Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2019 - 2020

Module Title	Industrial Relations
Module Code	HR202
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students an insight into Irish Industrial Relations and a general appreciation of how it works. The course is structured around three themes. The first part provides an overview of Industrial Relations in Ireland and the main theoretical approaches to the subject. The second part focuses on the role of main actors, namely trade unions, employers associations and state specialised agencies. Also, it investigates changes over time in their roles. The third part examines the relationships between these three actors, focusing on social partnership, collective bargaining and industrial action. Students are expected to attend lectures, prepare for and contribute to class discussions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define industrial relations as a concept and area of study.
2. Discuss the role of trade unions, employers' associations and the state in industrial relations.
3. Examine the main features of collective bargaining, social partnership and workplace partnership in Ireland.
4. Explain trends in industrial action in Ireland.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly lectures
Directed learning	40	Preparing for assignment(s) and exam
Independent Study	63	Reading relevant sources for each topic
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to industrial relations (IR)
An introduction to key concepts and theories of IR.

Trade unions
Main role, functions and changes over time.

Employers associations
Main role, functions and changes over time.

The role of the state in IR
Overview of the main specialised institutions. The role of the state as legislator and employer in the public sector. Changes over time in its role.

Social partnership
Trans-sectoral negotiations at national level between trade unions, employers' associations and the state.

Collective bargaining
Negotiation of collective agreements by represetantives of employees and employer(s).

Industrial action
Strikes and other forms of industrial conflict.

Contemporary issues and debates in IR
Current trends and developments in the field.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Wallace, J, Gunnigle, P, McMahon, G: 2004, Industrial relations in Ireland: theory and practice, 3rd, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin,
Salamon, M.: 2000, Industrial relations : theory and practice, 4th, Pearson Education,, Harlow, UK,
Murphy, T. and Roche, W.: 1997, Irish industrial relations in practice, 2nd, Oak Tree Press, Dublin,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BME	BEng Manufacturing Engineering &Business
BPY	BSc (Honours) in Psychology
BS	Bachelor of Business Studies
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
MWB	BSc Manufacturing Eng with Business
SMPB	Single Module Programme (Business)

Archives: