Module Code: H8CIIDR
Long Title Contemporary Issues in Industrial Relations
Title Contemporary Issues in IR
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 10
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 a critical understanding of contemporary issues in industrial relations
LO2 Compare different strategic choices in negotiations and types of collective bargaining
LO3 Assess the role of the state at national and EU levels in regulating the employment relationship
LO4 Critically contrast the main theoretical perspectives in industrial relations
LO5 Critically evaluate the current policies and system of industrial relations in Ireland
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).
69058 H8CNTIR Contemporary Issues in IR
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

As per programme requirements.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Theoretical Perspectives in Industrial Relations:
This module examines the main theoretical perspectives in industrial relations such as the unitarist, pluralist, radical, social action, systems, and the implications of these perspectives on the conduct of industrial relations in organisations.
The Context of Industrial Relations:
This module covers the current policies and system of industrial relations in Ireland, the influence of multinationals operating in Ireland to the conduct of IR, and the historical and current role of the state at national level and the pluralist tradition, the role of the European Union, trade unions, employer organisations, and institutions within the Irish framework.
Negotiation Choices and Types of Bargaining:
This module looks at different strategic choices that can be applied in negotiations, the skills of the negotiator, the negotiation process and factors that influence the outcomes and effectiveness of negotiations, as well as types of collective bargaining such as distributive, integrative, and mixed motive bargaining.
Contemporary Issues in Industrial Relations:
This module explores contemporary issues in industrial relations such as trade union recognition, the effectiveness of the national minimum wage, trends in employment within the contemporary economy, exploitive labour practices in contemporary organisations and industries, labour commodification, shifts in worker voice, employment trends during economic crisis, the rise of precarious employment and flexible employment, and the gig economy.
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: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
The first component accounts for 50% of overall marks for the module. It requires students to complete an essay on a relevant topic.
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Students will engage in formative assessments (e.g. presentations, debates, negotiations simulations and group exercises on different topics covered within the module), both individually and as part of small group work facilitated by the lecturer. This will ensure student learning, professional skills development, and appreciation of the practical application of theories and concepts taught in lecture. Students will present the findings of their individual or group work to the larger group for discussion and debate. While no marks are assigned to this work, students 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: 1,2,3,4,5
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. 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 36 Per Semester 3.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 202 Per Semester 16.83
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Wallace, J, Gunnigle, P, McMahon, G & O’Sullivan, M. (2020), Industrial Relations in Ireland, 5th Ed. IPA, Dublin.
  • Williams, S. (2017), Introducing Employment Relations: A Critical Approach, Oxford University Press.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Livanos. (2019), The rise of precarious employment in Europe, EBSCO ebook collection (go to the NCI library page, then collection / ebooks).
  • Armstrong, M. and Taylor, S. (2020), Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice, 15th edn. ProQuest eBook Central.
  • Bennett, T., Saundry, R. and Fisher, V. (2020), Managing employment relations, 7th ed. VLeBooks.
  • Berg, J. and Kucera, D. (2008), In defence of labour market institutions: Cultivating justice in the developing world, EBSCO eBook Business Collection.
  • Gunnigle, P., Heraty, N., & Morley, M. (2017), Human Resource Management in Ireland, 5th Ed. Gill & Macmillan.
  • Heyes, J. and Rychly, L. (2013), abour administration in uncertain times: Policy, practice and institutions, EBSCO eBook Business Collection.
  • International Labour Office. (2013), Collective bargaining in the public service: A way forward, EBSCO eBook Business Collection.
  • Kelly, J. (2002), Rethinking industrial relations: Mobilisation, collectivism and long waves, EBSCO eBook Business Collection.
  • 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.
  • Meenan, F. (2014), Employment law, Westlaw.
  • 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), The 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.
  • [Journal], Economic and Social Review.
  • [Journal], Employee Relations.
  • [Journal], European Journal of Industrial Relations.
  • [Journal], European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO)/European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.
  • [Journal], Gender, Work and Organization.
  • [Journal], Human Resource Management Journal.
  • [Journal], Industrial Relations (Berkeley).
  • [Journal], Industrial Relations Journal (UK).
  • [Journal], Industrial Relations News.
  • [Journal], International Human Resource Management.
  • [Journal], New Technology, Work and Employment.
  • [Journal], People Management (formerly Personnel Management).
  • [Journal], Quarterly Economic Commentary.
  • [Journal], Transfer – Quarterly of the European Trade Union Institute.
  • [Journal], Work Employment and Society.
  • [Website], https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/.
  • [Website], https://www.irn.ie/,
    http://This is the most comprehensive source for this course, yet.
  • [Website], www.cipd.ie.
  • [Website], www.cipd.co.uk.
  • [Website], www.cso.ie.
  • [Website], www.esri.ie.
  • [Website], www.etui.org.
  • [Website], www.eurofound.europa.eu.
  • [Website], www.forsa.ie.
  • [Website], www.hsa.ie.
  • [Website], www.ibec.ie.
  • [Website], www.ictu.ie.
  • [Website], www.ihrec.ie.
  • [Website], www.ilo.org.
  • [Website], www.irishstatutebook.ie.
  • [Website], www.isme.ie.
  • [Website], www.mandate.ie.
  • [Website], www.oecd.org.
  • [Website], www.oireachtas.ie.
  • [Website], www.sfa.ie.
  • [Website], www.siptu.ie.
  • [Website], www.worker-participation.eu.
  • [Website], www.workplacerelations.ie.
Discussion Note: