Module Code: H6ERE
Long Title Employee Relations
Title Employee Relations
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Pauline Kelly Phelan
Module Author: Isabela Da Silva
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in employee relations
LO2 Analyse the causes of industrial conflict and different forms of industrial action
LO3 Evaluate the purpose and functions of trade unions
LO4 Describe collective bargaining and the institutional framework of industrial relations
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

As per programme requirements. 
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The Nature of Employee Relations
Definitions of employee relations Employee relations vs. industrial relations Understanding the employment relationship Employee participation, involvement, and voice
Management Approaches in Employee Relations
The unitarist and pluralist frames of reference The implications of the unitarist and pluralist perspectives on the employment relationship, conflict, and employee voice
Introduction to Collective Bargaining
Definitions of ‘collective bargaining’ The history of collective bargaining in Ireland Collective bargaining and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015
Institutional Framework of Industrial Relations
Main parties in employee relations The role of employers’ associations Industrial dispute mechanisms in Ireland
Trade Unions
The purpose and functions of trade unions Different types of trade unions Characteristics of trade union membership Trade union recognition Alternatives to trade unions
Conflict in the Workplace
Different types of industrial conflict in the workplace The varying forms of industrial action Strategies for the effective management of conflict
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
The first component accounts for 50% of overall marks for the module. It requires learners to complete an essay on a relevant topic.
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Learners will engage in formative assessments (e.g. analysis of case studies and exercises on different topics covered within the module), both individually and as part of small group work facilitated by the lecturer in tutorial sessions. This will ensure learner learning and appreciation of the practical application of theories and concepts taught in lecture. Learners will present the findings of their individual or group work to the larger group for discussion. While no marks are assigned to this work, learners are provided with specific and detailed feedback to assist them in preparing for their formal assignments.
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
The second component accounts for 50% of overall marks for the module. It is an unseen exam assessment. The assessment may be in the form, but not restricted to, an exam with several short-answer questions relevant to topics covered in the module, or several questions based on a given case study on employee relations.The assessment will be no more than three hours in duration.
No Workplace Assessment

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Wallace, J., Gunnigle, P., McMahon, G., and O’Sullivan, M. (2020), Industrial Relations in Ireland, 5th. Ed. Gill & MacMillan, Dublin.
  • Williams, S. (2017), Introducing Employment Relations: A Critical Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Armstrong, M. and Taylor, S. (2020), Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice, 15th ed. ProQuest eBook Central.
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V. (2020), Managing employment relations, 7th ed. VLeBooks.
  • Bingham, C. (2016), Employment relations: Fairness and trust in the workplace, Open Access.
  • Gunnigle, P., Heraty, N., & Morley, M. (2017), Human Resource Management in Ireland, 5th Ed. Gill & Macmillan.
  • Lewin, D. and Gollan, J. (2018), Advances in industrial and labor relations, 2017: Shifts in workplace voice, justice, negotiation and conflict resolution in contemporary workplaces, Volume 24. EBSCO eBook Business Collection..
  • Sotelo Valencia, A. (2015), The future of work: Super-exploitation and social precariousness in the 21st century, EBSCO eBook Business Collection.
  • Wilkinson, A., Dundon, T., Donaghery, J. and Colvin, A. J. (2018), he Routledge companion to employment relations, O'Reilly Learning.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • [Journal], British Journal of Industrial Relations.
  • [Journal], Economic and Industrial Democracy: An International Journal.
  • [Journal], Economic and Social Review.
  • [Journal], Employee Relations.
  • [Journal], European Journal of Industrial Relations.
  • [Journal], Gender in Management: An International Journal.
  • [Journal], Gender.
  • [Journal], Work and Organization.
  • [Journal], Globalizations.
  • [Journal], Harvard Business Review.
  • [Journal], HR Magazine.
  • [Journal], Human Relations.
  • [Journal], Human Resource Management.
  • [Journal], Human Resource Management Journal.
  • [Journal], Industrial & Labor Relations Review.
  • [Journal], Industrial Relations.
  • [Journal], Industrial Relations Journal.
  • [Journal], International Journal of Human Resource Management.
  • [Journal], Journal of Industrial Relations.
  • [Journal], Journal of Organizational Behavior.
  • [Journal], Journal of Organizational Change Management.
  • [Journal], New Technology.
  • [Journal], Work and Employment.
  • [Journal], People Management.
  • [Journal], Public Personnel Administration: The Journal of Public Human Resource Management.
  • [Journal], Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research.
  • [Journal], Work and Occupations: An International Sociological Journal Work Employment and Society.
  • [Website], www.cipd.ie.
  • [Website], www.cipd.co.uk.
  • [Website], www.ibec.ie.
  • [Website], www.ictu.ie.
  • [Website], www.ihrec.ie.
  • [Website], www.workplacerelations.ie.
Discussion Note: