Assignment:
The assessment for this module takes the form of an individual assignment based on a detailed analysis of an actual crisis that really happened. The crisis is your choice but should be agreed upon with the module leader in advance. However, you should not choose a crisis that has been/will be discussed in class. You will be provided with a list of these restricted crises on day one of the module. You should also provide evidence of wide reading, drawing on a good range of journal articles and other sources when writing the assignment.

Your paper MUST INCLUDE the following format:

Introduction 
a) Provide a very brief overview of your case (where, when, what happened)

b) Explain which theories you will be applying
c) Where you will apply them (which section), and
d) Why these are the best theories to use.

I. Pre-Conditions (600 words)
Crises rarely occur ‘out of the blue’, instead there are usually several warning signs. Discuss the warning signs and why people did not respond adequately in your particular crisis case.

II. Trigger—Only pick one! (300 words)
Discuss the point in time that the crisis kicked off—and why.

III. Crisis (600 words)
Discuss how, when, and why the crisis escalated to produce the greatest damage, critically reviewing the performance of the organization in responding to the crisis.

IV. Post-Crisis (600 words)
Discuss what happened after the acute phase was over; what were the lessons learned to prevent a future crisis event—were they ‘learned’ or ignored post-crisis? Did the organisation change after the crisis?

Summary (200 words)
Consider all phases of your analysis. In sum, what should we have learned from your paper’s analysis and how did the theoretical frameworks you selected help us understand this crisis better.

Module Learning Outcomes:

In this assessment, the following learning outcomes will be covered:
LO 1. Analyse causes of crisis at the individual, group, and systemic levels
LO 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the complexity of leading and managing crises within organizational cultures and established systems.
LO 3. Identify and appraise a range of intervention strategies that may be required to manage crises in today’s complex workplaces.
L0.4 Examine crisis-related organizational emotions—conscious and unconscious—that can undermine the success of leadership efforts
LO 5. Choose and apply the relevant concepts and tools in the analysis of a crisis management case study and identify lessons learned that can be applied to other organizational environments.