Using the stakeholder register and stakeholder analysis that you completed in Week Two, you will complete the stakeholder management plan that serves as the engagement process with different stakeholders during the project. Your stakeholder management plan should consist of the following elements:
Introduction – This section discusses the goals and objectives of the stakeholder management plan for the project.
Identify the stakeholders – This section discusses the methodology that the project team used to identify the stakeholders and how the stakeholders are defined.
Key stakeholders – This section identifies the stakeholders and why they are key stakeholders in the project.
Stakeholder analysis – This section discusses how the project team will analyze the list of stakeholders and how the stakeholders will be categorized.
Engagement strategy – This section focuses on how each stakeholder will be engaged during the project, including the amount of communication, the updates needed, and the importance of the engagement process.
Summary – This section summarizes the entire stakeholder management plan and the final categorization of the stakeholders are noted.
The stakeholder management plan should be in a report format and created in a Word document. The length of the plan will vary depending on how many stakeholders you have identified in your project.
Please use the attachment as guidance
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Stakeholder Management Plan
The stakeholder management plan outlines how you will engage, communicate, and manage relationships with stakeholders throughout the project. It ensures that stakeholders’ needs and expectations are effectively met, fostering strong communication and collaboration throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Step 2: Structure the Stakeholder Management Plan
Your stakeholder management plan will consist of the following sections:
1. Introduction
In this section, explain the goals and objectives of the stakeholder management plan. You’ll want to:
- Define the purpose of the plan. For example, “The goal of the stakeholder management plan is to ensure effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders, addressing their needs and expectations while maintaining positive relationships throughout the project.”
- State objectives such as “Ensure stakeholders are kept informed,” “Address any concerns proactively,” and “Facilitate collaboration for project success.”
2. Identify the Stakeholders
This section describes the methodology used to identify the stakeholders for the project. You’ll need to:
- Discuss the process you followed to create your stakeholder list, such as reviewing the stakeholder register and stakeholder analysis completed earlier.
- Highlight the sources of stakeholder identification, which might include team brainstorming, interviews, project documentation, and any relevant data.
- Define the types of stakeholders (e.g., internal vs. external stakeholders, primary vs. secondary, etc.) and how they are categorized based on their level of involvement, interest, and influence.
3. Key Stakeholders
In this section, identify the key stakeholders in your project. These are the individuals or groups who have the greatest influence or interest in the project’s success. For each key stakeholder, you should:
- Provide a brief description of each stakeholder’s role in the project.
- Explain why they are key stakeholders (e.g., “The project sponsor is a key stakeholder because they provide funding and approve major project decisions.”)
- Categorize stakeholders based on their level of involvement, such as decision-makers, influencers, or support providers.
4. Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder analysis involves categorizing stakeholders based on their interest in the project and the level of influence they have. In this section, you will:
- Discuss the method used to analyze and categorize the stakeholders (e.g., Power/Interest Grid, Salience Model).
- Categorize stakeholders into different groups based on their level of interest and influence, such as:
- High interest, high influence: Keep satisfied and involved regularly (e.g., project sponsors, key customers).
- High interest, low influence: Keep informed and updated (e.g., end users, employees).
- Low interest, high influence: Monitor and update occasionally (e.g., regulatory bodies).
- Low interest, low influence: Minimal communication required (e.g., peripheral or external partners).
5. Engagement Strategy
In this section, focus on how each stakeholder will be engaged during the project. This involves:
- Communication plans: Detail how and how often each stakeholder will be communicated with. For example, weekly meetings, monthly reports, or emails as needed.
- Updates: Define what kind of project updates will be provided and the format (e.g., progress reports, risk management updates).
- Tailored engagement: Adjust the amount and type of communication based on the stakeholder’s level of interest, influence, and involvement. For example:
- High-interest stakeholders may require detailed and frequent updates.
- Low-interest stakeholders may need less frequent, high-level updates.
- Engagement methods: Explain the engagement techniques to be used (e.g., workshops, one-on-one meetings, newsletters).
6. Summary
In the final section, summarize the key points of the stakeholder management plan. This includes:
- Recapping the importance of stakeholder management for the project’s success.
- Highlighting the final categorization of stakeholders (e.g., High, Medium, and Low priority).
- Emphasizing the approach you’ll take to ensure positive engagement and strong communication throughout the project.
Step 3: Finalize the Document
- Ensure clarity: Make sure your report is clear, concise, and well-organized.
- Check formatting: Use headings, bullet points, and numbering to make the document easy to navigate.
- Proofread: Review the document for grammatical errors, and ensure that all stakeholder categories and engagement strategies are well-defined.
Step 4: Submit
Once your stakeholder management plan is complete, save it in a Word document and submit it according to your course’s guidelines.
By following this structure and the steps outlined, you will create a comprehensive and organized stakeholder management plan that ensures successful communication and engagement with stakeholders throughout your project. Good luck!