SFB50514 Corporate Communication (Autumn 2015)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Mandatory course in Bachelor's Programme in International Communication
• Specialisation course in Bachelor's Programme in Business Administration, specialisation: International Business

Lecture Semester

• Bachelor's Programme in International Communication: 3^rd semester (autumn)
• Bachelor's Programme in Business Administration, specialisation International Business: 5^th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

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

Skills
The candidates 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 candidates 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 (CSR)
• 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 or three students in each project group.
The language used in the course is English and the required reading is in English. The case study report is written in English.

Workload

The course will give the student approximately 280 hours of work.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• One group discussion related to the course syllabus, submitted in writing at mid-term
• Two scheduled tutorials per project group in the second part of the semester

The coursework must be approved before signing up for the final exam.

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 concrete organisations or cases related to one of the issues taught in the course.

The report is assessed on the A-F grading sale. The grade is awarded to the group, not individually.

In the case of fail the students may submit an improved report.

If students wish to improve their grade, a new report will have to be submitted at the next regular exam.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated by the students twice each semester. The result of the evaluation is reported to the faculty's committee for study quality.

Literature

Cornelissen, Joep (2011). Corporate Communication: A guide to theory and practice. London: SAGE Publications. 272 pages.

Lectures and other course material published on the learning platform

Lecturer autumn 2015:
Asbjørg Lyngtveit (asbjorg.j.lyngtveit@bi.no)
Dennis Larsen (dennislarsen@acuityinsight.co.uk)