2012/2013  KAN-ISMA  Public Relations and Issues Management

English Title

Public Relations and Issues Management

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	15 ECTS
Type	Mandatory
Level	Full Degree Master
Duration	One Quarter
Course period	Third Quarter
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board	Study Board for BSc/MSc in Business Administration and Organizational Communication, MSc
Course coordinator
Fabian Csaba - Department of Intercultural Communication and Management Henrik Merkelsen - Department of International Business Communication
Main Category of the Course
Communication
Last updated on 06-09-2012

Learning objectives

Independently formulate and delimitate a research question Explain, compare and discuss models, methods and theories introduced in the course Apply the models, methods and theories in an analysis of a specific topic within field of public relations, issues management and/or related area Argue for the appropriateness of grounding the analysis on the chosen model(s), method(s) and theory(s) and place this discussion in an appropriate epistemological frame Reflect on how analytical choices affect conclusion(s) and recommendation(s) Articulate clearly and concisely using a proper and coherent academic terminology Cite sources correctly and consistently throughout the paper Present a coherent argument

Examination

Issues Management

Issues Management: Type of test Home Assignment Marking scale 7-step scale Second examiner External examiner Exam period Summer Term Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below

Examination

The exam takes the form of an individual research paper based on a research question of own choice. As a preparation for the exam the student receives one hour of individual supervision. Length: 15-20 standard pages. Make-up Examination: Same as regular. Students who due to sickness were not able to hand in their research paper will not receive addition supervision if they have already received one hour of supervision. Re-Examination: Same as regular. The student may hand in an improved version of the original paper. The re-examination/make-up- examination takes place in August.

Prerequisites for attending the exam

None, but attendance at lectures and active participation in teaching sessions including workshops is strongly recommended.

Course content

The purpose of this module is to provide insight into the scientific disciplines within and related to public relations and issues management as well as to enhance the student’s skills in applying theories, models and methods from these disciplines. Thus in the course emphasis is put equally on advancing the student’s theoretical knowledge and on upgrading the student’s methodological skills. The latter is partly conducted within the frame of some shared workshops with the parallel course in Marketing Campaigns. While the theoretical content of the course is centered on public relations and issues management, additional aspects such as CSR, corporate governance and public affairs are included in order to reflect the complexity of the threats, opportunities and response strategies pertinent to issues concerning the organizational legitimacy, reputation, and ultimately success and survival.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures in combination with classroom teaching, including discussions, case work, student presentations, as well as oral and written assignments. Furthermore, the student receives practical training in relevant research methods at workshops held jointly with the Communication Campaigns course.

Student workload

Lectures 24 hours Class room teaching 24 hours Workshop 10 hours Preparation 130 hours Assignments 30 hours Exam preparations, incl. supervision 194 hours Total 412 hours

Expected literature

Course plan and curriculum will be uploaded before semester starts.