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1314453035BM106 Course Outline
1314453035BM106 Course Outline
1314453035BM106 Course Outline
The fundamental concern of Industrial Relations as a field of study is with investigating the
nature of the relationship that exists between an employer and his or her employees – or the
employment relationship, as it is generally known. The main aim of this course is to introduce
students to the theories, institutions and practices of Industrial Relations. The module examines
the role and objectives of the main actors in the employment relations – employers, employees
and trade unions and the government, and their interactions in collective bargaining, employee
involvement/participation, conflict resolution and expression and the termination of the
employment relationship
ASSESSMENT
There will be at least two assignments (presentations) and one mock exam during the semester.
Tutorials will also be conducted with students addressing industrial relations issues as directed.
Evaluation of the course will be based on the final examination contributing 70% of the grade
and coursework contributing 30%.
There will be four hour lectures (VS), three hour lectures (CDP/PDP) and one hour tutorials. The
tutorials are an integral part of the course and it is expected that much of learning and application
of theoretical concepts will be achieved through these tutorials which are compulsory. You are
required to do preparatory reading for all sessions.
Students are expected to behave well and responsibly during lecture hours. Any student who
attempts to break or breaks this code of conduct would be asked to leave the class. The use of
cellular phones in class, for instance, will not be tolerated
SYLLABUS
UNIT 2 Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations: Labour movement – Concepts – Trade
union movement – Development of trade unionism in Indian – Functions and
problems of trade unions.
Introduction
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is failing to acknowledge others’ ideas or work. This can take a variety of forms, from
directly quoting someone without acknowledgment, to changing the words around a bit without
acknowledgment; essentially passing off someone else’s idea(s) as your own. This is a serious
offence and will carry severe consequences.
REFERENCING
Indirect quotes:
Adams (1990) has claimed that …. It has been shown (Brown, 1983; Adams 1990) that …
Direct quotes:
While as argued absolute level of pay… it has also been claimed that “relativities beyond any
doubt are…” (Adams, 1987:392). Note: ensure that direct quotes are relevant, necessary and
brief. They should only be used in circumstances where you believe that paraphrasing the point
made by the original author would be lost if it was not directly quoted. Quotes do not show your
marker that you have understanding of an issue, just that you can copy something out that you
think is relevant. So use them sparingly and wisely.
OTHER POINTS:
If Brown has two or more publications in one year refer to them as 1983a, 1983b, etc.
If you want to cite or quote someone who has been cited or quoted by someone else:
It has been claimed that “there is no such thing as industrial relations as any sort of separate topic
in itself” (Douglas, 1981:2, cited in Geare, 1995:6).
ASSIGNMENTS
Identify an issue that is no older than 1st June and analyse, firstly its treatment in a range
of media sources and secondly, its implications for government, business and society (1500
words).
Format for Research Assignment
1. Identify Issue and show how it links to government, business and society (200 words).
d. Scholarly Journal article which supports the theoretical framework at the centre of
the issue (attach the front page).
e. Scholarly Journal article which opposes the theoretical framework at the centre of
the issue (attach the front page).
Discuss the similarities and differences in the treatment of this issue by the various
sources. (Be sure to reference all material) (300 words).
Penalties apply for late submission of assignments. The penalty is 10% of the total mark
available per day, including weekends. If you do not acknowledge your sources, with in-
text references and a reference list, this is regarded as academic dishonesty and penalties
apply.
EXAM (THREE HOURS)
The exam comprises:
2. Five essay questions from which you choose 3 essays worth 20% each.
SOME IDEAS AND HINTS TO HELP YOU ANSWER FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS.
Every essay should have a structure, and the same applies to the final exam essays. The basic
structure for an essay is an introduction, main body and finally, a conclusion.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
Compare: Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize the
similarities among them, but also mention the differences.
Criticize: Express your judgment about the merit or truth of the factors or views mentioned.
Give the results of your analysis of these factors, discussing their limitations and good points.
Define: Give concise, clear, and authoritive meanings. Don’t give details, but make sure to give
the limits of the definition.
Discuss: Examine, analyse carefully, and give reasons, pro and con. Be complete and give
details.
Evaluate: Carefully appraise the problem, citing both the advantages and limitations. Emphasize
the appraisal of authorities and, to a lesser extent, your personal evaluation.
Explain: Clarify, interpret, and spell out the material you present. Give the reasons for
differences of opinion or of results, and try to analyse causes.
Interpret: Translate, give examples of, solve, or comment on, a subject, usually giving your
judgement about it.
Justify: Prove or give reasons for decisions or conclusions, taking pains to be convincing.
Outline: Organise a description under main points and subordinate points, omitting minor details
and stressing the arrangement or classification of things,
Prove: Establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or giving clear logical reasons.
Relate: Show how things are related to, or connected with, each other or how one causes another,
correlates with another, or is like another.
Review: Examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on the important statements to
be made about it.
State: Present the main points in brief, clear sequence, usually omitting details, illustrations or
examples.
Summarize: Give the main points or facts in condensed form, like the summary of a chapter,
omitting details and illustrations.
Trace: In a narrative form describe progress, development, or historical events from some point
of origin.
REFERENCES
Farnham, D. and Pimlott, J (1993) Understanding Industrial Relations. Cassell Education Ltd.
Katz, H.C. and Kochan, T.A. (2000) An Introduction to Collective Bargaining and Industrial
Relations. Irwin McGraw-Hill.
NB: This course outline may change as resources and circumstances require.