Crisis Communication (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

See Lukkarikone. The 6 modules are:

1. Introduction
2. Stakeholder management
3. Issue prioritization
4. Expectation management
5. Crisis Response Strategies
6. Crisis Communication planning

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

Intro

The need for crisis communication skills is greater than ever. Reputation is a valuable asset, and crisis communication is an important tool for nurturing it. For communication professionals this means being able to anticipate, prepare, respond and act effectively before, during and after a crisis.

Come and learn about this fascinating domain of corporate communication. The course is structured in a modular way and learning takes place in phases: after each module's theoretical part, you can apply what you have learned by analysing crisis cases from real life.

Finally, your newly acquired skills will be tested in a crisis simulation exercise.

Materials

Coombs, W. T. 2007. Protecting Organization Reputations During a Crisis: The Development and Application of Situational Crisis Communication Theory. Corporate reputation review, 10(3), pp. 163-176

Mitchell, R. K., Agle, B. R. & Wood, D. J. 1997. Toward a Theory of Stakeholder Identification and Salience: Defining the Principle of Who and What Really Counts. The Academy of Management review, 22(4), pp. 853-886

Ferguson, D. P., Wallace, J. D. & Chandler, R. C. 2018. Hierarchical consistency of strategies in image repair theory: PR practitioners' perceptions of effective and preferred crisis communication strategies. Journal of public relations research, 30(5-6), pp. 251-272

In addition, learning materials are published in Moodle and students must independently search for information about their chosen organizations / industries and crisis cases.

Teaching methods and instruction

In the beginning of the course, there is an easy motivational Exam that needs to be passed before continuing the course.

The course consists of 6 modules:
1. Introduction
2. Stakeholder management
3. Issue prioritization
4. Expectation management
5. Crisis Response Strategies
6. Crisis Communication planning

For each module there is an introductory lecture in Pasila, followed by individual or group assignments or exam where student applies modular theme to their chosen organization / brand.

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

Working life connections

Current cases and/or cases are discussed and analyzed and in assignments, students are encouraged to analyse cases relevant to own work / industry. Guest lectures.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

No re-exam is available for the course.

The course grade is determined on the basis of the introductory (Module 1) Exam, and on the basis of the assignments returned by the final DL, according to the evaluation criteria. After this, possible supplementing or raising the grade takes place in accordance with the degree regulations.

Note! Repeated delays can also affect the course grade, because a grade of 5 requires that "The student stays on schedule."

Internationality

Learning material is international

Completion alternatives

RPL

If you have gained skills matching your degree goals for example through work experience, volunteer work, hobbies or other studies than higher education, you can show your skills and competences through demonstrations. Contact Anna Kimberley to get instructions.

WORK-BASED LEARNING

You can complete elective studies through work-based learning, if your work tasks support your degree’s learning goals. Work-based learning at Haaga-Helia is called Work&Study. It means that skills required by the degree are gained by working and by connecting practical work with a theme-related knowledge base. In addition to paid work also volunteering or hobby activity can be used.

If you want to discuss whether work-based learning is for you, contact Anna Kiblerley who will instruct you on how to proceed.

Learning assignments

Assignment 1 Exam 0 - 15 points
Assignment 2 Stakeholder Analysis 0 -10 points
Assignment 3 Issue Prioritization 0 -10 points
Assignment 4 Expectational Gaps 0 -15 points
Assignment 5 Exam Crisis Response Strategies 0 - 20 points
Assignment 6 A Crisis Communications Plan 0 - 20 points + Assignment 6 B Crisis Simulation 0 / 10 points

Assignments 1, 5 and 6 A are individual assignments and other assignments are group assignments done during scheduled classes on Friday

Total 100 points