Crisis Communication and Reputation Management (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

See Lukkarikone.

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)"

Intro

You may have noticed that the need for crisis management and crisis communication skills are in great demand. Understanding of crisis and issues is also critically important in reputation and brand management, as well as in maintaining and developing stakeholder relations. One must be able to anticipate, prepare, react and lead effectively before, during and after a crisis. The structure of the course is logical and the learning takes place in parts: after each theory part,the learning happens by applying the theory to a current crisis / organization, either independently or with a group. Finally, your overall learning will be tested in a crisis simulation exercise.

Materials

Learning materials are published during the course. In addition, students must independently search for information about their chosen organizations / industries and crisis cases.

Teaching methods and instruction

The course consists of 6 modules (date of the module in question in brackets)
1. Introduction
2. Stakeholder management
3. Issue prioritization
4. Expectation management
5. Crisis Response Strategies and media practices
6. Preparing and Planning and Crisis Leadership

+ Guest Lecture and Crisis Simulation

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

At the end of the course, a crisis simulation exercise will take place in case there are at least 12 participants.

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. Possibly guest lecturers/ visits.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

No re-exam is available for the course.

The course grade is based on the points accrued from the exam and assignments returned by the final DL, according to the evaluation criteria. After this, possible supplementing or improving the grade takes place in accordance with the degree regulations.

Note! You will not receive feedback on assignments returned late and they will be evaluated according to the teachers' schedule. 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

Detailed instructions and pre-requisites 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 recognizing and validating prior learning (RPL) are available at
https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning Look at "Instructions to students (master)"

Learning assignments

Note! Some small changes might take place and 1-2 assignments will be done during worskhops together

Assignment 1 (Individual) Exam 0-10 points
Assignment 2 (individual OR group) Stakeholder Analysis 0-10 points
Assignment 3 (Individual) Issue Prioritization 0/15 points
Assignment 4 (Individual) Expectational Gaps 0-10 points
Assignment 5 (Individual) Crisis Response Strategies 0-15 points
Assignment 6A (Individual) Crisis Communication Readiness 0-15 points OR
Assignment 6B (Individual) Organisation's Trust and Credibility 0-15 points
Assignment 7 A (Individual) Crisis Communications Plan 0-25 points OR
Assignment 7 B Crisis Simulation + Reflection 0-25 points

Assessment methods

See assignments. 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.