The aim of this module is to introduce students to the study and practice of industrial relations. As the first specialist industrial relations module on the BA HRM it seeks to familiarise students firstly with key concepts and theories of industrial relations Secondly the module aims to familiarise students with the historical development of key aspects of industrial relations in the Irish context- trade unions, institutions and legislation. Contemporary cocontextual factors are then examined. In short the key objective is to To enable students to fully appreciate the historical, procedural, legal and institutional framework within which relations between employers and employees take place and to facilitate students in developing capabilities and competence in engaging with key institutions relevant to their work

The study of industrial and employee relations. Employment/industrial relations in context; Industrial relations concepts: voluntarism and legalism. Industrial relations perspectives: systems theory, pluralism, unitarism, Marxism, the radical approach, social action. The historical origin of Irish industrial relations and the development of trade unions. Rights of employers and employees established under the Irish Constitution. The types, structure and functions of trade unions in Ireland. Contemporary issues facing trade unions. The types, structure and functions of employer organisations in Ireland. Contemporary issues facing employer organisations. The institutional framework within which employment relations is conducted; conciliation, mediation and arbitration; The nature of industrial conflict with special reference to strikes. Grievance and disciplinary issues. The evolution of collective bargaining in Ireland and features of the recent series of centralised agreements. Workplace partnership and other developments; Contemporary issues in industrial relations in Ireland.

Be able to trace the historical development of Irish industrial Relations from its beginning to present day and the impact of key factors/historical figures identify and explain differing perspectives on the employment relationship- such as unitarism, pluralism, systems theory. Be able to anaylyse contemporary industrial relations with reference to key contextual factors Interpret the main terms and role of collective industrial relations law, including the role of the Irish Constitution 1937 critically evaluate the role of trade unions and employer organisations in Irish industrial relations Be aware of the role and functions of dispute resolution institutions and how they are used under different pieces of legislation be able to analyse the complex nature of conflict in the workplace Skills /capabilities Analyse a typical employment relations case taking into account contextual and organisational factors Prepare a report based on the case from either the management or union perspective Display team working skills in completing assignment

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This is an introductory Industrial relations module for students attending college part-time and who bring to the classroom a large amount of relevant experiences. The module utilises a traditional lecutre approach initially but with students invited to participate at all times to utilse and share their experience in order to contextualise learning and make it relevant to their work/life experience. Students are also expected at this stage of the degree to be able to engage in discovery learning and will be rquired to research a given case study using information relevant to Employment relations specialists. they will have to prepare documentation for a submission to a relevant institution such as labour court or LRC and they then have to engage in a simulation of a presentation to a given institution as a team which is assessed and graded. There is a short individual case study based on a real case and there is also an end of term exam for this module

research that is considered relevant to the module mainly form an irish perspective will be incorporated in to lectures and readings where relevant will be made available to students as well as the core text.