Module: Systematic Emergency Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Systematic Emergency Management
Module Code	MNA1108 (ITS: MT5138)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module will provide programme participants with a comprehensive overview of the systematic approach to emergency management. The module aims to provide students with the tools to identify and assess the variety of hazards which may trigger a major emergency, potential risk mitigation strategies and the incorporation of these risks into the development of emergency plans. Emphasis will be on the principles of developing such plans and the role of training and exercising in testing, validating and maintaining preparedness. Key issues such as planning command and control will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

1. explain the concepts of risk analysis, risk assessment, vulnerability, mitigation and resilience
2. critique the various international approaches which may be used to classify and categorise risks as well as measure risk and their potential impacts in business and society
3. compare and contrast a range of tools for plotting risks and creating relativities
4. determine practical strategies for managing risks, including the development of strategies for mitigation and building organisational and community resilience (emphasis on sustainability)
5. devise and evaluate Major Emergency Plans appropriate to specific organisations and consistent with 'A Framework for Major Emergency Management' and international current practice
6. verify plans using a range of exercising methods
7. apply the principles of training in order to deliver enhanced preparedness.
8. revise, test and implement changes to Major Emergency Plans

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	No Description
Group work	24	No Description
Directed learning	178	No Description
Lecture	48	No Description
Group work	24	No Description
Directed learning	178	No Description
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11098	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gavin Brown	Module Teacher	Caroline Mcmullan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Group Assessment - Critically evaluate each phase of an internationally known major emergency/crisis/disaster	30%	Sem 2 End
Assignment	Individual Written Assignment - Critically assess an emergency management plan. Assessment references how or whether the plan relates to all phases of systematic emergency management.	70%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Risk 1
Introduction and definitions; Models for risk analysis and assessment; The risk assessment process I: Establish context and identify risks

Risk 2
The risk assessment process II: Analysis and assessment of risks; Classification and categorisation of risks and impacts; Recording of potential risks on a matrix

Risk 3
Risk mitigation strategies; Promoting community and critical infrastructure resilience; Establishing a strategic framework for managing risks

Planning 1
Preparing to Respond: Guiding Principles of Emergency Management; Preparing Major Emergency Plans

Planning 2
The Process: Disseminating; Testing; Exercising & Revising Emergency Plans

Planning 3
A systematic approach to staff preparedness; Delivering a Coordinated Response & Recovery.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Damon P. Coppola: 2015, Introduction to International Disaster Management, Butterworth-Heinemann, 760, 9780128017036

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None