Module Details

Module Code: MGMT9063
Title: Communications & Cybersecurity
Long Title: Communications & Cybersecurity
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3450 - Business & Management
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: Students who complete this module will understand the importance of communication with particular focus on crisis communication related to technical and cyber challenges. The module explores how to manage internal communications and how to channel external communications to appropriate audiences. The tasks and processes carried out by the Cybersecurity team need to have management and employee buy in if they are to be successful. In particular, there often exists a disconnect between the languages spoken by cybersecurity professionals and a company's senior executives and board.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Strategise internal and external communications in the context of emerging and ongoing cyber-security crises while managing engagement with the C-suite.
LO2 Develop internal communications plans that allow implementation of protocols in a speedy and effective manner.
LO3 Synthesise the ethical, business and social aspects of communicating technology-centred concepts for a non-technical audience while demonstrating understanding of cyber-security concepts.
LO4 Evaluate the overarching aspects of public relations (PR) for technology oriented businesses, reflecting the general principles of effective external communication.
LO5 Design the implementation of a communications crisis management plan that links internal and external communication conscious of cyber-contingency strategy within business needs.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Cyber-security Concepts
Data protection concepts, legal and ethical aspects, overviews of security technologies,threats, threat types and vulnerabilities and their impact, identity and access management concepts. Internet of things, quantum computing, user behaviour, artificial intelligence.
Business Communication
Definitions, effective methods of communication, channels of communication, communication strategy, digital communication, communication with the C-suite.
Internal Communication
Types of internal communication, internal communication plans, internal communication strategies, business continuity plans, internal communication in a crisis.
Public Relations
Definitions, the need for PR. how PR is managed, PR in a crisis, reputation and reputation management, agencies, managing stakeholder expectations, dialogue control, media management and engagement.
Crisis Management
Communication in a crisis, business ethics, initiating communication in short time frames, facilitating two-way communication with clients and customers, the language of cybersecurity awareness. Structuring communications during crisis events such as a data breach.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Develop an internal communications protocol for a client to be deployed in a cyber crisis.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Develop a PR Strategy that facilitates effective external communication in technology-centred crises.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures covering indicative content Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Support for communication practice Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures covering indicative content Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Support for communication practice Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • L. Austin, Y. Jin. (2017), Social Media and Crisis Communication Paperback, 1. Routledge, London, [ISBN: 1138812005].
  • Joep P. Cornelissen. (2017), Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice, 2. London, [ISBN: 1473953693].
  • Dennis L. Wilcox , Glen T. Cameron, Bryan H. Reber. (2015), Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics, Global Edition, 11. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780205960644].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • R. Dolphin. (2007), Internal Communications: Today's Strategic Imperative, Journal of Marketing Communication, 11.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KCYMN_9 Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management 2 Group Elective 2
CR_KINDD_9 Master of Science in Technical Communication 3 Elective
CR_KCYMT_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity Management 2 Group Elective 2
CR_KIDDE_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Technical Communication 3 Elective