Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Industrial Relations
Module Code	HR202
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Grainne Kelly Semester 2: Jean Cushen Autumn: Grainne Kelly
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.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	Weekly lectures
Examination	40	Preparing for assignment(s) and exam
Independent learning time	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	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	n/a	30%	n/a

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
This module is category 1

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

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BME

BEng Manufacturing Engineering &Business

BPY

BSc (Honours) in Psychology

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

SMPB