The University of Johannesburg goes carefull



Outside the University of Johannesburg
 Bunting Road campus: A prospectus student awaits,
 wondering about the future. (sauce: http://www.google.co.za/)

 It is always intriguing to see how companies and organisations manage their crisis situations or dilemmas. I couldn't help but think of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa read more about UJ. UJ is well-known in South Africa and in other countries, famous for being diverse and having four campuses; it will be hosting an Open Day on 11 and 12 May this year.

As UJ is approaching its' Open Day, my question only lies on how the day will be maintained or controlled. Schools have to book and make an appointment to come visit UJ on Friday; parents also have to make appointments to come visit with their children on Saturday. Open day is a day whereby prospective people or learners come together, ask questions about career fields they are interested in, tour around and learn more about the institution. The institution is basically selling itself to its consumers or customers. It is the best way to market and communicate directly with its' target market.

HOW TO DEAL WITH A CRISIS? HOW?

Now UJ came with a strategy of setting appointments because after this year's stampede read more about stampede, that caused a mother's life, UJ cannot certainly take any chances.

The long queue for applying: Everyone wants to see themselves
studying at a university. (sauce: http://www.google.co.za/)

Is UJ showing that it is responsible enough to handle a big number of people besides the registered students that are already enrolling? The matter might have been handled or be in the process of being solved, read more but a bad image has already been created. Some might even think twice about applying at the University of Johannesburg.

How are companies, organisations or institutions handling their crisis situations? Do they wait for an incident to occur. Are they reactive communicators with the public instead of proactive? -Foreseeing a crisis before it happens. But who is to be blamed though, the department of education, UJ, the late applicants?

This situation goes to show that public relations and communications departments are vital in each and every organisation. Dealing with matters in a way that will benefit both the organisation and the public market or customer has to be dealt with strategically. Internal and external communication should be looked at cautiously no matter how big or small an organisation is.