module specification

This module aims to introduce students to key elements of Human Resource Management and Legal issues relevant to Events Management.

The module will explore how organisational culture and organisational structure contribute to the effectiveness of events. Students are also introduced to the major principles involved in the management of people in the Event Industry.  Exploring issues such as flexibility, commitment and control, culture, and strategic HR, this module will help students understand how organisations in the event industry approach some of the key challenges in their field of work.

The module applies a practical approach to the legal issues involved in the planning and execution of an entertainment or media event. In this context the module will encourage students to identify and explore legal elements relevant to the events and leisure industry. Legal issues covered will include: licensing, health & safety, marketing and forms of contracts created in organising and performing an event.

Introduction to Organisational theory; Organisational structures and flexibility; Organisational culture and commitment - the psychological contract. Organisational strategy and HR policy including reference to Events management (Learning Outcome 1).

Recruitment & Selection; Induction, Training and Development; Performance management and employee retention in Events management ; and Remuneration (Learning Outcome 2).
Introduction to the Legal System; sources and classification of law’ elements; and nature of contract law and enforcement.
Introduction to the forms of business organisations.
Licensing and Planning Law: the licensing of public entertainment (indoor and outdoor events); licensing issues under the Licensing Act 2003. Local government approach to planning and environmental issues (Learning Outcome 3).

Torts, Health & Safety Issues; Tort common law and statutory obligations including: sports negligence, product liability, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and EU regulations on safety. Limitations of liability.
Introduction to Legal Issues in Marketing; trade descriptions, sponsorship, ambush marketing; business reputation, breach of confidence and privacy (Learning Outcome 4).

Delivery of the module is based on a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and peer-developed workgroups, supported by Weblearn materials and directed learning activities. Students will be issued with a module handbook, and guidance on readings, most of which will be available through the Learning Centre and as e-resources, others through Weblearn.  All participants will be required to read relevant materials in advance of seminar sessions in order that these can be student-led.

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify and argue the value of different organisational structures, cultures and recruitment strategies in achieving effectiveness in the context of managing events.

2. Analyse and compare organisational and  recruitment strategies for effectively staffing events, including consideration of full-time, part-time, agency, casual or volunteer options as well as outsourced service elements.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of those principles of law which are relevant to the organisation of events and other aspects of the entertainment industry.

4. Carry out research in areas of law relevant to events management and demonstrate the ability to explain and apply legal issues to realistic and actual events management situations.

The assessment strategy will be assessed via an in class test, group presentation and an e-portfolio:
The in-class test is weighted at 30% and will assess learning outcome 3.
The group presentation is weighted 20% that assesses learning outcome 1.
The eportfolio will consist of two pieces of work weighted at 50% in total;
i. A written piece of work (1,500 words) that assesses learning outcome 2.
ii. A written piece of work (1,500 words) that will assess learning outcome 4.
Assessment Criteria:
• clear and logical discussion of the issues
• evidence of wide and relevant research
• concise explanation of the relevant law and effective use of case law where relevant
• critical analysis of the issues
• demonstrate a detailed understanding of the relevant subject areas
• relevant and practical application of the Law, Organisational Behaviour & HRM
• ability to reach conclusions and to make recommendations where possible
• well written and structured paper with appropriate references and bibliography

There are two core texts, one for the law components and the other for the HRM/Organisational components of the module

Law

MacIntyre, E., Business Law (9th ed.), Pearson Education Ltd., 2018

Human Resource Management/Organisational Behaviour

Core text:

Mullins, L.  (2010)  Management & Organisational Behaviour.  9th ed. Pearson, Harlow

Additional reading for module:

Armstrong, M. (2009) Armstrong's handbook of performance management : an evidence-based guide to delivering high performance.  London, Kogan Page.  (available as an e book)
Bladen, C. , Kennel,  J., Abson, E. and Wilde, N. (2012) Event Management: an introduction. Abingdon. Routledge
Bloisi, W.  (2007)  An Introduction to Human Resource Management. Maidenhead, McGraw Hill.
Cameron, S. (2007) The Business Students Handbook; Learning Skills for Study and Employment, Harlow, FT/Prentice Hall
Carew, P, Verow, R (2002) Entertainment Law, Jordan, 2nd ed.
Ferdinand, N., & Kitchen, P., Eds (2011)  Events Management, an International Approach.  Sage.
Gardiner, S, et al.  (2004 ) Sports Law, Cavendish, 3rd ed.
Lowe, R, Woodroffe, G (2013) Consumer Law and Practice, Sweet & Maxwell, 9th Ed.
Hartley, H, (2001) Exploring Sport and Leisure Disasters: A Socio-Legal Perspective, Cavendish.
James, M (2013) Palgrave Law Masters: Sports Law 2nd ed, Palgrave Macmillan
Kemp C, & Hill, I (2004) Aspects of Health & Safety in the Live Music Industry, Entertainment Technology Press.
Lunney, M and Oliphant, K (2013) Tort Law: Text and Materials 5th ed Oxford University Press
Manchester, C, Poppleston, S, Allen, J (2004) Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Law, Cavendish Publishing.
Muller-Carmen, M., Croucher, R. & Leigh, S. (2008) Human Resource Management: A Case Study Approach, London, CIPD
Riches, S and Allen, V (2013) Keenan and Riches', Business Law, (9th edition), Pearson Education Ltd.
Shone, A. and Parry, B (2013) Successful Event Management: a practical handbook. Fourth edition. Andover. Cengage Learning
Torrington, D., Hall, L., Taylor, S. and Atkinson, C. (2011)  Human Resource Management.  Eighth edition, Harlow, Pearson
Van der Wagen, L. (2007). Human Resource Management for Events, managing the event workforce.  Butterworth-Heinemann,
Selected Electronic Sources
www.cbi.org.uk
www.cipd.co.uk
www.cehr.org.uk
www.tuc.org.uk
www.volunteering.org.uk
http://danielbarnett.co.uk
Selected Journals
Event Management, Harvard Business Review, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Journal, International Journal of Arts Management, Journal of Sport Management, People Management, Personnel Review, Tourism Management.
Entertainment Review
New Law Journal
Journal of Business Law