Communication can and should be planned and managed in the same way as any other component of a project.
This is what all project managers strive to do:
- Identify potential risks and develop back up plans
- Effectively communicate with all stakeholders
- Ensure quality that meets the expectations of stakeholders
The discipline of Project Management is about providing the tools and techniques that enable project teams (not just the project managers) to organize their work to meet the constraints which are part and parcel of any project. Communication need not be one of those constraints.
Project communication management
Project communication management is about how communication is carried out during the course of the project. Good communication ensures that all stakeholders are regularly kept informed about progress and problems. Project communication management is made up of the following processes:
- Communications planning – determining the information and communication needs of the stakeholders: who needs what information, when will they need it, and how will it be given to them;
- Information distribution – making needed information available to project stakeholders in an accessible and timely manner;
- Performance reporting – collecting and disseminating performance information. This includes status reporting, progress measurement and forecasting;
- Administrative (Project) Closure – generating, gathering, and disseminating information to formalise phase or project completion.