Module Title                          Cronyism

Module Code                         CA666

School                                     Computing

 

Module Coordinator              Dr. Mike Scott             Office Number            L.216

Level                                       5                                  Credit Rating             5         

 

Pre-requisite                           None                           

Co-requisite                            None

 

 

Module Aims

 

In modern Celtic-Tiger Ireland cronyism is as important as it ever was. It is a very important life-skill, and the ability to “crony-up” to the right people can make the difference between a so-so and a highly successful career. In a recent online poll 34% of HR managers admitted that they had been "forced to hire someone who otherwise wouldn't have gotten the job" due to cronyism. Up until now it has been assumed that the necessary skills are innate. However it is the aim of this module to teach the student some basic cronying skills, through a mixture of academic and role playing exercises.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Having completed the module the student will 1. have learned how to identify the right people to crony up to, and 2. have the confidence and ability to deploy those skills to best advantage in the modern workplace.

 

Indicative Time Allowances

                                                Hours

Lectures                                   24

Tutorials

Laboratories

Seminars

Independent Learning Time       51

                                                __

 

Total                                        75

 

Indicative Syllabus

 

The history of cronyism and clientelism in modern Ireland. Some role models and case studies. Identification of the appropriate target for cronyism. The development of basic flattering skills. Conflicts of interest and plausible deniability. Identifying and exploiting opportunities for Nepotism, and leveraging its advantages. Basic shafting skills – knowing and defeating your enemy. State sponsored cronyism – the potential of Public Private Partnerships. Cronyism without corruption – knowing when to stop. Dealing with the morality issues.  The importance of loyalty at all costs.

 

 

Assessment

 

Students will be assessed on the extent to which they have managed to ingratiate themselves with the lecturer over the 12 weeks of the module (20%), and on their performance in role plays as assessed by their peers (20%). The remaining 60% will be in the form of a final exam.

 

Indicative Reading List

 

The economics of corruption and cronyism – an institutional approach

Cronyism in the Bush Administration

Conflict of Interest, Cronyism and Nepotism

Cronyism: Antecedents and Consequences

 

 

Date of last Revision

 

1st April 2005