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COMM-B405

Communication interne

academic year
2026-2027

Course teacher(s)

Chelly Maes (Coordinator)

ECTS credits

5

Language(s) of instruction

english, french

Course content

The course combines an academic approach to internal communication with professional practices of strategic planning and applied case work. The course is taught by Professor Chelly Maes.

The sessions alternate between theoretical frameworks of internal communication, taught by Prof. Maes, and practical exercises in which students work on concrete cases and present their solutions. Topics discussed include, amongst others, the strategic role of leaders and audience segmentation, internal social media and digital communication channels, employee advocacy, voice, and well-being, as well as internal crisis and change communication.

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

  • Understand the foundations of internal communication
  • Apply digital tools in internal communication
  • Foster employee engagement and well-being
  • Develop strategies for organizational change and crisis contexts
  • Analyze and evaluate communication strategies

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course is organized around three learning cycles, each consisting of a theory session, a practical exercise, and student presentations.

Theory sessions (taught by Prof. Chelly Maes) introduce key frameworks and scholarly insights on internal communication. Each provides the academic background necessary to analyze real-world cases.

Exercise sessions are designed to bridge theory and practice. Students work in small groups on concrete questions and challenges, such as designing an internal social media campaign.

Presentation sessions allow students to pitch their solutions in class. Each group presents its work.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Relevant academic texts and handbook chapters will be uploaded through Université Virtuelle.

Course notes

  • Université virtuelle

Other information

Contacts

Chelly MAES (chelly.maes@ulb.be)

Campus

Solbosch

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

  • written examination
  • Group work
  • Oral presentation

written examination

  • Open question with short answer

Group work

Oral presentation

Student performance will be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and a final written exam. The evaluation is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application and teamwork.

Group presentations (40% or 8 points out of 20)
Students work in groups to develop solutions during the exercise sessions and present their work in class. The grade reflects both the quality of the proposed solution (analysis, creativity, feasibility) and the clarity of the presentation.

Written exam (50% or 10 points out of 20)
At the end of the course, students complete an individual written exam covering the theoretical frameworks, concepts, and key issues discussed in lectures and readings. The exam assesses comprehension, critical reflection, and the ability to apply theory to cases.

Attendance and active participation (10% or 2 points out of 20)
Active presence during exercise and presentation sessions is required.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Final exam (50%)

Group presentations (40%)

Continuous control (10%)

Language(s) of evaluation

  • french
  • (if applicable english )

Programmes