Communications

Question 1

The Contents (Role) of the Communication Plan

Answer 1

Who will be communicated with
How - format/ type of communications (formal, informal, written, verbal, non-verbal)
What - content 
(these will be suited to the audience)
When - How often at what point in process
By Whom/what channel
Feedback - what is expected and how
Cost - what will it cost

Question 2

Communications plan benefits

Answer 2

+ Consistency of messaging & co-ordination
+ Costs are allowed for in budget
+ Stakeholder needs understood
+ Stakeholders understand how to engage

Question 3

Barriers to communications

Answer 3

Language
Culture
Environment - noise
Jargon
Time Zones
Distractions

Therefore:

Clear language without jargon
Plan for environment, time etc.
Research audience to understand culture and perception

Question 4

Conflict: causes

Answer 4

Conflict is expected due to nature of project:

• time
• money
• resources
• individuals within team
• users, acceptance
• stakeholders
• need for balance

Question 5

Model: approaches to conflict

Answer 5

Thomas-Killmann Model

Assertiveness vs Co-operativeness

Avoid
Accommodate
Compete
Collaborate - this is ideal (win/win)
Compromise - often the outcome (partial win/win)

Question 6

Negotiation - Types

Answer 6

Formal - redundancy corporate takeover
Informal - within team
Competitive - tendering
Collaborative - joint venture

Question 7

Negotiation - Stages

Answer 7

Identify need for negotiation and develop strategy
Plan and prepare - brief team, research opposition (WIFT) explore (BATNA), consider location, who to negotiate with - authority, agree bottom line.
Meet.
Agree and document the agreement
Follow up and check agreement is in effect

May need to revert to earlier stage