Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Crisis Management
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Shane Hill
  • Paula Mullen
Departments: Management & Financial Studies
Module Description: One of the most challenging aspects of business is handling a crisis situation. Contrary to the
argument that you cannot train for a crisis, this module will explore the area of proactive crisis management and teach students
how to ‘plan for the unexpected’ on behalf of their organisations; advise on an appropriate response strategy;
develop and implement an effective communication campaign during and after a crisis; and carry out a post-crisis
evaluation.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Assess organisations’ responses to various types of well-known crises
MLO2 Evaluate the long and short term reputational impact of crises on companies and individuals.
MLO3 Create a comprehensive crisis plan for various scenarios.
MLO4 Judge how to most effectively react to a crisis situation while operating within legal and ethical parameters.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Types of Crises
• Acts of Nature • Intentional • Unintentional • Individual • Violent/Non-violent
Anticipation
Situation analysis – procedures/practices/environment • Methods of anticipation • Importance of anticipation • Barriers to anticipation
Planning
Crisis team – identify members, assign roles, ‘understudies’ • Communication systems – procedures, vehicles/technology, contingencies • Plan development and approval • Simulation exercises • Pre-written statements for immediate reaction
Response
Coombs’ response strategies • Spokesperson preparation and delivery • Information flow – level of detail, frequency, accuracy • Handling panic, stress, pressure, misinformation • Handling the media • Traditional communication methods • Online communication methods
Impact
• organisation • economic • political • socio-psychological
Outcome
• Damage control • Follow-up • Evaluation • Rebuilding goodwill • Crisis plan revision
Role of PR
Environmental Scanning; Media Expertise; Existing Relationships; Stakeholder Knowledge; Key Message Development
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This is an individual project. Students will study, analyse and evaluate a well-known crisis situation. Students will produce a report on their analysis, based on the theory studied in class.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
n/a
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In lectures, students will be provided with the learning framework for all key aspects of PR Crisis Management. The literature will be reviewed and discussed with key learning concepts highlighted and reinforced. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact While the lecturer will create the learning framework for this module, as a final year class, students will generate much of the content themselves through guided research in appropriate industry and business books and journals which are then reviewed and discussed in class. Approved texts will then be published on Moodle for all. Students will be encouraged to consult the library databases as well as industry journals for the most up-to-date articles and research. Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In lectures, students will be provided with the learning framework for all key aspects of PR Crisis Management. The literature will be reviewed and discussed with key learning concepts highlighted and reinforced. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact While the lecturer will create the learning framework for this module, as a final year class, students will generate much of the content themselves through guided research in appropriate industry and business books and journals which are then reviewed and discussed in class. Approved texts will then be published on Moodle for all. Students will be encouraged to consult the library databases as well as industry journals for the most up-to-date articles and research. Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rubens, David. (2023), Strategic Risk and Crisis Management, Kogan Page, United Kingdom.
  • Coombs, W.T.. (2019), Ongoing Crisis Communication: planning, managing and responding, 5th Edition. Sage Publications, USA.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Kathleen Fearn-Banks. (2016), Crisis Communications: A Casebook Approach, 5th Edition. Taylor & Francis, Ltd., UK.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Hargis, M., Watt, J.D.. (2014), Organizational Perception Management: A Framework to Overcome Crisis Events, Organization Development Journal, Spring 2010; 28, 1, p.73.
  • Chong, J.K. S.. (2004), Six steps to better crisis management, Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 25 Iss 2.
  • Simpkins, R.. (2009), How great leaders avoid disaster: the value of contingency planning, Business Strategy Series, Vol. 10 Iss 2.
Other Resources