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2022/2023  KAN-CSHRO1703U  Labour Market Theory and Analysis

English Title
Labour Market Theory and Analysis

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Third Quarter, Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Social Sciences
Course coordinator
  • Poornima Luthra - Department of Organization (IOA)
Main academic disciplines
  • Human resource management
  • Organisation
  • Sociology
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 16-06-2022

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • To be able to account for key labour market regulatory elements and actors that are part of a given organizational context.
  • To describe and argue for the choice of relevant theory(s) within the syllabus with relevance to a given problem.
  • To apply relevant theories to analyse practical HRM issues.
  • To put your analysis into perspective in alternative labour market contexts.
Examination
Arbejdsmarkedsteori- og analyse:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 24 hours to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

HRM practice is not only about organizations, but also about being simultaneously rooted in institutional frameworks within the context of society, of which the labour market and the social institutions form an integral part. More specifically, organizations in both a product/service sector and a knowledge sector need to ensure that they manage their employees successfully. Strategically, viewing HRM as a resource for a company also means that HRM involves navigating different labour market strategies and understanding the challenges that can make these more difficult. 

 

This course aims to create a broader knowledge of labour market theory and the institutions in labour markets (focusing  on the Danish labour market), as well as to develop the  students'  analytical skills to enable them to analyze a company's possible labour market strategies and link this to HR practice.

 

In the first week, students will be introduced to key labour market/ industrial relations concepts that include definition, features and actors. We will explore different labour market theories, models and labour market policies. In the second week, we take the company’s perspective on labour market strategies that a company can structure their workforce on. We will broadly look at the trends seen in the labour market including demographic changes, changes to composition of economically active population, fluctuations in unemployment rate, legal/policy changes, and changes in skill requirements. In this final week, we address the HR challenges that exist in relation to the work of today and the future. Given that careers have changed significantly over time, we discuss how this affects the way HR operates in labour markets. In addition, we look at current trends that are disrupting HR’s traditional ways of working (e.g. boundaryless careers, gig work, digital era).

 

 

 
Description of the teaching methods
The form of teaching is face-to-face with lectures, guest sessions, videos, and other teaching tools. Students are encouraged to work in groups to do three case assignments.
In addition to English, the teaching can take place in Danish.
It is possible that employment law is included as a contextual understanding background in an exam response.
Feedback during the teaching period
The case assignments provide an opportunity for students to continuously test their understanding of the curriculum, and based on their answers, the student receives feedback based on a set of rubrics that reflect the learning objectives and recommendations that can strengthen their skills and understanding of the curriculum.
In addition, ongoing feedback is provided in connection with exercises and presentations. The feedback can take the form of peer feedback and teacher feedback in class
Student workload
Teaching related activities 160 hours
Exam (incl. Exam preparation) 46 hours
Expected literature

Compendium / compendiums with articles / book chapters

 

Textbook (available at CBS Academic Books):

Jensen, C. S. (2012). Industrial Relations in Denmark: From Conflict-based Consensus to Consensus-based Conflict.

 

Other reference literature can be downloaded from the CBS article/journal database (e.g. EBSCOHOST) via CBS library. 
Last updated on 16-06-2022