Task
 Answer the following (1000-1250 words for each answer
+/- 10%):
1. Critically compare different management approaches
to industrial relations (i.e. unitarist and pluralist
approaches).
2. Critically evaluate the impact of the competitive
environment on the conduct of industrial relations.
 Each answer should be in essay format as discussed during
tutorial session. You must conform to academic standards,
include a Reference List (for each essay) and use the Harvard
Referencing and Citation System. Support your answers with
academic or other relevant sources, and practical examples.

Question 1
 Make sure to ‘critically compare’ the approaches, do not just summarise
each separately (e.g. compare the approaches to each other, look at
advantages/disadvantages, look at them from perspective of
employer/worker, etc.)
 This question covers multiple topics covered throughout the module
(also be mindful of the learning outcomes this question covers – see
slide 2). You could answer this question in relation to any of the topics
covered in class:
 employment relationship, employee voice, conflict, negotiations,
trade unions, national minimum wage, globalisation and
contemporary economy
 Make sure to support arguments with research (i.e. go beyond the class
notes) and practical examples (i.e. actual examples of IR practices used
by companies)
Sample Structure – this is just one example
 Introduction:
 begin with a bang (e.g. relevant quote, statistic, statement, etc.) then
provide concise summary of the main arguments to follow
 Main Body:
 this could be broken down into several sections (could use a heading
for each section) relevant to topics covered during the module (e.g.
employment relationship, conflict, trade unions, employee voice); in
each section you could compare the approach (i.e. unitarist/pluralist)
relevant to the topic; arguments in main body are supported with
research and practical examples
 Conclusion:
 provide concise summary of main arguments made then end with a
bang that relates to the how you started your essay
Question 2
 Make sure to ‘critically evaluate’ not just summarise the topic
 This question relates to:
 ‘Globalisation and the Contemporary Economy’ (see slides on Moodle and
Chapter 2 of your core textbook (Williams et al 2014) accessible through
this link) – note this is a UK textbook and not focused on Irish context
 how globalisation has intensified competition and how this has had an impact
on the IR practices used in companies (you should show your understanding
of this in your answer)
 Topics that relate to this question include, for example: globalisation, labour
commodification, increase in self-employment, increase in flexible
employment, increase in precarious employment, bogus self-employment, the
gig economy, labour exploitation, etc.
 Make sure to support arguments with research (i.e. go beyond the class
notes/core textbook) and practical examples (i.e. actual examples of IR
practices used by companies)
Sample Structure – this is just one example
 Introduction:
 begin with a bang (e.g. relevant quote, statistic, statement, etc.) then provide
concise summary of the main arguments to follow
 Main Body:
 this could be broken down into several sections (could use a heading for each
section) relevant to topics covered in lecture (e.g. globalisation, labour
commodification, increase in self-employment, increase in flexible
employment, increase in precarious employment, bogus self-employment,
the gig economy, labour exploitation, etc.). Please note: you don’t have to
cover all of these topics but can focus on any of them as long as you answer
the question
 Under the headings you could provide a critical evaluation of how and why
companies use these IR practices, advantages/disadvantages, and/or the
implications these practices on workers, the employment relationship, etc.
 Conclusion:
 provide concise summary of main arguments made then end with a bang that
relates to the how you started your essay
Use Relevant Sources
 Choose sources that are relevant to your answer to the question
 Core Textbooks (these are relevant for both questions):
 WALLACE, J., P. GUNNIGLE, G. MCMAHON and M. O’SULLIVAN.
(2013), Industrial Relations in Ireland, 4th. Gill & MacMillan, Dublin.
 WILLIAMS, S.. (2014), Introducing Employment Relations : A Critical
Approach, OUP, Oxford. (note this is a UK textbook)
 Online library resources: online books, case studies, journals,
news/magazine articles, etc.
 Internet sources: websites (company, trade union, government,
labour organisations, videos, blogs, MRCI, ILO, CSO, etc.), news
articles, journal articles, etc. – make sure to use robust sources (i.e.
NO Wikipedia, UK Essays, etc.)
Use Robust Sources
 Make sure to use credible sources
 Industry/professional experts or practitioners
 Academics from reputable education institutions
 Peer-reviewed journal articles
 Use credible news sources not tabloid journalism
 Remember to ask of your source what I will be asking of
your arguments:
 To what extent does s/he know this to be true?
 What evidence is given to support his/her argument(s)?
 How believable is the argument(s)?
 How credible is the source?
Writing
 Avoid making unsubstantiated claims (support your
arguments with discussion and/or evidence)
 Be clear (review your writing to make sure it makes sense)
 Be focused (make sure you are focused on the given
task/question)
 Show critical thinking and original thought (don’t just
summarise)
Rachel Ramirez-Ward
Academic Standards
 Typed
 12 size font
 Legible font style
 Neatly presented
 Proofread to avoid errors in spelling, grammar, and
formatting
 Double spaced
 Show accurate use of Harvard System where appropriate –
remember to cite and include a Reference List in accordance
with the assignment brief
 Keep Turnitin percentage as low as possible (at least <30%)