Articles

The Role of Crisis Communication Channels on Student Engagement During Lecturers’ Industrial Strikes: Evidence from the University of Nairobi

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Effective crisis communication is essential for sustaining stakeholder engagement during periods of institutional disruption such as lecturers’ industrial strikes. However, despite the recurring nature of industrial strikes in Kenyan public universities and the associated crisis communication shortcomings, limited empirical research has examined how crisis communication channels influence student engagement during such crises. This study sought to establish the influence of crisis communication channels on student engagement during lecturers’ industrial strikes at the University of Nairobi. The study was guided by the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and adopted an explanatory mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected from 391 undergraduate students using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 12 key informants comprising student leaders, academic staff, and non-academic staff. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings established that crisis communication channels have a positive and statistically significant influence on student engagement. Communication channels emerged as a key determinant of students’ willingness to remain informed, participate in university processes, and maintain confidence in the institution during industrial strikes. The study concludes that effective crisis communication depends not merely on disseminating information but on providing communication channels that are timely, accessible, interactive, transparent, and responsive to students’ informational needs during industrial disputes. The study recommends that public universities strengthen student-centred communication by institutionalising intercative, two-way communication channels that keep students informed through the crisis cycle, maintain trust, and allow them to seek clarifications and relay feedback.

Enhancing Public Relations (PR) as the Focus of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) for CRG Indonesia

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This study investigates methods to improve Public Relations (PR) within Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) for CRG Indonesia, paying attention to the key challenges encountered in media relations, event management, and community engagement/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Through conducting qualitative analysis and interacting with stakeholders, the research has found that there is a requirement for content which can be tailored to specific locations, a more solid sustainability message, and enhanced digital interaction. The findings show that CRG’s current public relations strategies have to be better aligned with local sensitivities and company goals. The recommended enhancements involve establishing more robust media connections, implementing thorough event organization, and integrating corporate social responsibility initiatives to cultivate community confidence. The implementation plan utilizes digital platforms, establishes explicit CSR objectives, and adheres to a comprehensive timeline based on the AISAS (Attention, Interest, Search, Action, Share) model. This strategy ensures effective involvement and extensive understanding among all parties involved. By implementing such strategies, CRG Indonesia may enhance its prominence, convey its dedication to sustainability, and establish a robust public relations structure that aids both short-term and long-term business goals.

Modular and Phased Approach: Innovative Transition Approach in Developing the First Indonesia’s Green Energy Terminal

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This paper explores the modular and phased approach to developing Indonesia’s first green energy terminal by EHS, a company with extensive experience in energy distribution and logistics. The study emphasizes the benefits of this strategy in managing high capital requirements and uncertain revenue streams. Through qualitative research employing Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), this study identifies the advantages of incremental development and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable and practical outcomes. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing countries facing similar challenges in the energy transition.

A Proposed Measurement Model for Enhancing Strategic Business Transformation Performance

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This research was conducted at PT XYZ, an Indonesian digital telecommunications leader, to address declining profits and increasing competition which threaten its mission to provide reliable and innovative business services. The study aimed to develop a strategic measurement model to enhance business transformation performance. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, collecting qualitative data through in-depth interviews with 7 key individuals and focus group discussions with 6 participants, along with quantitative data from surveys involving 100 internal employees and 100 external stakeholders. This comprehensive approach helped identify several key factors affecting transformation success. Key findings included the necessity of a progressdriven approach with regular strategic alignment checkpoints, a significant gap in organizational capabilities due to insufficient training, lack of stakeholder engagement resulting in minimal buy-in, and the absence of clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) complicating progress tracking and decision-making. To overcome these challenges, the study proposes optimizing resource allocation via a robust management system, investing in ongoing training programs to enhance organizational capabilities, improving stakeholder engagement through continuous communication, and establishing definitive performance metrics and regular evaluation mechanisms. Implementing these strategies could significantly boost PT XYZ’s financial profits, customer satisfaction, and competitive standing in the telecommunications sector.