7 Jun 2010

Coproduction

OCPR is about communication management, and its core is interaction and building bridges. Organizations need open channels to exchange information with many different stakeholders about products and services but also points of view.

The field has developed much in the last decade and many may wonder who is ahead of the other: the academics researching new trends or, perhaps more likely, the communication experts in practice. I am convinced that new knowledge needs to be developed in cooperation.

OCPR will be most successful when based on a coproduction that involves staff, students and graduates. We can share experience and inspire each other. Our discipline is promising but not yet strong or big enough to maintain a clear identity and position without each others’ help.

Why would OCPR be a coproduction? It is good for graduates that employee organisations understand what the added value of communication is. It is good for the staff to be well connected. And it is good for students to hear experience of graduates.

Let us embrace this idea of a coproduction and enjoy the connections. Isn’t that anyway what our field is about: connectedness,

Marita Vos

29 Mar 2010

Change

Change is in the air. Don’t you feel it? The snow is about to disappear and a new Spring and Summer will come. And also a congress, as 23-24 September we host the international Euprera congress in Jyväskylä. You also can be part of it. You are welcome both days or just Friday when alumni are especially invited.

In the last years the student association Comix has changed its name into Imago. And the staff also has a number of new names. I’m one of these new names, that came to Jyväskylä 3,5 years ago. I had two wishes when I came here. First, creating research projects that strengthen the group. Second, creating stronger ties of the staff with students and alumni. Of course such matters only work when undertaken together.

The first wish was granted when we got a research project about Crisis Communication that provides inspiration for 2 doctoral students and several master students writing a thesis about it. It strengthens our relations with public organizations. We also started a research project about Innovation that is good for business connections.

The second wish is not yet accomplished, but we are on the way. This blog is part of the renewed website of Yhteisoviestintä. The website supports our relations with students and graduates. Much comes together in this virtual space, you see information by the staff, and statements of graduates and students. We can do much when we cooperate.

Yes, change is in the air, and let’s see where it will bring us.
I hope for many inspiring meetings and moments,

Marita Vos