Crisis CommunicationLaajuus (5 cr)

Learning objectives

Students who have completed this course or have acquired equivalent competence will be able to:
- understand the specific nature of crisis communication from the perspective of organisations, communications professionals, public and media (traditional and social media)
- identify key stakeholders and identify and categorize them
- understand the importance and impact of crisis communication to the reputation and brand
- analyse and implement different crisis response strategies
- apply crisis communication approaches in the different phases of a crisis:pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis
- be able to develop a crisis communication plan

Contents

- Specific nature of Crisis Communication; objectives and challenges
- Stakeholder management
- Recognizing and identifying crises
- Classification and prioritisation of crises
- Planning crisis communication
- Managing reputation and expectations
- Theories and concepts of crisis communication
- Crisis simulation exercises (excluded from virtual implementations) and workshops

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

Different implementation formats of the course, depending on the period. The course can be completed as contact, blended or virtual

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
As a principle, if students have acquired the required competence in previous work tasks, recreational activities or on another course, they can present their competence via a demonstration.

The demonstration must be agreed with the course teacher. More information and instructions for recognising and validating prior learning (RPL) are available at https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning

Assessment criteria - grade 1

When the implementation type of the course is CONTACT, ONLINE or BLENDED it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25 %, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50 %, the course is failed.

Students can describe concepts and methods related to crisis communication. He/she is able to identify internal and external issues that might lead potential crises. He / she is able to recognize the different stakeholders and their needs in a crisis and can plan crisis communication.

Assessment criteria - grade 3

In addition to the competences required for grade 1, students can monitor and anticipate the operating environment from a crisis communication perspective and understand the importance of crisis communication to stakeholder management, employees, the brand and reputation. He/she can create a crisis communication plan.

Assessment criteria - grade 5

In addition to the competences required for grade 3, students are able to apply different crisis response strategies and strategically justify chosen approaches. They are are able recognize and prioritize issues and plan communication accordingly. Ability to apply theoretical insights to the crisis communication plan is at a very good level and students demonstrate excellent commitment to the course schedule.

Learning materials

The learning materials will be published during the course. In addition, students are expected to independently search for information in some of the assignments.