Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUVADM08A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop and manage public relations strategies

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUVADM08A - Develop and manage public relations strategies
Description This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a plan for public relations activities within an organisation. It focuses on the skills and knowledge required by managers, owners/managers of small businesses and marketing personnel. As such the unit does not reflect the depth and breadth of skills required by specialist public relations professionals. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a plan for public relations activities within an organisation. It focuses on the skills and knowledge required by managers, owners/managers of small businesses and marketing personnel. As such the unit does not reflect the depth and breadth of skills required by specialist public relations professionals.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Generate organisational identity consistent with organisation's vision
  • Collect and analyse internal and external information which informs the development of a public relations strategy
  • Review the organisation's core activities, business values and current business direction to identify potential images and messages
  • Identify and consult with key stakeholders in relation to public relations issues
       
Element: Prepare public relations plan or strategy
  • Identify relevant target groups for public relations activities
  • Identify and select strategies which enhance and promote the organisation's identity to the target groups
  • Identify and plan for the range of potential situations and reactions to which the organisation may need to respond
  • Incorporate legal and ethical considerations into the planning process
  • Provide timely opportunities for colleagues to contribute to public relations planning
  • Submit public relations plan for approval where appropriate in accordance with organisational policy
       
Element: Manage the implementation of the public relations plan
  • Define and communicate clearly all priorities, responsibilities, timelines and budgets, involving appropriate colleagues
  • Implement and monitor actions detailed in the plan according to schedule and contingencies
  • Produce public relations reports in accordance with enterprise policy
  • Share public relations information with colleagues to maintain awareness of current organisation direction and priorities
       
Element: Evaluate and review the public relations plan
  • Establish appropriate mechanisms to obtain feedback about public relations activities and strategies
  • Evaluate public relations activities using agreed methods and benchmarks
  • Make adjustments in accordance with feedback and evaluation
  • Communicate and implement agreed changes
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

the public relations context for the organisation, including knowledge of the ways in which similar organisations generate and promote their identity

ways in which public relations links to other aspects of marketing and management

the structure and function of a range of print and electronic media

planning techniques and formats in relation to public relations

formats, features and uses of different public relations resources, e.g. media releases, journalist familiarisations, press kits

legal issues that impact on public relations, e.g. Trade Practices

research and analytical skills to analyse internal and external environments.

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to a range of other management and marketing units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate.

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

development and implementation of a public relations plan for a specific organisation or area of an organisation

detailed knowledge of public relations protocols, resources and activities as relevant to the industry sector.

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the development and implementation of a public relations plans for an organisation/area of an organisation

interaction and collaboration with others to reflect consultation and communication skills within this unit

assessment conducted over a period of time to reflect the ongoing implementation and monitoring aspects of the unit.

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of a public relations plan developed by the candidate

role play or simulation and practical activities for consultation, staff training, media interaction and presentations

development and analysis of case studies

written/verbal reports on public relations plan, negotiation, promotion

hypothetical or problem solving scenarios

questioning and discussion about case studies, plans, strategies

review of portfolios of evidence

third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Resource requirements

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials resources and equipment needed to research public relations campaigns and media opportunities.

Key competencies in this unit

Key competencies are built into all workplace competencies. The table below describes those applicable to this unit. Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment.

Level 1 = Perform

Level 2 = Administer and Manage

Level 3 = Design and Evaluate

Collecting, organising and analysing information (3)

Analysing information to inform the development of the public relations plan.

Communicating ideas and information (3)

Writing a public relations plan.

Planning and organising activities (3)

Planning and scheduling activities within the public relations plan.

Working with others and in teams (3)

Conducting consultations with staff on public relations issues.

Using mathematical ideas and techniques (2)

Estimating costs of PR activities.

Solving problems (3)

Developing a strategy to overcome a negative public reaction to a particular event.

Using technology (2)

Incorporating electronic communication methods into the public relations plan.

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

the public relations context for the organisation, including knowledge of the ways in which similar organisations generate and promote their identity

ways in which public relations links to other aspects of marketing and management

the structure and function of a range of print and electronic media

planning techniques and formats in relation to public relations

formats, features and uses of different public relations resources, e.g. media releases, journalist familiarisations, press kits

legal issues that impact on public relations, e.g. Trade Practices

research and analytical skills to analyse internal and external environments.

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to a range of other management and marketing units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate.

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

development and implementation of a public relations plan for a specific organisation or area of an organisation

detailed knowledge of public relations protocols, resources and activities as relevant to the industry sector.

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the development and implementation of a public relations plans for an organisation/area of an organisation

interaction and collaboration with others to reflect consultation and communication skills within this unit

assessment conducted over a period of time to reflect the ongoing implementation and monitoring aspects of the unit.

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of a public relations plan developed by the candidate

role play or simulation and practical activities for consultation, staff training, media interaction and presentations

development and analysis of case studies

written/verbal reports on public relations plan, negotiation, promotion

hypothetical or problem solving scenarios

questioning and discussion about case studies, plans, strategies

review of portfolios of evidence

third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Resource requirements

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials resources and equipment needed to research public relations campaigns and media opportunities.

Key competencies in this unit

Key competencies are built into all workplace competencies. The table below describes those applicable to this unit. Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment.

Level 1 = Perform

Level 2 = Administer and Manage

Level 3 = Design and Evaluate

Collecting, organising and analysing information (3)

Analysing information to inform the development of the public relations plan.

Communicating ideas and information (3)

Writing a public relations plan.

Planning and organising activities (3)

Planning and scheduling activities within the public relations plan.

Working with others and in teams (3)

Conducting consultations with staff on public relations issues.

Using mathematical ideas and techniques (2)

Estimating costs of PR activities.

Solving problems (3)

Developing a strategy to overcome a negative public reaction to a particular event.

Using technology (2)

Incorporating electronic communication methods into the public relations plan.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Not applicable.

The following explanations identify how this unit may be applied in different workplaces, sectors and circumstances.

Public relations plans and strategies may be for:

a department

an organisation

a single event

a program of events

a specific product or service.

Internal and external information which informs the public relations strategy may include information relating to:

current market conditions

legal environment

business plans

financial plans

marketing plans

competitor organisations

government activities

community activities

current trends/developments in the relevant industry context.

Key stakeholders may include:

staff

patrons, visitors

funders, sponsors

promoters

representatives from boards and committees associated with organisation.

Images and messages may include:

nature of products and services, e.g. performances, exhibitions, sale

stylistic direction, e.g. innovative, contemporary, classical, folk, indigenous, international

service provision, e.g. hours of operation, range of facilities, services, access

relationship to public, e.g. leading edge, responsive

track record of organisation

operational style, e.g. efficiency, probity, ethical, fair, responsive

visual identity, e.g. logo, signage, public appearance, colour.

Target groups may include:

staff, volunteers

patrons, sponsors, funders

visitors, audiences

suppliers, vendors, related businesses

media representatives, e.g. journalists, editors, producers, directors

event organisers

promoters.

Strategies and activities may relate to:

signage, banners

logos

media materials, e.g. press releases, articles, reviews

direct advertising

planned activities, e.g. launches, openings, guest appearances, charitable support, cocktail parties

gifts

membership and loyalty programs

sponsorship.

Potential situations may include:

unprecedented or overwhelming support/attendance

capitalising on favourable publicity

responding to unforeseen operational issues, e.g. accidents, shortages

minimising the impact of any unfavourable press.

Legal and ethical considerations may relate to:

legislation

codes of practice

cultural expectations and influences

social responsibilities.

Feedback mechanisms may include:

consultation with colleagues

direct questioning

media monitoring

measurements of level of support, e.g. attendance, sponsorship, patronage

formal/written feedback.

The following explanations identify how this unit may be applied in different workplaces, sectors and circumstances.

Public relations plans and strategies may be for:

a department

an organisation

a single event

a program of events

a specific product or service.

Internal and external information which informs the public relations strategy may include information relating to:

current market conditions

legal environment

business plans

financial plans

marketing plans

competitor organisations

government activities

community activities

current trends/developments in the relevant industry context.

Key stakeholders may include:

staff

patrons, visitors

funders, sponsors

promoters

representatives from boards and committees associated with organisation.

Images and messages may include:

nature of products and services, e.g. performances, exhibitions, sale

stylistic direction, e.g. innovative, contemporary, classical, folk, indigenous, international

service provision, e.g. hours of operation, range of facilities, services, access

relationship to public, e.g. leading edge, responsive

track record of organisation

operational style, e.g. efficiency, probity, ethical, fair, responsive

visual identity, e.g. logo, signage, public appearance, colour.

Target groups may include:

staff, volunteers

patrons, sponsors, funders

visitors, audiences

suppliers, vendors, related businesses

media representatives, e.g. journalists, editors, producers, directors

event organisers

promoters.

Strategies and activities may relate to:

signage, banners

logos

media materials, e.g. press releases, articles, reviews

direct advertising

planned activities, e.g. launches, openings, guest appearances, charitable support, cocktail parties

gifts

membership and loyalty programs

sponsorship.

Potential situations may include:

unprecedented or overwhelming support/attendance

capitalising on favourable publicity

responding to unforeseen operational issues, e.g. accidents, shortages

minimising the impact of any unfavourable press.

Legal and ethical considerations may relate to:

legislation

codes of practice

cultural expectations and influences

social responsibilities.

Feedback mechanisms may include:

consultation with colleagues

direct questioning

media monitoring

measurements of level of support, e.g. attendance, sponsorship, patronage

formal/written feedback.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Collect and analyse internal and external information which informs the development of a public relations strategy 
Review the organisation's core activities, business values and current business direction to identify potential images and messages 
Identify and consult with key stakeholders in relation to public relations issues 
Identify relevant target groups for public relations activities 
Identify and select strategies which enhance and promote the organisation's identity to the target groups 
Identify and plan for the range of potential situations and reactions to which the organisation may need to respond 
Incorporate legal and ethical considerations into the planning process 
Provide timely opportunities for colleagues to contribute to public relations planning 
Submit public relations plan for approval where appropriate in accordance with organisational policy 
Define and communicate clearly all priorities, responsibilities, timelines and budgets, involving appropriate colleagues 
Implement and monitor actions detailed in the plan according to schedule and contingencies 
Produce public relations reports in accordance with enterprise policy 
Share public relations information with colleagues to maintain awareness of current organisation direction and priorities 
Establish appropriate mechanisms to obtain feedback about public relations activities and strategies 
Evaluate public relations activities using agreed methods and benchmarks 
Make adjustments in accordance with feedback and evaluation 
Communicate and implement agreed changes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUVADM08A - Develop and manage public relations strategies
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUVADM08A - Develop and manage public relations strategies

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: