Ateneo - UPO

The course examines work as a social, economic, and organizational phenomenon, providing an overview of the main sociological theories and the transformations that have shaped contemporary production systems. It explores work organization, industrial relations, and employee representation, as well as the evolution of employment relationships from Fordism to post-Fordist models. The course also addresses labour market dynamics and employment policies. Particular attention is devoted to current issues such as workplace diversity, corporate welfare, and smart working. Theoretical concepts are complemented by practical case studies, labour market analysis tools, and negotiation techniques in industrial relations, enabling students to develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary work and employment systems.

The course material consists of lecture slides prepared by the instructor for each class session. The material is uploaded to the DIR platform and, upon request, is also distributed during the lectures.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the main concepts, theories, and approaches in the sociology of work, as well as the dynamics that characterize contemporary production systems. They will gain knowledge of work organization, industrial relations, labour market structures, employment policies, and the transformation of work and employment relationships.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of real-world issues and challenges related to work and employment. They will be capable of interpreting labour market data and indicators, understanding employment policies and social protection systems, and analyzing organizational and industrial relations case studies.
3. Making Judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically assess social and economic phenomena related to work and employment. They will be able to formulate independent judgments on changes in production systems, labour market developments, industrial relations, and the impact of employment policies, drawing on evidence from different sources.
4. Communication Skills
Students will acquire the ability to use the specific terminology of the sociology of work and industrial relations, communicating concepts, analyses, and evaluations effectively in both written and oral forms. They will also be able to participate actively in discussions on issues concerning work, organizations, and employment.
5. Learning Skills
Students will develop the methodological tools and learning abilities necessary to independently deepen their knowledge of work, organizations, and labour market issues. They will be able to critically use statistical, documentary, and bibliographical sources and continuously update their knowledge in response to evolving economic and social contexts.

As the course is closely linked to other business and economics subjects, it can be effectively attended only after successfully completing the Business Administration examination.

Traditional lectures (both frontal and participatory) will be alternated with case
study analyses (suitable for group work and guided discussions) and enriched by
guest talks from business professionals. In particular: 1. Knowledge acquisition:
through lectures and independent study by students, based on the course
materials. During the course, selected industry professionals will be invited to
share their practical experiences with the class. 2. Application of knowledge:
through in-class exercises and practical activities carried out during the course.
3. Development of independent judgment: students will be encouraged to identify
optimal organizational solutions and/or to represent them visually. 4. Acquisition
of technical language: the meaning and use of key terminology commonly
adopted in tourism enterprises will be explained during the course. 5.
Development of learning skills: each topic will be introduced starting from a
business problem, considering the internal organizational context and the
external environment. Students will be guided in the critical analysis of
alternative solutions. Moreover, the methodological rigor and theoretical
knowledge acquired will support continuous self-directed learning and the
critical use of tools for managing business processes and interpreting data and
information fows.

Course attendance is facultative. Students with physical disabilities, Learning
Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request speciec services and tools
via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli
Studenti, consulting the University webpage:
https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudentsphysical-or- learningdisabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education
needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in
charge of the course to deene the examination modalities, concerning academic
aspects.

Written examination. The exam consists of open-ended questions designed to assess whether students possess the required knowledge, understanding, and ability to analyze theoretical models. Students are required to answer two open-ended questions within 90 minutes (10 points each). An additional question will cover topics related to work psychology (10 points).
1 Knowledge and Understanding: assessed through open-ended questions.
2 Applying Knowledge and Understanding: assessed through open-ended questions and practical exercises.
3 Making Judgements: assessed through open-ended questions requiring critical analysis and evaluation.
4 Communication Skills: assessed through open-ended questions that require clear and effective written expression.
5 Learning Skills: assessed through practical exercises carried out during the course, aimed at evaluating students’ ability to acquire and apply new knowledge autonomously.

Course Topics
Course Introduction / The Sociological Perspective on Work / Work as an Object of Study
Social Representation Bodies: Trade Unions and Employee Representation
The Employment Relationship
Fordism, Post-Fordism, and Labour Flexibility
Performance-Related Pay (Variable Compensation): Practical Case Study
The Labour Market and Active Labour Market Policies
Passive Labour Market Policies and Social Safety Nets
Practical Exercise: Case Study on Ordinary Wage Guarantee Fund (Cassa Integrazione Ordinaria)
Labour Market Analysis Indicators
Negotiation Techniques in Industrial Relations
Corporate Welfare and Smart Working

Optional Topics for Further Study
A. Work as an Object of Study – chapter available on the DIR platform
B. Employee Retention Policies – chapter available on the DIR platform
C. Multiculturalism in the Workplace – chapter available on the DIR platform

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main concepts and theoretical models of the sociology of work and to interpret the transformations affecting labour markets, organizations, and industrial relations. They will have acquired the skills needed to analyse issues related to employment, trade union representation, labour policies, and organizational structures. Students will also be able to apply the knowledge gained to the analysis of real-world cases, making use of indicators and evaluation tools to assess labour market phenomena. In addition, they will develop critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity for independent learning in areas related to work, human resource management, organizational innovation, labour flexibility, and workplace diversity.