Task
Critically evaluate how the perspectives of business, trade unions and the state have contributed to reform of industrial relations policy over the past decade. Drawing on the evidence utilised in your previous essay, analyse whether these industrial relations reforms have achieved the stakeholders’ stated aims of improving competitiveness and productivity in the Australian economy? What gaps in evidence or reasoning explain the success or failure of parties to meet these goals?
This assignment builds on assignment 3. There, you critically evaluated the arguments that have been mounted regarding the need for industrial relations policy reform to address weaknesses in Australia’s competitiveness and productivity. In assignment 4, you are testing the extent to which the three stakeholders’ calls for industrial relations reform align with evidence of the need for reform to address economic competitiveness and productivity.
Rationale
This assessment covers Module 3 in the subject. It will contribute to the achievement of the following learning outcomes:
– Be able to critically evaluate stakeholder perspectives relating to the purpose, design and outcomes of the Australian employment relations system
– Be able to reflect on the contribution of the Australian employment relations system to business and economic sustainability
– Be able to synthesise and critically evaluate academic literature, and apply scholarly methods to address real-world problems.
