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Risk and Crisis Communication

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:5.00
Study Course Accepted:02.02.2024 12:25:44
Study Course Information
Course Code:KSK_045LQF level:Level 7
Credit Points:2.00ECTS:3.00
Branch of Science:Communication SciencesTarget Audience:Communication Science
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Ruta Siliņa
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Faculty of Social Sciences
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szfatrsu[pnkts]lv
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)6Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures12
Classes (count)4Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes8
Total Contact Hours20
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
General knowledge on the communication process and management principles.
Objective:
To familiarise students with the theoretical basis affecting crisis management and crisis communication, identification and evaluation of potential crisis situations, preparation for them, action and communication in a crisis situation, public opinion and cooperation with mass media.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Introduction to crisis communication. Concept, definitions. Strategic PR model of J. E. Grunig and F. J. Rapper.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Crisis anatomy or what to do in each phase of a crisis.Lectures1.00auditorium
3Types of crisis: Crisis typologies by O. Lerbinger, S. Albrecht, T. Coombs. Identification of a vulnerability.Lectures1.00auditorium
4Preparation for crisis situations. Crisis communication and crisis management plan.Lectures1.00auditorium
5Practical class.Classes1.00auditorium
6Crisis situation management or what to do and say in a crisis situation.Lectures1.00auditorium
7Public thought. Actions and role of mass media in a crisis situation.Lectures1.00auditorium
8Ethical aspects and the role of a leader in a crisis situation.Classes1.00auditorium
9Group work presentation and examination.Classes2.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Independent research paper.
Assessment Criteria:
Research paper and final examination – analysis, offered solution, its link to the theory, argumentation of the solution.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam (Written)
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:On risk and crisis management and risk and crisis communication, risk and crisis communication messages, cooperation with media in case of an issue and crisis situation.
Skills:To recognise and evaluate risks and crises, to prepare crisis management and crisis communication plans, to develop a crisis communication message and to select the most appropriate strategy for crisis communication.
Competencies:To advise customers and leaders on risk and crisis management and risk and crisis communication and to be able to practically ensure risk and crisis communication.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Coombs W. T. Ongoing crisis communication : Planning, Managing, and Responding / 5th ed. -SAGE Publications, Inc; 2019
2Hornmoen H., Backholm K., Social Media Use in Crisis and Risk Communication: Emergencies, Concerns and Awareness.- Emerald Publishing Limited, 2018
3Heath RL., O’Hair H.D., Handbook of Risk and Crisis Communication.- Routledge; 1 ed, 2015
4Fink S., Crisis Management: The Definitive Guide to Managing the Message. -New York et al.: Mc Grw Hill Education, 2013
5Fearn-Banks K. Crisis communications : a casebook approach / Kathleen Fearn-Banks. – 4th ed. – New York, London : Routledge Taylor & Francis group., 2010
6Lehtonens J, Siliņa R., Ābelniece B. Riska un krīze komunikācija. - Rīga: SIA Biznesa Augstskola Turība, 2011.
Additional Reading
1Cutlip S.M., Center A.H., Broom G.M., Effective public relation, 9th ed., - Uppers Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2006
2Grifins E. Reputācijas vadības stratēģija : situāciju, krīžu un korporatīvās sociālās atbildības vadīšana. - Rīga : Lietišķās informācijas dienests, 2008.
3Mitroff I., Pearson Chr., Crisis Management, - Jossey: Bass Publisher, 1993
4Fink S., Crisis Management: Planning for the Inevitable, -New York: iUniverse, 2002
5Griffin A. New strategies for reputation management : gaining control of issues, crises & corporate social responsibility / Andrew Griffin. - London ; Philadelphia : Kogan Page, 2008
6Lerbinger O., The Crisis Manager: Facing Risk and Responsibility, - Mawah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1997
7Ulmer R.R. Effective crisis communication : moving from crisis to opportunity / Robert R. Ulmer, Timothy L. Sellnow, Matthew W. Seeger. - Thousand Oaks : SAGE Publications, 2007
Other Information Sources
1Jaunākie zinātniskie raksti, kas pieejami RSU Bibliotēkas abonētajās zinātnisko rakstu datubāzēs (piemēram, EBSCO, SAGE Publications, Science Direct, Scopus u.c.).