Research indicates substantial increases over time in the number of employees in Ireland and other countries referring disputes and complaints against their employer to state employment rights bodies. This suggests a critical need for human resource management professionals to gain the requisite knowledge to understand, recognise, and effectively address workplace conflict. In this module, students will be exposed to the theory and practice of workplace conflict resolution. The module will aim to foster an appreciation amongst students of the skills of persuasion. Through case studies of conflict scenarios, students will analyse the potential sources of conflicts, the nature of conflicts, management and employee perspectives on conflict as well as potential resolutions to conflicts. The module will explore the practice of alternative dispute resolution. Students will examine the role of technology in conflict resolution such as e-mediation. Students will be invited to reflect on their conflict resolution skills

The nature of conflict; changing trends in workplace conflict management; the function of negotiation; differences between integrative and distributive bargaining; strategy and tactics; negotiation planning and strategy; negotiation breakdown causes and cures; communication and persuasion processes in negotiation; power in negotiation; alternative dispute resolution; technology in dispute resolution; negotiation case studies; personal reflection in skill development.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Assess the changing patterns in conflict management in organisations 2. Demonstrate an understanding of negotiation theory and process 3. Construct strategies to achieve objectives in workplace conflict scenarios 4. Reflect on their conflict management approach and skill development 5. Examine the role of technology in dispute resolution processes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 6. Appreciate the value of professional skills in conflict resolution processes 7. Question the role of various alternative dispute resolution methods in conflict resolution

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The module will be taught through asynchronous lecture recordings, in-person lab based discussions, and analysis of real-world workplace conflict scenarios. The module aims to advance students' knowledge of conflict resolution using academic publications and the reports of professional bodies and reports of state dispute resolution bodies. The module will incorporate the findings of extensive research on conflict management and alternative dispute resolution practices in public and private organisations in Ireland, and on the reformed system of state dispute resolution in Ireland.