SFB50506 Corporate Communication (Autumn 2012)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in the bachelor programme International Communication
Specialisation course (optional) in the bachelor programme in Business Administration, specialisation: International Business

Prerequisites

Completed first year of the bachelor programme in International Communication, or equivalent knowledge

Lecture Semester

Bachelor programme in International Communication: 3^rd semester (autumn)
Bachelor programme in Business Administration, specialisation International Business: 5^th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE

At completion of the course the students will be familiar with the interrelation between organisations and their environments, and the importance of building relations with all stakeholder groups. Further, they will have become familiar with the importance of planned and coordinated communication for building internal and external reputation, and that organisational culture, common values and the identity perception of employees are key success factors. The students will have acquired basic knowledge and understanding of communication as a management strategy in private and public organisations.

 SKILLS

The students are trained in collecting empirical data and using theory to write a larger academic assignment (case study). They are trained in academic writing and correct use of sources.

 GENERAL COMPETENCE

The students understand the importance of strategic communication and are trained in documenting this in correct academic written form.

Content

• Organisation identity and corporate identity
• Corporate branding
• Image and reputation management
• Stakeholder relations
• Corporate social responsibility
• Issues management and crisis communication

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is organised in two parts. The first half of the semester is a taught course with lectures, exercises and discussions.
In the second half of the semester the students carry out a supervised case study. The case study/project is group work with two (a maximum of three) students in each project group.
The language used in the course is English and the course reading is in English (with supplementary reading also in Norwegian). The case study report is written in English.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• One group discussion task from the course syllabus, handed in at mid-term
• Two scheduled tutorials per project group in the second part of the semester

 The coursework requirements must be fulfilled before final assessment can be given.

Examination

Group project

A case study is performed in groups in the second half of the semester being documented in a written final report of 12-15 pages (approx. 5,000 words).
The case study takes its starting point in one or more concrete organisations or cases related to one of the issues taught in the course.
The report is assessed on the A-F grading sale. In the case of fail the students may submit an improved report at a new exam.

 If students wish to improve their mark, a new report will have to be submitted at a new regular exam. All group members must sign the exam registration.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated twice each semester, once orally as mid-semester evaluation that takes place in a meeting between student representatives and the programme coordinator and/or the director of studies, and once as written end-of-term evaluation.

Literature

Cornelissen, Joep (2008), Corporate Communication: A guide to theory and practice. London: SAGE Publications

Compendium: Hellum, Bjørg (2010), Corporate Communication: Practices and lectures. Local print 2010

Lectures and other course material published on the learning platform