MODULE HANDBOOK

1. Second Semester ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Answer the Quesation:

1. Outline and critically evaluate relevant legislation, policy and practice on termination of employment in TWO countries of your choice from an International Labour Standards perspective.

I want to compare between the UK and the US.

The assignments are due for submission by 13th April 2015 .

Assignment guidance

• Length. Your essay should be between 3,500 and 4,000 words (this figure excludes references and appendices).

• Presentation and layout. Pay attention to presentation and layout. Keep it simple. Use sub-headings where appropriate to guide the reader through your work (do not just present one continuous piece of text). Check for typos, spelling and grammatical errors. Marks are deducted for poor presentation.

• A literature review. A literature review entails examining a range of relevant academic (and perhaps some practitioner) sources to identify different perspectives on a particular question. You are expected to cover an extensive range of material which may include books, journal articles, government publications/supra government publications (e.g. the ILO), other published studies/reports, as well as ‘quality’ business magazines and newspapers (e.g. the Financial Times). No primary research (e.g. interviews, questionnaires or focus groups) need be undertaken – although if you consider it appropriate it can be.

Good answers are those which evaluate rather than simply reproduce the literature – in other words arguments are supported with evidence, unjustified assertions are avoided as are unsubstantiated generalisations; your answers should not simply describe or list a series of disparate points from different sources.

Not every source is of equal worth, and not every source that you consult will justify being given equal space or even justify inclusion at all. You need to show that you have used your sources selectively to develop a well-informed and balanced assessment of the key issues.

The most important thing we are looking for is your ability to bring together a range of material into a coherent and well structured overview of the topic. While stating your own personal views is not the main objective, you may indicate which particular arguments or perspectives you agree or disagree with, and perhaps also suggest at the end of the review what you feel the implications of your analysis might be (for practitioners and/or for researchers).

• Clarity of written work, structure and grammar. If you want help with this arrange to see someone at the BLASC desk in the library.

• Referencing. Use the Harvard system. See Saunders M. et al (2007) Research Methods for Business Students, Harlow; Prentice Hall pp.578-582 for details or examine the guidance material available from the library.

Key texts

Atleson J. et al (2008) International Labor Law: Cases and materials on workers’ rights in the global economy, Thomson: St Paul

Blanpain R. (2007) The Global Workplace, International and Comparative Employment Law, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

Bronstein A. (2009) International and Comparative Labour Law, Palgrave

Hepple B. (2005) Labour Laws and Global Trade, Hart Publishing: Oxford

Essay Specific Marking Criteria

Marks

Clear Introduction 5

Appropriate use of theories and application of knowledge 20

Demonstrate-able understanding of contemporary issues 20

Overall structure and clarity of argument 20

Valid conclusions supported by evidence 25

Up to date and a wide range of references 10

Total 100