Integrated operations IV: Management of the unpredictable

Importance of crisis management

Risk management versus crisis management

Strategic planning and issues management

Signal detection and issues communication

Restraints on issues communication

Crisis prevention and/or preparation

Issues management and crisis communication

Post crisis concerns - contaiment and recovery

Corporate responsibility

New research directions (e.g. resilience engineering)

The course is introducing the Issues Management and the Crisis Management processes as continuing processes after executing a Risk Management process as presented in the course Integrated Operations II: Risk Management. It is recommended, but not mandatory, to take that course before this course.

Learning outcome

has advanced knowledge within the academic field of issues and crisis management and specialized insight into heuristics and decision making under stress

has extensive knowledge regarding signal detection, subsequent crisis prevention and/or crisis preparation

has extensive knowledge about risk, issues and crisis communication

has extensive knowledge about post crisis concerns, including containment and recovery

can analyze academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field of issues ans crisis management


can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments within issues and crisis management

can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field of issues and crisis management and work independently on practical and theoretical problems

can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development work in an independent matter

can carry our an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics



can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems

can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects

can communicate extensive independent work and terminology of the academic field of issues and crisis management

can communicate about academic issues, analyzes and conclusions in the field of issues and crisis management, both with specialists and the general public

can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes within issues and crisis management

will have the knowledge to be able to help their organization be proactive and, if not avoid crises, then at least anticipate and prepare for them

Lectures, individual and group exercises (some to be presented in class), and extensive use of simulations (table-top and in simulators) to ensure a thorough understanding of how the theory can be applied in realistic situations.  

Mandatory assignment:

Each group is required to present 1 - 2 group exercises. Students are expected to be present minimum 80% of the time meant for group exercises.