PRK 3676 Bachelor thesis in Campaign Planning

PRK 3676 Bachelor thesis in Campaign Planning

Course code: 
PRK 3676
Department: 
Communication and Culture
Credits: 
15
Course coordinator: 
Tor Bang
Course name in Norwegian: 
Bacheloroppgave i kampanjeplanlegging
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
Bachelor of PR and Market Communication  - Programme Courses
Semester: 
2018 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
Norwegian
Course type: 
One semester
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 outcomes - 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.
Learning outcomes - 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.
Learning Outcome - Reflection

Students will understand that writing a successful dissertation can be challenging but at the same time it can also be a way for students to get deeper insight into applied research and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Course content
  • Literary review
  • Background
  • Situation analysis
  • Strategy: goals and objectives
  • Big ideas and creativity
  • Key publics
  • Messages, strategy and tactics
  • Calendaring and budgeting
  • Implementation
  • Communications measurement and evaluation
Learning process and requirements to students

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. A formal 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. 

Bachelor thesis to be submitted by a given deadline. Students who have not participated in the seminars can be called to do an oral presentation of the completed thesis.

Software tools
SAS - JMP
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Required prerequisite knowledge

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.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Weight: 
100
Grouping: 
Group/Individual (1 - 3)
Duration: 
1 Semester(s)
Exam code: 
PRK36761
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination when next scheduled course
Exam organisation: 
Ordinary examination
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
32 Hour(s)
Forelesninger (24) og seminarer (8).
Prepare for teaching
40 Hour(s)
Submission(s)
243 Hour(s)
Counselling
3 Hour(s)
Group work / Assignments
80 Hour(s)
Other in classroom
2 Hour(s)
Library information.
Sum workload: 
400

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 15 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 400 hours.