Monitor Communications
Monitor Communications is the process of ensuring the information needs of the project and its stakeholders are met by evaluating the effectiveness of project communication activities.
Explanation
Monitor Communications belongs to the Monitoring and Controlling process group within the Communications Management knowledge area. This process determines whether the communication artifacts and activities defined in the communications management plan are having the desired effect on stakeholders. It assesses whether the right stakeholders are receiving the right information at the right time and in the right format.
Inputs include the project management plan (specifically the communications management plan and stakeholder engagement plan), project communications, issue logs, work performance data, and organizational process assets. Tools and techniques include expert judgment, the project management information system, data representation such as stakeholder engagement assessment matrices, interpersonal and team skills, and meetings. Outputs are work performance information, change requests, and updates to the project management plan and project documents.
When monitoring reveals communication gaps or inefficiencies, the project manager should initiate corrective actions. This might include changing communication frequency, switching communication methods, targeting different stakeholders, or modifying the level of detail in reports. Continuous monitoring ensures that the communications approach remains aligned with evolving stakeholder needs and project conditions.
Key Points
- •Belongs to the Monitoring and Controlling process group
- •Evaluates whether communications are meeting stakeholder information needs
- •May generate change requests to update the communications management plan
- •Uses work performance data to assess communication effectiveness
Exam Tip
If stakeholders complain about not getting enough information or getting too much, the appropriate process to address this is Monitor Communications, which evaluates and adjusts the approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
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.
Communications Management Plan
The communications management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how project communications will be planned, structured, implemented, and monitored for effectiveness.
Stakeholder Communication Requirements
Stakeholder communication requirements define the information needs of each stakeholder or stakeholder group, including what information they need, when they need it, how it should be delivered, and who is responsible for providing it.
Feedback in Communication
Feedback is the response from the receiver back to the sender that indicates whether the message was received, understood, and interpreted as intended.
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