Assessment Item 1

Description/Focus: You are required to submit an essay of not more than 2000 words on the use of social media in a crisis situation

Value: 30 %

Due date: Midnight Friday week 7

Length: 2000 words

Task: Imagine you are an assistant manager of an organisation and suddenly you are faced with a critical situation: a man enters your premises with a weapon. As your boss is away on vacation you are the acting manager on
duty and are responsible for responding to the situation. While this is unfolding a young intern of yours tweets your boss, declaring- ‘OMG there is a man with a gun!’

Critically analyse the use of social media as a communication medium in a crisis situation. Should social media be included in a business communication plan? In what ways can social media be used in a positive and negative way in a crisis situation?

Presentation: Assignments are to be typed with 1.5 line spacing and Arial 12 font. Any references or content in the appendix will not be counted towards the word limit of 2000. Consult rubric online.