Crisis Communication and Public Information - HMY4042

Assessment 1: Oral presentation/assessment

A group presentation evaluating the communication and public information strategies used in a case study.

Oral presentation/assessment

Assessment 2: Written practice exercise

The second formative assessment is a literature review on contemporary developments in public communication during emergencies. Feedback will be offered following each formative assessment

Written practice exercise

Assessment 1: Presentation

The presentation will require students to critically evaluate contemporary research as well recent cases of crisis communication to highlight the key challenges authorities and governments face in managing public information and communicating with the public during emergencies.

Presentation

This module explores communication strategies and practices essential for effective crisis management. Students will learn about the roles of communication in risk communication, crisis messaging, media relations, and community engagement, as well as the use of communication technologies and social media platforms. Students learn how to communicate with various stakeholders, manage media relations, community engagement, and disseminate accurate and timely information during emergencies to minimize confusion, mitigate panic and ensure public safety and trust. The module offers an opportunity to delve into the challenges surrounding the handling of information, communication and decision-making within Emergency and Resilience Management. Students will explore these issues through the lens of community and responder needs, while also examining the impact of influential public information emanating from diverse sources like the media, influencers and social platforms. The module instructs on the art of conveying knowledge in engaging and compelling manners. It involves capturing audience attention, tapping into their existing experiences, and understanding, fostering collaboration for more cohesive activities. Students will have the chance to enhance their own abilities in communication and information management.

School of Human and Health Sciences

Anderson-Meli, L., &amp; Koshy, S. (2020). Public relations crisis communication : a new mode (First Edition.). Routledge.
Coombs, W. T. (2019). Ongoing crisis communication : planning, managing, and responding (Fifth edition..; International student edition..).
Olsson, E.-K. (2014). Crisis Communication in Public Organisations: Dimensions of Crisis Communication Revisited. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 22(2), 113–125. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12047">https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12047</a>
Reynolds, B., Galdo, J. H., Sokler, L., &amp; Freimuth, V. S. (2002). Crisis and emergency risk communication.
Ryan, B., Johnston, K. A., Taylor, M., &amp; McAndrew, R. (2020). Community engagement for disaster preparedness: A systematic literature review. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 49, 101655.
World Health Organization. Effective media communication during public health emergencies: a WHO field guide. No. WHO/CDS/2005.31 a. World Health Organization, 2005..

HMY4042 - Crisis Communication and Public Information

Crisis Communication and Public Information

Analyse current problems and contemporary insight around crisis communication and media management.

Evaluate the effectiveness of public communication strategies in building public trust, managing misinformation, and promoting community resilience.

Systematically comprehend communication protocols for different phases of the emergency management cycle, including preparedness, response, and recovery, and integrate communication strategies into emergency operations and decision-making processes.

Apply principles and theories of crisis communication management to real-world scenarios and reflect on lessons learned to improve future communication strategies and practices.