Process Definition

Plan communications management is the establishment of the how the project management team will communicate with each stakeholder.  This process includes the identification of each stakeholder, the information each stakeholder requires, and the method of delivery.  In short, it is the plan of how project management will ensure the stakeholder's information needs. 

Figure 20. Plan Communications Management: Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p. 289. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.

Process Assessment 

This process may begin once the establishment of the Project Management Plan (4.2) and Identify Stakeholders (13.1) are complete.  The initial process of identifying stakeholders should also take into account the needs of each stakeholder, and naturally the communication requirement(s) to satisfy those needs.  By establishing a well thought out communication management plan, project management can effectively communicate any issue that might arise, or is on the verge of occurring, to help mitigate any impact on the project scope, cost, or timeline.

 ARTIFACTS

1. Kitchen Remodel Communications Plan: This PMGT 502 Group Project established a communications plan as an output to the Plan Communications Management Process.
2. Communications Tools Blog: This PMGT 502 WBS 8.2 Blog discusses communications tools, as a tool and technique, that are available to project management.
3. Kerzner Case Study:  This PMGT 502 case study analyzed meets held by Kerzner staff, as a tool and technique to the Plan Communications Management Process.