Course Overview

The ultimate test of an organization’s communication skill is how it deals with a corporate or organizational crisis. It is not difficult to see why there is an expanding media which is tough on what it regards as management incompetence; shareholders and customers becoming more demanding; legislation and regulation is being strengthened and there is greater commercial competition.

Communication in humanitarian settings is important to ensuring effective key program implementation and benefitiaries satisfaction. Communication is central before, during and when closing a humanitarian program as it is the only link between different actors and within different groups. 

In terms of communication, a crisis is considered to be an incident or situation, whether real or rumored or alleged, that can focus on negative attention on a company or organization internally in the media or key audiences. The course therefore is meant to inculcate knowledge and skills on how a humanitarian worker should handle communication in midst of a crisis to safeguard the image of the organization at the same time keep the publics involved.

 

Course Content

• Understanding crises and the theory of communication- understanding crises, elements of crisis management, stakeholders and audiences, third party endorsements, communication in a crisis, how the media works, lobbying, the price of failure
• Complaints against the media
• Information Technology
• Practical crisis communication- Internal audiences, the crisis team, crisis planning and whistle-blowing
• Media handling

 

Exercises:

After they have read the material for each unit, students are expected to test their own Learning by completing some relevant exercises and tasks.

Assignments:

In order to demonstrate their understanding of the course content, students will be required to submit three assignments.

 

DURATION: 3 Months

 

REGIONS TARGETED: Global

COURSE FEE: $400

ORGANIZERS: Africa Institute for Project Management Studies (AIPMS)

LANGUAGE: English and French

FORMAT: Online Learning

GENERAL COURSE CONTACT: 

The Academics Manager

Email: info@africadevelopmentresources.org

Website: www.africadevelopmentresources.org