Decisionmaking in Emergencies (SAM530)

Content

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th for the autumn semester.

The course will focus particularly on the following:

• What crisis management is and how principles for effective crisis management can be established
• The factors that influence the decision-making process in operative, tactical and strategic crisis management
• How decisions are made at an accident site and during strategic crisis management
• Team work and co-operation during crisis situations
• The roles of traditional and new media and legitimate interests during a crisis and the resultant challenges to the decision-making process
• Dealing with the media during a crisis situation
• How policies influence management and how decisions work politically during a crisis situation

The course is based on a broad range of literature that highlights theories about decisions at an accident site, the relationship between crisis management and the media, and the political dimensions of crises.

Learning outcome

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the following knowledge, skills and general competencies:

Knowledge:

The student should:

• Be aware of and understand how decisions are made during a crisis, at an accident site, within crisis management and with relation to staff
• Be prepared and able to participate in crisis management/as a member of staff and also have an understanding of what affects decision-making during times of uncertainty and the consequences that different types of decisions may have in a crisis situation
• Have knowledge about central characteristics of different crisis situations and the challenges these create for decision makers
• Have knowledge of different phases of crisis management at a political/strategic level and how decisions are normally made
• Have knowledge of how the media works and can influence decisions and the challenges that ensue for those managing a crisis
• Have knowledge of how group dynamics and stress can affect decision-making

Skills:

The student should have gained skills in:

• Being able to analyse decisions in crisis situations
• Being able to deal with information during a crisis situation
• Consider crisis management in conjunction with responsibilities and governance

General competencies:

The student should:

• Have general competency in relation to how a crisis develops and challenges to the decision-making process, particularly challenges and dilemmas that are encountered in crisis communication
• Be able to give a broad overview of relevant theories that can explain how decisions are made during a crisis

Required prerequisite knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

- Knowledge of central terms such as risk, societal safety, robustness, vulnerability and uncertainty

- Knowledge of crisis and crisis management theories

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Head of Department:

Method of work

Practice

Open for

Course assessment

Literature