The PRINCE2 Communication Management Strategy contains a description of the means and frequency of communication to parties both internal and external to the project. This strategy facilitates engagement with stakeholders through the establishment of a controlled and bi-directional flow of information. The Communication Management Strategy is typically derived from any corporate communications policies (e.g. rules for disclosure for publicly listed companies) and from any program-level information management strategies, if they exist. It is also impacted by other components of the Project Initiation Documentation, in particular the project management team structure, the Risk Management Strategy, the Quality Management Strategy and the Configuration Management Strategy. Some of its contents are also built using facilitated workshops and informal discussions with stakeholders as well as the results of project stakeholder analysis.
The Communication Management Strategy can take a number of formats including a stand-alone product or a section of the Project Initiation Document (PID). It can be a document, spreadsheet or mind map as well as an entry in a project management tool. The PRINCE2 recommended contents of the Communication Management Strategy for a project include:
When the Communication Management Strategy is complete, check it against the quality criteria to ensure it is complete and correct. The criteria include:
Also remember that for projects that are part of a program, the lines of communication, and the reporting structure between the project and program should have been made clear in the Communication Management Strategy. This document incorporates corporate communications facilities where appropriate (e.g. using the marketing communications department for distributing project bulletins).
Remember, a copy of the PRINCE2 method is required reference material in any project manager’s bookshelf! The method is documented in the OGC publication “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2” which is officially published by TSO. Serious project managers seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills and professional credibility target should consider PRINCE2 certification. Learning Tree offers two excellent certification courses for folks interested in becoming a Certified Practitioner of PRINCE2 or simply starting with the Foundation Certification.