Syllabus

Title
6127 Strategic Communication Management
Instructors
Laura Hackl, B.A.,M.A., Univ.Prof. Dr. Jens Seiffert-Brockmann, M.A.
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/01/23 to 02/28/23
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
This class is only offered in summer semesters.
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Monday 03/13/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 03/20/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 03/27/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 04/17/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 04/24/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 05/08/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 05/15/23 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.04
Monday 05/22/23 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM D2.0.326
Contents

Creating value is one of the core tenets of every succesful enterprise. As a professional organizational function, corporate communications need to contribute to value creation by applying communication strategically, that is in a purposeful way that helps the organization achieving its goals. The core content of this course will thus be the question, how communications contribute to corporate value creation. Volk et al. have suggested that corporate communications can be an important driver of a succesful business, if they enable organizational operations, build intangibles, ensure flexibility and adjust strategy according to the circumstances. To tackle these major areas, the seminar will also consider storytelling as a strategic tool, the alignment of communication and strategy, the makeup of value creating comms units, based on foundational literature on values and strategic communication. All of this will be considered against the background of practical examples that highlight how communications can be managed and steered.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes will be as follows:

  • The students will learn to design corporate communications with regard to the four tenets of value creation:
    • Enabling Operations
    • Building tangibles
    • Ensuring flexibility
    • Adjusting Strategy
  • A thorough understanding of the challenges that arise in the field of corporate communications
  • Prepare students for managing and leadership roles
  • Learn to align strategy with communications
  • Develop hypothetical solutions to communication challenges
  • The students will be able to abstract a complex problem and fit it into a communication design
  • Understand the organizational logics of corporate communications departments
Attendance requirements

Attendance is mandatory. Students can miss one session without good cause.

Teaching/learning method(s)

The course is a mix of the following components:

  • introduction lectures on strategic communication, values and corporate storytelling
  • reading, presentation and discussion of core research papers in the field of strategic communication
  • design of communication functions in a fictitious company
Assessment

Assessment will comprise the following elements:

  • Group presentation and discussion, and a written review (800 words max.) of one core paper in the field of strategic communication (20%)
  • Design and presentation (oral and written) of an "ideal" comms department with regard to the four tenets of value creation through communication (40%)
  • Seminar thesis on one of the 12 aspects of communication value creation (40%)
Readings

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Last edited: 2023-02-07



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