Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The course aims at improving the students’ understanding of conflict management, resolution, and communication, in a company or organization environment. Furthermore, crisis communication is among the essential topics of the course. Basics of ethical influencing will also become familiar to the students.

There is an increasing need for settling disputes between individuals and groups of individuals, because of internationalization of business and a variety of financial restraints that cause tension among management and personnel of a company (internal conflict management). External conflict management deals with measures a company must take to control its brand, image, customer, and stakeholder relations, in circumstances of uncertainties and even open conflicts.

Crisis communication is a sub-specialty of the public relations profession that is designed to protect and defend an individual, company, or organization facing a public challenge to its reputation. Anyone holding a managerial or expert level position should be able address such challenging situations.

Content (course unit)

The course will include demonstrations, examples, creation of conflict and crisis resolution strategy/plans, communication rehearsals and analyses. It is suitable for students who are interested in developing one’s conflict and crisis management abilities, especially in terms of communication. The course is practically oriented throughout.

Prerequisites (course unit)

None

Further information (course unit)

Part of 'Free Choice Studies' for Mutual Master's courses 2024.
Self-paced and 100% Online course.
Implementation starts in Auguest (01.08) runs throughout the year including summer break (31.07).
Student can enroll at anytime during the implementation period, however needs to complete the course within stipulated time as stated in the implementation plan.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student can name basic concepts of conflict management, crisis communication and the ways of influencing (lobbying). He/she is able to recognize situations where these communication skills are needed. He/she knows the significance of these in terms of advocating welfare of the organization he/she represents. He/she is able to apply the tools and best practices in simple cases.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can explain why conflict management, crisis communication, and influencing are important for any organization. He/she has, to some extent, the ability to apply theories on them in conjunction with real life cases. He/she is able to participate in producing credible and implementable plans for situations where these are needed. The student can act in a sustainable way ethically in delicate conflict and crisis situations.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student can take initiative in complex conflict and crisis situations, as well as in lobbying for his/her organization. He/she can co-lead a group responsibly for prompt action that is often required, in terms of preventing the organization from finding itself in a further predicament. He/she can be entrusted with the role of a spokesperson and mediator even in demanding conflict and crisis cases. He/she understands the significance of trustworthy appearance while addressing demanding cases on behalf of his/her organization.

Location and time

Part of 'Free Choice Studies' for Mutual Master's courses 2024.
Self-paced and 100% Online course.
Implementaion starts in Auguest (01.08) runs throughout the year including summer break (31.07).
Student can enroll at anytime during the implementation period, however needs to complete the course within stipulated time as stated in the implementation plan.

Assessment scale

0-5