End Of The Semester

The semester is coming to an end and there is only one more class left. Last class we had an old QU student speak to us about her experience in the industry. Also, she shared with us some information about how facebook and social networks are looked upon when one applies for a job. She told us how she does not have pictures of her getting wasted or saying anything to crazy on her personal page. She says she uses her facebook for both business and fun. Overall, it was very interesting to listen to her speak with us. Moreover, after she spoke with us we had our last test and we handed in our last case. The last test had more essay questions then previous tests. But, I hope it went better than my past tests.

Ch. 10, 11, 12

Last class we went over chapters 10, 11, and 12. When learning about chapter 10 we looked at ethics. Specifically, we learned about corporate ethics and what is legal verse illegal. Also, we compared what is illegal verse unethical. When a person does something illegal jail could be a consequence. Moreover, when something is unethical it is likely that the unethical behavior is frowned or looked down upon. So, illegal behavior leads to more of a harsh punishment then unethical behavior.

We, also, learned what deontolgy and utilitarianism means when dealing with PR. Deontology involves universal guidelines one must follow. However, with utilitarianism the rules don't always matter.

During our class discussion examples were brought up as follows:
-Doc. prescribes marijuana to a patient although it is illegal
-Journalism won't reveal sources although she reported story (goes to jail)
***If you want to be professional sometimes you need to pay the price

Furthermore, when going over chapter 11 we looked at the chaos theory. The chaos theory deals with mathematics, physics, and philosophy. Moreover, it explains certain things that happen in an unknown or hidden pattern to an event that is occurring. An example is sub zero weather.

Chaos theory deals with the unpredictable. With this we can look at nonlinearity, unpredictability, sensitive dependence, and bifurcation.

Lastly, when going over chapter 12 we learned about stakeholders, victims, and crisis management plans for specific events. Also, we looked at the reactive crisis management plan and 3 ways Internet could affect it. In addition, we learned about organization learning and how it is a very important step for a company. Moreover, some other key topics we learned about when looking at chapter 12 included reactive crisis management, internal and external learning, and how the public may be affected by a crisis.

My YouTube Video

Last Class

Last class we had a test on chapters 7, 8, and 9. The first few chapter of our book explained more of an overview of crisis communications. But, these three chapters, in which we just had a test on, started to go into the more meaty part of crisis communications. I thought chapter 9 was very useful to Public Relations majors. This chapter went into "the importance of organizational learning". Specifically, I thought the section entitled "Improving the Crisis Management Process" was very interesting. Some of the key topics discussed in this section were identify problems, reestablish objectives, and redesign process. This section I felt was very easy to read and understand. In addition, I thought the summary and questions at the end of chapter 9 were very useful.

Neutrogena Podcast

Neutrogena- spokesperson

In the past few class meeting we have done activities and picked a spokesperson for QU in case of a crisis. We have looked at QU and we have come up with in groups various crises that could happen at our school. Then we went on to pick out a spokesperson who would be the best fit to speak on behalf of the school regarding the crisis we were discussing. So, I have been trying to figure out who would be a good spokesperson for Neutrogena is they had a crisis. In my opinion, I think that the best spokesperson or people for Neutrogena would probably be the celebrity brand ambassadors. I feel this way because most people listen to celebrities so if they see a celebrity trying to smooth over a problem I feel like the public would be most likely to listen. In chapter 5 of our book it says that it is important to designate a spokesperson who can manage organizational communication with the media. Therefore, if they train one or two of their celebrity ambassadors, I feel like they would be the best to talk to the media.

Podcast

Last class we learned how to make a Podcast. Before last class I did not know how to make a Podcast and what a Podcast really entailed. Moreover, it was interesting to learn about the websites that are used to make a Podcast. The websites we learned how to use were Audacity, LameCodec, and Divshare. We learned how to use these websites in class by actually making a Podcast. We broke up into groups of three and one group of two and we made a script to record. Then we learned how to post the Podcast onto a blog. It was very interesting to learn all of this and I hope when I go to make my own Podcast that I remember what I learned.

Chatter Report

When looking at all of the data I collected throughout February it was hard to pick what to use. I realized that the majority of my Google Alerts were about blog posts. I would have thought that there would be more articles throughout the month about Neutrogena rather than blog posts. But, apparently Neutrogena is a popular topic among bloggers. Moreover, when looking at all my data it was interesting to see how popular Neutrogena is on Facebook. Neutrogena had a specific Facebook page dedicated to the company. Also, there was Facebook pages dedicated to some individual Neutrogena products.

I hope I get a good grade on my Chatter Report!

Tests

I really feel like understand the material for this course... But, when it comes to taking test for this course, for some reason I am really struggling. I did terrible on the two test so far this semester. I am really nervous about my grade in the class. I hope the rest of my cases get good grades and that I receive a good grade on my chatter report. :/

Ch. 4 Strat. Management Process

While studying chapter four, I was able to think more about how Neutrogena may prepare for crisis. It was really interesting to read about the strategic management process. I like how it is broken down into five main steps. In my opinion, all five steps seem equally important in crisis prevention.
When thinking about Neutrogena I am not really sure what kind of crisis the company may encounter. However, maybe they would face a crisis because they did not follow proper government regulations for their products. Neutrogena makes products for skin, hair, and beauty, so they may have some government regulations regarding the products they produce. Government regulations are formed in response to a previous crisis. This would fall under the category of external environment.

Neutrogena- health and fitness

When looking through my google alerts I saw several alerts regarding Neutrogena's foot cream. One alert was connected to the website http://healthandfitnessarticles.us/. This health and fitness website recommends Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream for Dry Rough Feet. Moreover, they even sell 2 ounce tubes through this website and when looking at people's comments on the product they said that the website provides good prices. In addition, people had very positive comments about this product and said that it was really helping their severe dry heels.

This foot cream "provides prompt relief for even seriously dry, rough feet. Especially recommended for dry heels and calluses, this concentrated formula delivers over 17 hours of moisturization with every use. Used daily, it restores skin softness and helps keep the dry patches from coming back. Just a small amount leaves feet feeling noticeably softer and smoother. Concentrated relief for dry rough feet." The other thing that is great about the product is that it is dermatologist tested and made in USA.

I keep getting Google Alerts about the Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove. She is the new face of Neutrogena, and all the talk, regarding the company this week. It seems that the 16-year-old is really looking forward to promoting the Neutrogena product lines. Cosgrove's first ad for the campaign will premiere in early spring. In addition, her new solo album will also come out this spring.
Other Neutrogena beauty icons inclue: "Gabrielle Union, Hayden Panettiere, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Garner, Diane Lane and Emma Roberts as the latest member of the Neutrogena family".

Ch. 3 in relation to Neutrogena

When reading chapter three I thought it was interesting to read about the laws and regulations that affect business operations. Since Neutrogena produces skin care products I am sure they need to follow many rules and regulations to make sure there products are safe. Also, I am sure they need to make sure that they provide a safe and healthy environment for employees. Our book talks about the Occupational Safety and Health Act that was put into act in 1970 this act requires employees to provide a hazard free working environment. I think this act is a great act because it address the unsafe workplaces and makes sure they meet certain standards. Additionally, chapter three goes heavily into talking about crises and industry life cycles. Specifically, I think Neutrogena although following the normal product lifestyle continues to grow. Neutrogena as a company has not really ever declines because the company has constantly produced new products and product lines introducing not only female products but products for men and teens as well. As the book states "competitors within an industry change constantly", but I think that although Neutrogena has many competitors in the skin product industry they have very valuable products that people rely on. Also, their products are moderately priced and they work like they say they do so people continue to use them.

Neutrogena

In the blog I will be focusing on Neutrogena. I will try to apply the information I learn from the textbook and in class discussions to develop crisis communication stragties for Neutrogena. For example, Prof. Laskin explained that a crisis can be caused by an outside or inside error.(deliberate or not) Neutrogena, can potentionally face a crisis from such inside causes such as employees and management. Also, the company can have a crisis due to financial problems internally and maybe even external of the company. In addition, outide causes can also cause a crisis for Neutrogena such as if a consumer or consumers have a problem with a product. For example, if a new product causes irritation or a skin problem to many people it could turn into a crisis for the company. Also, if our country experiences a nation disaster this could in turn hurt the company and maybe cause it a fanancial crisis. It is hard to prepare for a crisis, because you never no what kind of crisis can occur, but hopfully in this class we will learn how to put together some material to prepare for a crisis.

Disclaimer

This is a student blog for a Crisis Communications class at Quinnipiac University. Everything on this blog is written solely for class purposes and does not reflect the views of my professor, other classmates, or university. This blog is for a senior seminar class for public relations majors and is used as a component to a final project. Although the blog will discuss a company of my choice, the blog in no way should represent the company. This blog has nothing to do with the company and the information on the blog should not be viewed by others as an informational resource.