MSLV4700 Labour Law in Change Processes Course description

The course covers labour law problematisation with particular relevance to reorganisation and change processes. Employers' need for flexibility and change is seen in light of employees' need for protection and predictability. Changes measures can vary in nature and scope. The course takes the legal framework that an employment contract entails as its point of departure, and problematises change needs relating to the individual employee, reorganisation related to the whole enterprise or parts of it, rationalisation and workforce reductions, and changes that lead to transfer of duties or activities to another employer. In addition to relevant legislation and collective agreements, emphasis is also placed on relevant rulings. Connections are drawn to decisions of the EU Court of Justice. The course will focus on the public sector.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of demarcations relating to the concept of employee and temporary employment
• in-depth knowledge of employers' managerial prerogative as a legal concept and of statutory and non-statutory boundaries relating to this discretion
• in-depth knowledge of which rules apply in relation to reorganisation and workforce reductions
• specialised insight into the rules on business transfer

Skills

The student is capable of

• identifying and analysing legal issues in the relationship between employer and employee in change processes
• applying the legal method and understanding and analysing key rulings relating to reorganisation and change

General competence

The student is capable of

• disseminating the results of extensive independent work and writing reports, submitting professional reports and giving oral presentations as forms of communication

Teaching is in the form of lectures, student presentations, discussions, group work, seminars and assignments. A high degree of independent activity is expected in the course. The teaching will mainly be problem-based using examples and cases from the students' practical experiences. Literature and studies of rulings are main components of the teaching sessions.

The course Communication for Leaders introduces students to various theoretical perspectives on communication and provides insights into how to succeed in interpersonal communication and interaction. Students will also engage in practical exercises designed to enhance their understanding of the importance of effective communication and how to facilitate better communication and collaboration. They will learn about effective communication methods and develop increased awareness of their own communication practices. Furthermore, students will be introduced to challenges that often arise in communication processes and how to handle them.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

None.

Upon completing the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• advanced knowledge of communication theory and various aspects of interpersonal communication and interaction as a foundation for building good relationships
• in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of interpersonal interactions and the communicative prerequisites for building good relationships
• insight into how one's own communication style affects others, and strategies to adapt it to promote better collaboration

Skills

The student can:

• explain fundamental theories of communication and interaction between people
• analyze interaction processes, recognize communication differences, and apply relevant strategies, methods, and techniques to achieve effective communication and resolve conflicts
• reflect on their own communication practices and adjust them to improve leadership and collaboration

General competence

The student can:

• apply advanced knowledge and skills in communication to improve organizational processes and promote a positive work environment
• develop and implement strategies for effective communication in leadership roles, contributing to enhanced collaboration and organizational culture
• critically assess and adapt their own communication style to meet various situations and needs in a leadership context, with a focus on continuous improvement and professional development

The teaching methods will alternate between lectures including interaction, student presentations, practical exercises, and case discussions, supplemented by the use of digital resources. The working methods involve extensive dialogue and collaboration, and require both physical and active participation.

To be eligible to take the exam, the student must have the following approved coursework:

• Coursework 1: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)
• Coursework 2: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)
• Coursework 3: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)

The purpose of the coursework is for the student to reflect on academic phenomena and relate these to their own experiences and practice. The coursework will be related to experiences/activities in the course. Font and size: Arial / Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5.

The coursework is assessed as approved/not approved, and must be completed and approved by the set deadline for the student to be eligible to take the exam. If one or more coursework assignments are not approved, the student is given the opportunity to submit an improved version once within the specified deadline.

The exam for the course is an individual take-home exam over a period of three days (72 hours). The submission should be 4000 words (+/- 10%). The cover page, table of contents, and reference list are not included in the word count. Font and size: Arial / Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5.