Module Code: H7IR
Long Title Introduction to Industrial Relations
Title Introduction to Industrial Relations
Module Level: LEVEL 7
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: COLIN WHITSTON
Module Author: COLIN WHITSTON
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 the key concepts in the field of industrial relations
LO2 Describe the development, purpose, and functions of trade unions, and assess the main factors affecting union joining and changing membership levels
LO3 Define collective bargaining and describe its development in Ireland as well as to describe the institutional framework of dispute resolution and analyse its impact on the conduct of industrial relations
LO4 LO 4. Analyse the main causes and types of industrial conflict, their connection with ‘worker voice’ and the managerial control of labour
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  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The field of study: why industrial relations?
Main definitions. Connection with working life. What management wants. What labour wants
Trade unions and the employment relationship
The employment contract and conflict. Methods of regulation. What is a trade union, and what is union purpose? Trade union methods. Changes in trade union membership and reasons for union joining
Perspectives on industrial relations
Industrial relations and the ‘worker problem’ Frames of reference and perspectives on industrial relations The unitary and pluralist perspectives Radical and Marxist perspectives
Introduction to collective bargaining
What is collective bargaining? Employers and their associations. The evolution of collective bargaining in Ireland. Differences between the public and the private sectors. Trade union recognition.
The institutional framework of industrial relations
Employers and employers associations The Industrial Relations Act of 1990 – the regulation and resolution of industrial conflict Challenges to the dispute resolution framework – some contemporary issues
Conflict and industrial relations
Conflict and cooperation in the workplace. Changing patterns of industrial conflict. Procedures, representation and discipline at work.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework60.00%
End of Module Assessment40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 2
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
There will be one formative assessment in which student groups will research the membership of a trade union, identify a current industrial relations issue, and present a brief report in class
Assessment Type: Essays (0120) % of total: 30
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students will write a brief essay on competing perspectives in industrial relations and their implications for ‘worker voice’
Assessment Type: Written Report % of total: 15
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Student groups will prepare a report on a disciplinary or grievance case study
Assessment Type: Case Study % of total: 15
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Student groups will prepare a case for presentation to a Rights Commissioner (or new equivalent)
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 40
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Final Examination A two hour exam in two parts with a mixture of multiple choice questions and essay style answers
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Every Week 7.50
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • WALLACE, J., P. GUNNIGLE, G. MCMAHON and M. O'SULLIVAN. (2013), Industrial Relations in Ireland, 4th. Gill & MacMillan, Dublin.
  • WILLIAMS, S.. (2014), Introducing Employment Relations : A Critical Approach, OUP, Oxford.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • BURCHILL, F. (2008), Labour Relations, 3rd. Palgrave Macmilla, Basingstoke.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: