Experiential learning as a tool to enhance Events Management students’ understanding of crisis management

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

    Abstract

    While the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of crisis management as a skill set (Ghaderi et al., 2024; Ghaharian et al., 2021; Liu-Lastres & Cahyanto, 2023), there are a broader range of potential challenges that the events industry face (Devine et al., 2017; Pappas, 2019). These include protests, natural disasters, event failure such as Fyre Festival and cybersecurity threats to both hybrid and in person events (Hall & Amore, 2020; Hoerl & Kelly, 2023; Konstanje et al., 2014; Nagathota et al., 2023) As such event organisers and venues are considering how to enhance their preparedness. This creates a demand for graduates who have both practical skills and personal resilience.

    While it is possible to teach to a structured approach to crisis management in a classroom, the ability to handle an unexpected occurrence lends itself to more experiential approach (Fulton, 2021; Rossetti, 2023). Experiential learning is common in events management education, with many programmes including student lead events as part of the curriculum (Lamb, 2015). In this case, it was decided that a scenario-based simulation run at an active venue would be the best vehicle for allowing students to experience a crisis within a somewhat controlled environment. A professional scenario writer developed the scenario which was then run by the teaching staff along with members of the staff at the venue with the final year Event Management and Sports Management students functioning as the managers.
    The students were surveyed prior to the simulation and again afterwards identifying how their perceptions of the main skills required for managing a crisis changed through the experience. Their initial responses emphasised planning and managing attendee behaviour. After the simulation, the answers were more on interpersonal skills and clarity of team structure.
    This presentation will outline the thinking behind the simulation, a detailed review of the pre and post simulation student responses and how the actual delivery will be enhanced in future years. This is important research to both meet industry needs alongside the benefits for student engagement, enjoyment and networking.



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    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished (VoR) - 3 Jul 2024
    EventAssociation of Event Management Educators Forum 2024: The Value of Events and Events Education - Sheffeild Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
    Duration: 3 Jul 20244 Jul 2024
    https://partner.shu.ac.uk/aeme-forum-2024/

    Conference

    ConferenceAssociation of Event Management Educators Forum 2024
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CitySheffield
    Period3/07/244/07/24
    Internet address

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