10.2 Manage Communications

In the Manage Communications process project information is created, disseminated, retrieved, stored and finally disposed or archived. The Communication plan is the blue print for how all this happens. This provides a record of communication and a support for redress for agreements and discussion about the project.  It ultimately becomes part of the organization process assets as these communications may contain plans template, process and feed back to improve future projects.  The Inputs, Tool & Techniques and Outputs for this process are listed in figure 33 below.

Figure 33. Manage Communications: Inputs, Tools & Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p.297. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.

Process Definition

The manage communication process is where the project team ensure all the elements of effect communication take place.  Stakeholder must receive the communication in a format the best portrays the required information in a manner that will be understood and responded to.   Feed back from the receive is essential to the communication process and documentation of both the message and feedback validates the entire process.  Things to consider in managing communication are:

• sender needs
• receivers needs 
• form of communication or media
• meeting format and management
• body language or visual cues
• listening techniques
• Communication facilitation 
• overcoming obstacles

Process Assessment

Communication management is an interactive process that goes beyond presenting information. It requires assurance of message reception, understanding and development of acceptance or buy in.  If a communications isn't accepted or understood it is in effective.  This means over coming objections, not necessary gaining agreement.  After all the facilitation techniques are employed a receive may still not agree with the communication but must accept what has been delivered by those in authority to make those decision, hopefully with a minimum of belligerence.    

Artifacts

Input

The communications plan I've attached to this process is from PMGT501. The project was to build an LEED certified home.  it describes the type of communication and how the process was to take place on the project. see 10.2.1

Tools & Techniques

The blog, from PMGT 502, was to choose two tools of communication and write on how they are used in your work.  I chose to talk about the communication management plan and believe it or the feasibility study.  I'll admit its quite the literary acrobatics to make this work with Air traffic Control but see what you think. see 10.2.2

Output

As I wracked my head to come up with a unique output for communication management. I remembered we had a section in PMGT614 on dash boarding.  Dash boarding is a visual communication tool and the updates are indeed project communications. see 10.2.3