APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016 Norwegian version

PRK 3676 Bachelor thesis in Campaign Planning

Responsible for the course
Tor Bang

Department
Department of Communication and Culture

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
15

Language of instruction
Norwegian

Introduction
The thesis in PR and Marketing Communication is the capstone course in the Public Relations and Marketing Communication sequence. The thesis is a substantial professional thesis that consists of designing a comprehensive communications campaign for a real-life client based on the scientific approach that ensures informed decision-making grounded in empirical research. The thesis employs a theory to practice model and places emphasis on applied research. Students will be challenged to produce a product that could compete with that of a full-time experienced communication professional. Students will learn the communication planning process, and they will be called on to recall and apply what they have learned in all their previous classes.

Learning outcome
Acquired Knowledge
When finished with this course students will be able to demonstrate an ability to do original research specific for creating an integrated communications campaign that is designed either to inform, influence attitudes or to achieve a desired behavior.

Acquired Skills
Students will:

• Be able to choose and use appropriate basic analytical tools for professional projects
• Be able to integrate theory with practice .
• Develop research skills in the context of a communication campaign.
• Be able to master independent learning.
• Develop knowledge of campaign planning and implementation.
• Be engaged in informed critical and creative thinking.

Prerequisites
Students must have taken all program courses in the PR and Marketing Communication Bachelor's program. Students must also have taken the courses in statistics and methodology.

Compulsory reading
Books:
Smith, Ronald D. 2013. Strategic planning for public relations. 4th ed. Routledge
Stacks, Don W. 2011. Primer of public relations research. 2nd ed. Guilford

Recommended reading
Books:
Ruler, Betteke van, Ana Tkalac Verčič, Dejan Verčič, eds. 2007. Public relations metrics : research and evaluation. Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group
Stacks, Don W. and David Michaelson. 2011. A practitioner's guide to public relations research, measurement and evaluation. Business expert press
Wilson and Ogden. 2015. Strategic Communications Planning for Effective Public Relations and Marketing. 6th Edition. Kendall Hunt.

Course outline
Phase 1: Formative Research
Step 1: Analyzing the situation
Step 2: Analyzing the organization
Step 3: Analyzing the publics

Phase 2: Strategy
Step 4: Establishing goals and objectives
Step 5: Formulating action and response strategies
Step 6: Using effective communications

Phase 3: Tactics
Step 7: Choosing communication tactics
Step 8: Implementing the strategic plan

Phase 4: Evaluative Research
Step 9: Evaluating the strategic plan

Computer-based tools
Statistical program such as SPSS and any other tools necessary for doing qualitative or quantitative analyses.

Learning process and workload
Students will work in groups of 3 to research and plan a communication strategy. Students who can not find a group will be assigned to a group by the lecturer. Students who write a thesis together must be in the same program. Aformal presentation of the campaign to the client may also be requested. Clients may be chosen by the students themselves or from a list compiled by the course faculty. All clients must be approved by the faculty responsible for the course.

Students must have permission from the lecturer to work alone or in groups of less than three.

Advisers will be assigned to the students by the faculty responsible for the course. Students will receive 24 hours lecture on the campaign process and communication research methodologies. See also guidelines for writing a bachelor thesis.

In addition, they receive 8 hours group advising (seminars) with their thesis advisor. Oral presentations are included as part of the seminars. Students are also entitled to maximum 3 hours of personal guidance per thesis. The student is responsible for contacting the advisor for personal guidance.

Guidance is given during the regular thesis term.

Recommended use of hours for students: