected essays

 

Lecture 5 - Fairness and Equity in Policy Development

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Critically assess principles of fairness, equity, and transparency in HR policies.
  • Design grievance and disciplinary procedures that ensure consistency.
  • Evaluate how to balance legal compliance with ethical practice.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S. (2023). Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, Chapter on Employee Relations
  • Cropanzano, R., & Wright, T. A. (2001). "When a 'happy' worker is really a 'productive' worker: A review and further refinement of the happy-productive worker thesis." Consulting Psychology Journal, 53(3), 182–199.
  • ACAS (2016). Discipline and Grievances at Work: Guide

 

Lecture 6 - Conflict Management in the Workplace

Following this session students will be able to

  • Identify different types of workplace conflict and their root causes.
  • Apply conflict resolution models to practical scenarios.
  • Critically reflect on the role of communication in managing disputes.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Lipsky, D. B., Seeber, R. L., & Fincher, R. D. (2003). Emerging Systems for Managing Workplace Conflict, Chapters 1–3
  • ACAS (2022). Managing Conflict at Work [acas.org.uk]
  • Rahim, M. A. (2002). "Toward a theory of managing organizational conflict." International Journal of Conflict Management, 13(3), 206–235.

 

Lecture 7 - Employee Voice and Engagement

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Evaluate mechanisms for promoting employee voice.
  • Analyze how employee engagement supports wellbeing and reduces conflict.
  • Design inclusive communication channels that encourage feedback.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Boxall, P. & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and Human Resource Management, Chapter on Employee Voice
  • CIPD (2020). Employee Voice: Factsheet
  • Kaufman, B. E. (2014). “Theorising employee voice: An integrative framework.” Industrial Relations Journal, 45(5), 435–455.

 

Lecture 8 - Trade Unions and Representative Structures

Following this session students will be able:

  • Explain the functions and roles of trade unions in employee relations.
  • Compare representative frameworks across different labour systems.
  • Assess how union presence affects ER policy and communication.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Farnham, D. (2015). Employee Relations in Context, Chapter on Trade Unions
  • Hyman, R. (1997). “The future of employee representation.” British Journal of Industrial Relations, 35(3), 309–336.
  • ILO (2022). Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: International Labour Standards

 

Lecture 9 - The Collective Bargaining Process

Following this session students will be able to

  • Describe the stages of collective bargaining and negotiation styles.
  • Design a negotiation strategy that balances employer and employee interests.
  • Critically evaluate the effectiveness of collective agreements.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Budd, J. W. (2010). Labor Relations: Striking a Balance, Chapters 5–7
  • Walton, R. E., & McKersie, R. B. (1965). A Behavioral Theory of Labor Negotiations
  • CIPD (2021). Collective Bargaining and Pay Determination

 

Lecture 10 – Designing Effective Wellbeing Strategies

Following this session students will be able to

  • Identify key dimensions of employee wellbeing.
  • Analyse the business case for implementing wellbeing programs.
  • Design strategic interventions to improve workplace wellbeing.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Cooper, C., & Dewe, P. (2008). Well-being – Absenteeism, Presenteeism, Costs and Challenges
  • CIPD (2023). Developing Effective Wellbeing Strategies
  • Grawitch, M. J., & Ballard, D. W. (2006). “Examining the link between organizational practices and worker well-being.” Professional Psychology, 37(3), 230–243.

 

Lecture 11 – Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health

Following this session students will be able to

  • Recognize signs and causes of work-related stress and burnout.
  • Develop strategies to support mental health in policy and practice.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of mental health and support frameworks.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: The Cost of Caring
  • HSE (UK). Management Standards for Work-Related Stress
  • Harnois, G., & Gabriel, P. (2000). Mental Health and Work: Impact, Issues and Good Practices (WHO)

 

Lecture 12 - Performance Management and ER

Following this session students will be able to

  • Analyse the impact of performance systems on ER and fairness.
  • Develop fair and transparent performance review processes.
  • Apply best practices in giving feedback and handling underperformance.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Pulakos, E. D. (2009). Performance Management: A New Approach for Driving Business Results, Chapters 1–3
  • CIPD (2022). Performance Management Factsheet
  • Aguinis, H. (2013). Performance Management (3rd ed.), Chapter on Fairness and Communication

 

Lecture 13 - Managing Change and Resistance

Following this session students will be able to

  • Identify sources of resistance to organizational change.
  • Evaluate the ER implications of restructuring and transformation.
  • Design communication strategies that foster trust during change.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change, Chapters 1–4
  • CIPD (2020). Managing Change in the Workplace
  • Lines, R. (2004). “Influence of participation in strategic change.” Journal of Change Management, 4(3), 193–215.

 

Lecture 14 - Ethical Challenges in Employee Relations   

Following this session students will be able to

  • Analyze ethical dilemmas in handling employee relations.
  • Assess the implications of transparency and whistleblowing policies.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to real-life ER scenarios.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Greenwood, M. (2013). “Ethical analyses of HRM: A review and research agenda.” Journal of Business Ethics, 114(2), 355–366.
  • CIPD (2022). Professionalism and Ethics in HR
  • Bowie, N. E. (2005). Ethical Theory and Business, selected readings

 

Lecture 15 - Global and Comparative ER Perspectives

Following this session students will be able to

  • Compare ER systems and labor practices across countries.
  • Assess the impact of cultural and institutional differences on ER.
  • Formulate policy adaptations for international contexts.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Bamber, G. J., Lansbury, R. D., & Wailes, N. (2016). International and Comparative Employment Relations (6th ed.), country chapters
  • ILO (2022). Global Employment Trends Report
  • Sparrow, P., Brewster, C., & Chung, C. (2016). Globalizing Human Resource Management, Chapters on ER systems

 

Lecture 16 - Capstone Simulation and Reflection

Following this session students will be able to

  • Synthesize learning to develop a comprehensive ER and wellbeing policy.
  • Apply theory and practice to a realistic organizational scenario.
  • Reflect on individual competency development and areas for growth.

 

Core Reading List

  • Hesketh, I. and Cooper, C., 2019. Wellbeing at Work: How to Design, Implement and Evaluate an Effective Strategy. London: Kogan Page
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V., 2020. Managing Employment Relations. 7th London: Kogan Page

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • CIPD (2021). Developing and Implementing HR Policies

 

Methods of Assessment

Assignment (70% of final grade)

Portfolio (30% of final grade)

 

Assignment

You are required to choose one of the three questions available in the Assignment Submission Form made available by clicking the button below. The assignment must be submitted no later than Thursday, 2 October 2025, along with the Assignment Submission Form. Please ensure that you indicate the question you have addressed on the Assignment Submission Form.

The Assignment Submission Form will be made available at this link.

For guidance on how to plan, draft, and submit your assignment, please refer to the 21 Academy presentation on Writing and Submitting Your Assignment by clicking the button below.

Writing and Submitting Your Assignment

We are also providing the 21 Academy's Assignments Rubric for your reference. This rubric is a performance-based assessment tool that tutors will use for grading, and it will help you understand the requirements of the assignment and how it will be assessed.

Assignments Rubric

 

Portfolio

A portfolio is a method of assessment that brings together different pieces of work you complete over a period of time. It allows you to show how you understand and apply what you’ve learnt and often involves combining research, analysis, reflection, and practical application.

Unlike an exam, which tests knowledge at one point in time, a portfolio gives you the chance to:

  • Work independently.

  • Develop your ideas in depth.

  • Demonstrate your learning in a more practical and personal way.

The Portfolio Template & Questions will be made available here

Your portfolio will be assessed based on how well you:

  • Understand the key concepts covered in the module.

  • Apply your knowledge to real or realistic situations.

  • Think critically and analytically about issues.

  • Reflect on your own learning and experience.

  • Communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.

A portfolio is your opportunity to showcase your learning, skills, and progress. Treat it as a structured project that allows you to engage deeply with the subject and produce work you can be proud of.

If you're ever unsure what to include or how to approach a section, speak to your tutor or refer to the portfolio guidelines provided for your course.

Portfolio Guidelines

Your portfolio should be submitted in PDF format on Turnitin not later than Thursday, 2 October 2025.

Note that the submitted portfolio will be scanned for plagiarism.

 

Referencing Style

Your assignment and portfolio should be referenced using the Harvard Referencing style. Please follow a short video, by clicking on the button below, to understand this referencing style.

Harvard Referencing Style

 

Submitting Assignments and Portfolios - Turnitin

The Academy will notify you via email when the assignment questions become available. Shortly after, you will receive another email from Turnitin, likely on the same day, confirming your enrolment in a "class" where you can upload your assignment(s).

Please ensure that your assignments are submitted no later than 23:59 on the assignment submission deadline, as indicated on the Assignment Submission form or in the Turnitin "class."

At 21 Academy, you have the option to submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline. The version uploaded at the deadline will be treated as your final submission for assessment. Please note that Turnitin evaluates the same assignment twice within a 24-hour period, so any additional submissions during this time will not be reviewed until the 24-hour period has passed. Ensure that your final submission does not exceed 20% similarity, particularly when using direct quotations.

Follow this very short video to understand how to submit your assignment through Turnitin

Submitting a Paper

To understand the similarity report generated by Turnitin follow this 1 minute video

Understanding the Similarity Report