Long Title:Introduction to Industrial Relations
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H7IR
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 7
Field of Study: Work skills
Module Delivered in 3 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: COLIN WHITSTON
Module editor: COLIN WHITSTON
Teaching and Learning Strategy: The learning strategy involves the use of lectures, tutorials, case studies and class discussions as appropriate. Students will also have access to web based support.. Students will address the subject through: standard texts, and some research monographs and learned journals, employer, union and government publications, and case studies
Learning Environment: Learning will take place in a classroom/lab/workplace environment with access IT resources. Learners will have access to library resources, both physical & electronic and to faculty outside of the classroom where required. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the College’s virtual learning environment.
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the field of study in industrial relations, its importance in working life, the provision of worker voice, and the role played by trade unions in collective bargaining and representation
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
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
Pre-requisite learning
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
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

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%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formative Assessment 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 2 Non-Marked n/a
Essays (0120) Students will write a brief essay on competing perspectives in industrial relations and their implications for ‘worker voice’ 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
Written Report Student groups will prepare a report on a disciplinary or grievance case study 1,2,3,4 15.00 n/a
Case Study Student groups will prepare a case for presentation to a Rights Commissioner (or new equivalent) 1,2,3,4 15.00 n/a
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Terminal Exam End-of-Semester Final Examination A two hour exam in two parts with a mixture of multiple choice questions and essay style answers 1,2,3,4 40.00 End-of-Semester
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.
Reassessment Description
The repeat examination will have the same format as the first sitting exam, and will address all learning outcomes.

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

 

Module Workload

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 Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 

Module Resources

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

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BAHHRD BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management 4 Core Subject
BAHBMD BA (Hons) in Business 4 Optional
BAHACC BA Honours in Accounting 4 Optional