Communication Technology
Communication technology refers to the tools, systems, and platforms used to transfer information among project stakeholders, ranging from face-to-face meetings to sophisticated digital collaboration platforms.
Explanation
Communication technology encompasses all the tools and media used to facilitate the exchange of project information. These range from simple methods like face-to-face conversations, printed documents, and telephone calls to complex digital platforms such as project management information systems, video conferencing tools, collaborative workspaces, email systems, and instant messaging applications.
Selecting the appropriate communication technology is a key decision during Plan Communications Management. Factors that influence this selection include the urgency of the need for information, the availability and reliability of technology, ease of use for stakeholders, the project environment (co-located versus virtual teams), and the sensitivity or confidentiality of the information. A project with a distributed team across multiple time zones will rely more heavily on asynchronous digital tools, while a co-located team may favor face-to-face communication.
Technology choices should be revisited as the project progresses and conditions change. New stakeholders may have different technology preferences, team composition may shift from co-located to distributed, or new tools may become available. The project manager should also consider the security requirements for the information being transmitted and ensure that the chosen technology supports the required level of confidentiality.
Key Points
- •Includes all tools and platforms used for information exchange
- •Selection depends on urgency, availability, ease of use, environment, and sensitivity
- •Virtual teams require more robust digital communication technology
- •Technology choices should be reviewed and updated throughout the project
Exam Tip
When the exam presents a scenario about choosing communication technology, focus on the factors: urgency, stakeholder availability, sensitivity of information, and whether the team is co-located or distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Communication Methods
Communication methods are the systematic procedures used to transfer information among project stakeholders, classified into three categories: interactive, push, and pull communication.
Plan Communications Management
Plan Communications Management is the process of developing an appropriate approach and plan for project communication activities based on the information needs of each stakeholder or group, available organizational assets, and the needs of the project.
Information Radiators
Information Radiators are highly visible displays of project information placed in prominent locations where the team and stakeholders can easily see them, promoting transparency and communication without requiring active effort.
Manage Communications
Manage Communications is the process of ensuring timely and appropriate collection, creation, distribution, storage, retrieval, management, monitoring, and ultimate disposition of project information.
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