Course Title: Manage organisational communication strategies
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2021
Course Code: BUSM8875C
Course Title: Manage organisational communication strategies
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6169 - Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Course Contact: Nick Reynolds
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 0791
Course Contact Email: nick.reynolds@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Gerry McCusker
Nominal Hours: 25
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement, review and evaluate communication strategies and to promote communication techniques in the workplace. It includes developing communication strategies by identifying and maintaining communication pathways.
The unit is applicable to personnel who have an organisational wide role in the development and management of communication strategies.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PUACOM004 Manage organisational communication strategies |
Element: |
1. Develop communication strategies |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Strategies for internal and external dissemination of information are developed to meet organisational requirements
1.2 Special communication needs are identified when developing strategies to avoid discrimination in the organisation 1.3 Communication strategies are analysed, evaluated and revised to ensure they are effective |
Element: |
2. Establish and maintain communication pathways |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Communication pathways are established to meet requirements of organisation and personnel
2.2 Communication pathways are maintained and reviewed to ensure personnel are updated on relevant information |
Element: |
3. Promote use of communication strategies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Information is provided to all areas of the organisation to facilitate communication strategy implementation
3.2 Communication techniques are articulated and modelled to personnel, in accordance with organisational procedures
3.3 Personnel are given guidance about adapting communication strategies to suit a range of contexts |
Learning Outcomes
In this course you will learn techniques in developing, implementing, reviewing and evaluating communication strategies and how to use these strategies to promote effective communications when working in industry.
Details of Learning Activities
This course is structures to provide you with the optimum learning experience. A range of learning activities are provided during the semester and are designed to enhance learning and understanding of the topics.
You will participate in a combination of group and individual learning activities. These activities will be provided through classroom work time and additional learning activities will be provided to you to complete outside of the scheduled class time.
A range of in class activities, case studies and independent research is included as the learning activities for this course. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
The learning activities will also include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated workplace environment.
Teaching Schedule
|
Weekly Schedule MKTG8053C / BUSM8875C Crisis Management and Corporate Communication | |||
Week number |
Week beginning |
Topic |
Assessments |
O-Week |
5th July |
Introduction · Teacher, student introductions · Assessments and Feedback · Course overview · Assessment Tasks · Groups · Workshop |
Brief all assessments and assessment overview |
2 |
12th July |
Crisis management – What is a crisis? Crisis research –
|
|
3 |
19th July |
Crisis Management – Stakeholder communication strategies and pathways
|
|
4 |
26th July |
Crisis management plan development – Key elements and best practice
|
|
5 |
2nd August |
Crisis Management – Best practice crisis communication
|
|
6 |
9th August |
Crisis Management – Key elements of planning
|
|
7 |
16th August |
Factors that impact organisations Communication strategies
|
|
8 |
23rd August |
Implementing the crisis plan
|
Assessment 1 due |
Mid Semester Break 30th August - 5th September | |||
9 |
6th September |
Communication strategies and techniques
|
|
10 |
13th September |
Crisis briefing and CTM |
Assessment 2 Crisis Briefing and Crisis Team Meeting due in class |
11 |
20th September |
Implementing the crisis plan
|
|
12 |
27th September |
Implementing the crisis plan
|
Assessment 2 Written report due |
13 |
4th October |
Crisis Communication - press conference |
Assessment 2 Role Play due in class |
14 |
11th October |
Crisis Communication - press conference |
Assessment 2 Role Play due in class |
15 |
18th October |
Review and update Crisis plans
|
Assessment 3 due |
16 |
25th October |
Resubmissions |
|
17 |
1st November |
Grade Entry |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All resources will be available on Canvas
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Methods
A range of assessment methods will be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following assessment methods will be used specifically to assess competency in managing organisational communication strategies:
- Project management
- Written reports supported by practical assignments or tasks for individual assessment
- Observation of workplace practice supported by personal interviews
- Knowledge tests
- Practical display with personal interview, presentations or documentation
- Case studies
- Real situations
- Interaction with others.
You will be assessed on the criteria below:
Performance evidence
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:
- developing communication strategies
- following organisational policies and procedures including Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
- identifying, applying and maintaining communication pathways
- managing communication strategies by building relationships, coaching, resolving conflict, listening, negotiating, networking and communicating verbally
- promoting use of communication strategies.
Knowledge evidence
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes knowledge of
- communication barriers and opportunities
- communication needs of personnel
- communication strategies
- communication techniques
- organisational documentation, policies and procedures including Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
- privacy principals
- strategy development to suit organisational objectives.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment will be conducted in industry approved simulated workplace operational situations, that reflect workplace conditions.
Resources for assessment includes access to:
- a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
- relevant and appropriate materials, equipment, tools and personal protective clothing and equipment currently used in industry
- applicable documentation including organisational procedures, industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. You will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check your progress.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or with online discussions.
You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. You can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1 Task - Research and Analysis Report
Date and time due : Week #8
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment task is designed to allow you to develop your research and analytical skills delving on a recent organisational crisis. From the findings, you are to apply your knowledge and understanding to develop a crisis management plan in response to the crisis.
Requirements: There are two (2) parts to this assessment. You must complete both parts in full.
Part 1 – Research (Q1 – Q6)
Choose a suitable organisation (must be approved by your teacher) that you will use as a case study to complete the following tasks. Undertake research and identify a recent organisational crisis (post 2005) that has taken place.
Part 2 - Crisis Management Plan development (Q7-Q10)
In this part you will use your previous findings to help develop a new crisis management plan for your nominated organisation (same as in Part 1)
Assessment 2 Task - Crisis Management Plan
Date and time due:
Crisis Briefing and Crisis Team Meeting will take place in Week 10.
The Written Assessment is to be submitted by Week 12 Sunday 11:59pm.
The Press Conference role play will take place in class during Weeks 13 and 14.
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to allow you to demonstrate your ability to develop, communicate and implement a crisis management plan for an organisation. The plan will include a number of different communication strategies, adapting the communication to suit different stakeholder groups.
Requirements: Using the case study provided, you are to collaborate to create a crisis management plan, and organise and conduct a press conference. You must complete a series of tasks to meet key legal and ethical requirements, and organisational objectives.
Note: Key organisational objectives that you will need to satisfy include setting up a dedicated crisis resource centre and communication strategy for both internal and external stakeholders.
Additional notes for assessment:
- You will be in groups of 3 for this assessment but must submit your own individual work. NO changes to group sizes are possible without approval of the teacher.
- All students must be a nominated member of the crisis team. (either CEO, Lawyer, Media/communications)
- You will be provided with the case study in week 9.
This task has three (3) parts:
- Setup a resource centre for crisis team meeting Week 11 (assessable via observation) - You will set up a control room for the crisis and start working on your crisis response.
- Written Assessment due Week 12 Sunday midnight - You will create a crisis management plan document that meets all organisational needs, requirements and objectives.
- Press conference role play in class Week 13 and 14 (ALL students will have a role in both weeks)
Assessment 3 Task - Reflection and Evaluation
Date and time due : Week #15
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment task is to assess your ability to analyse and evaluate the approaches and strategies used in responding to a crisis situation.
Requirements: You are to reflect on the press conference you participated in in week 13/14. Reflect on your communication skills, strategies used, as well as the crisis response you implemented.
This task is expected to be approx. 800- 1000 words. (Please review word counts on questions)
This task should analyse and discuss the specific communication strategies used and evaluate against best practice from both a crisis response and communication perspective. General responses not backed up by communication strategies will not be satisfactory.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS.
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. Non submission without supporting evidence such as ELP or special consideration will mean a result of Did Not Submit (DNS)
- Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
- When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
- Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.
Other Information
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Resubmissions:
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Re-submissions
Successful re-submissions will contribute a CA only (Competency Achieved) result to your overall grade for the course.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment
Marking Guide (Competency):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Final Grades table:
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher
Course Overview: Access Course Overview