Crisis Communication and Reputation ManagementLaajuus (5 cr)

Learning objectives

After completing the course, the student will be able to:
Identify and prioritize organization's key stakeholders
Identify and analyze the key factors and risks related to organization's reputation and brand
Develop crisis communication readiness as part of reputation management and prepare a crisis communication plan

Contents

Stakeholder theory: stakeholder prioritization and expectation management
Trust, credibility, reputation and brand
Reputation and risks
Assessment and monitoring of operating environments from crisis perspective
Assessment and development of crisis communication readiness
Crisis response strategies
Crisis management and leadership

Lähtötaso ja sidonnaisuudet muihin opintojaksoihin

No prerequisites Strategic Brand management is highly recommended. Also basic skills and competences of communication theory and practice, experience in using academic sources and understanding of stakeholder theory and definitions provide a good basis for the course.

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

Depends on the implementation. Online teaching, face-to-face teaching, independent work online and small group work in Pasila.

It is possible to complete the course completely independently with the help of online materials and assignments, but participation to lectures and/or group work in Pasila is highly recommended.

In both options, the learning process follows a similar pattern; First theoretical insights are introduced, and after that there is an assignment where students apply the theories by analyzing a current crisis / selected organization. At the end of the course there is a voluntary crisis simulation exercise in Pasila.

The course includes a compulsory assessment of one's own learning.

Instructions for RPL process will be shared in the course kick off.

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 Look at "Instructions to students (master)"

Assessment criteria - grade 1

The student can apply relevant theories to identifying stakeholders and reputational issues and risks. The student can evaluate organization's crisis communication readiness. The student knows how to prepare a crisis communication plan and identify different crisis response strategies. The reporting of written assignments largely follows Haaga-Helia's reporting guidelines.

Assessment criteria - grade 3

In addition to acquiring the skills mentioned for grade 1, the student is able to prioritize stakeholders and their expectations in line with organisational priorities. The student is able to create and justify the crisis communication plan for an organization. The reporting of written assignments follows Haaga-Helia's reporting guidelines well.

Assessment criteria - grade 5

In addition to acquiring the skills mentioned for grade 3, the student is able to create strategic crisis communication plan and excellently apply theoretical insights and frameworks to develop crisis communication readiness in an organisation. The reporting of written tasks follows Haaga-Helia's reporting guidelines excellently. The student has professional project like approach to learning and stays on schedule.

Learning materials

Materials shared in Moodle and those acquired by the students.

Further information

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.

Attendance to Course Kick Off or other agreed method of confirming the course participation is mandatory. Course has a short exam at the beginning of the course and successful completion of that is a prerequisite for continuing the course.