AMB373 Issues and Crisis Communication
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AMB373 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 96 credit points must be completed prior to enrolling in this unit |
| Equivalent(s): | AMX373 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,663 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,204 |
| International unit fee | $4,512 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AMB373 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 96 credit points must be completed prior to enrolling in this unit |
| Equivalent: | AMX373 |
| Coordinator: | Kim Johnston | kim.johnston@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Issues and Crisis Communication examines public relations practice to manage and communicate issues (e.g., around sustainability) and crises (e.g., product recalls) to support organisational and brand trust, reputation, and relationships. The unit provides foundational skills and knowledge of the issues management process, including monitoring and tracking public opinion, information analysis, and developing appropriate organisational responses. It also provides contemporary guidance on how to effectively communicate during crises.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Select and apply key theoretical concepts and frameworks relating to issues and crises to justify decisions. [1.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Evaluate the impact of issues and crises within and beyond the organisation, and the consequences these have on decision-making in corporate communication. [2.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Develop and justify actions to manage issues and crises in the context of organisational strategy. [2.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.2)
- Apply consideration of ethical decision-making to your responses or recommendations. [5.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.2)
- Communicate effectively to appropriate audiences using a suitable genre. [3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
Content
This unit comprises two modules of learning, each centred around a related topic and assessment item. Module 1 introduces students to the practice of public relations in issues management in a corporate setting. In this module, content involves internal processes for issues management, issues management, corporate reputation, relationship management, and sustainability. Module 2 introduces students to crisis communication. In this second module, learning comprises introduction to crisis types and scenarios, ethical decision-making, crisis communication strategies, and organisational and brand trust.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
A number of learning approaches are applied in this unit to support student learning. The theory behind key concepts will be explored and illustrated in class through real world examples of issues and crisis communication in practice. Assessment is designed to reflect real world practice. Student learning is nurtured through cases and exercises, with opportunities to apply creative and critical thinking to current practice methods.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Issue Brief
You are to prepare a written ‘Issue Brief’ that objectively documents the issue, the affected stakeholders, and the organisational impacts. Based on this analysis you will provide a series of short and long term communication recommendations, supported by literature, to respond to the issue and its impacts.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS(1.1), HO(2.1, 2.2), PC(3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Crisis Response Strategy
Students will be given a crisis scenario. Using theoretical frameworks and contemporary sources, students will identify, discuss, and justify an effective crisis response strategy.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS(1.1), HO(2.1, 2.2), PC(3.1), SE(5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Relevant, current readings available through on the unit’s QUT Readings will support student learning in this unit.
Resource Materials
Other
Resource materials include current readings from texts, handbooks, and empirical journals. In addition, a range of industry-based literature will be identified to supplement student knowledge.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
KC40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Crisis Response Strategy - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Issue Brief - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: Crisis Response Strategy
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | AMB373 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 96 credit points must be completed prior to enrolling in this unit |
| Equivalent: | AMX373 |
Overview
Issues and Crisis Communication examines public relations practice to manage and communicate issues (e.g., around sustainability) and crises (e.g., product recalls) to support organisational and brand trust, reputation, and relationships. The unit provides foundational skills and knowledge of the issues management process, including monitoring and tracking public opinion, information analysis, and developing appropriate organisational responses. It also provides contemporary guidance on how to effectively communicate during crises.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Select and apply key theoretical concepts and frameworks relating to issues and crises to justify decisions. [1.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Evaluate the impact of issues and crises within and beyond the organisation, and the consequences these have on decision-making in corporate communication. [2.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Develop and justify actions to manage issues and crises in the context of organisational strategy. [2.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.2)
- Apply consideration of ethical decision-making to your responses or recommendations. [5.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.2)
- Communicate effectively to appropriate audiences using a suitable genre. [3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
Content
This unit comprises two modules of learning, each centred around a related topic and assessment item. Module 1 introduces students to the practice of public relations in issues management in a corporate setting. In this module, content involves internal processes for issues management, issues management, corporate reputation, relationship management, and sustainability. Module 2 introduces students to crisis communication. In this second module, learning comprises introduction to crisis types and scenarios, ethical decision-making, crisis communication strategies, and organisational and brand trust.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
A number of learning approaches are applied in this unit to support student learning. The theory behind key concepts will be explored and illustrated in class through real world examples of issues and crisis communication in practice. Assessment is designed to reflect real world practice. Student learning is nurtured through cases and exercises, with opportunities to apply creative and critical thinking to current practice methods.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Issue Brief
You are to prepare a written ‘Issue Brief’ that objectively documents the issue, the affected stakeholders, and the organisational impacts. Based on this analysis you will provide a series of short and long term communication recommendations, supported by literature, to respond to the issue and its impacts.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS(1.1), HO(2.1, 2.2), PC(3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Crisis Response Strategy
Students will be given a crisis scenario. Using theoretical frameworks and contemporary sources, students will identify, discuss, and justify an effective crisis response strategy.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS(1.1), HO(2.1, 2.2), PC(3.1), SE(5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Relevant, current readings available through on the unit’s QUT Readings will support student learning in this unit.
Resource Materials
Other
Resource materials include current readings from texts, handbooks, and empirical journals. In addition, a range of industry-based literature will be identified to supplement student knowledge.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Crisis Response Strategy - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy
KC40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Crisis Response Strategy - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Issue Brief, Crisis Response Strategy - Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Issue Brief - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: Crisis Response Strategy