Project Communications
Management Knowledge Area

Overview of
Communications
Management
The required processes that work to utilize the most
effective and efficient communication methods at each
stage or process in the project

Project
Communication
Management
Processes
10.1 Plan Communications
Management
10.2 Manage
communications
10.3 Monitor
communications

Communication
• Communication that occurs among the project team
Internal
Communication
• Communication that occurs as part of the project with those
outside of the project team
External
Communication
• Communication of progress reports, meeting notes, formal
meetings
Formal
Communication
• Ad-hoc communication, emailing, or non-scheduled
communication or discussion
Informal
Communication
• Communication that occurs within the organization between
people on different levels of the organization’s hierarchy
Vertical
Communication
• Communication that occurs among peers within the
organization
Horizontal
Communication

Communication
• Authority to communicate, company sponsored or endorsed
communication
Official
Communication
• Off the record communication, communication not
sanctioned by the company
Unofficial
Communication
• Communication that is written rather than spoken – emails,
instant messaging, company blogs, etc. Communication you
see or read rather than hear
Written
Communication
• Spoken communication, Communication you hear rather than
see.
Oral
Communication
• The tone of voice or infections of the oral communicator
Verbal
Communication
• Communication that involves body language, typically only
displays emotion about a subject
Nonverbal
Communication

Effective Communication
• Active listening
• Question ideas
• Create a learning environment
• Information validation or fact-finding
• Conflict resolution
• Managing expectations
• Negotiation
• Persuasion
• Motivation or encouragement
• Coaching
• Summarizing and identifying next steps

10.1 Plan Communications
Management
Part of the planning process group

10.1 Plan Communications
Management
Performed in the Planning Process Group
Developing the plan for project communication based on
the needs of the stakeholders
Documents the communication approach deemed most
effective during planning

Communication
Technology
Defines how communication will occur
Low technology communication such as in
person or face-to-face
Higher technology communication such as
Internet, desktop conferencing,VR systems
Communication choice
can depend on:
The urgency of the information
The sensitivity of the information
(confidentiality)
Technology availability
Project environment

Communication Model
Encoding
• The thoughts of one
person are encoded or
turned into language by
the sender
Transmit
• The encoded information
is sent using the chosen
method of technology
Decode
• The receiver of the
message translates the
message so they
understand it
Acknowledgement
• The message is received
and is acknowledge
Response
• The receiver encodes their
feedback on the message
and sends it to the original
sender

Methods of
Communication
Interactive
Communication
Multidirectional communication
that allows for the back and forth
communication between
engaged individuals
Back and forth conversation
Push Communication
Communication that is sent, but
no assurance is received that the
communication was decoded
An email, reports, etc directed at
someone who does not need to
acknowledge the communication
Pull Communication
Communication that is stored
and allows for receivers to collect
on-demand
Typically a centralized
communication method that can
include a knowledge base,
repository, blog, or other method
of storing communication that is
not immediately needed and can
be consumed as-needed

Communications
Management Plan
The primary output of the
Plan Communications
Process
Provides which
stakeholder will receive
communication and which
type of communication
The frequency of
communication
Part of the Project
Management Plan

10.2 Manage
Communications
Part of the executing process group

10.2 Manage
Communications
• Performed in the Executing Process
Group
• The process of creating, distributing,
and consuming communication
within the project
• The execution of the Communications
Management Plan

10.3 Monitor
communications
Part of the monitoring & controlling process group

10.3 Monitor communications
• Performed in the Monitoring & Controlling
Process Group
• The monitoring and controlling of
communication in the project to ensure that the
communication plan is being followed or the
communication is adequate for the stakeholders

Sources
A Guide to the Project
Management Body of
Knowledge – PMBOK 6th Edition
https://www.pmi.org/
Joshua Render
https://agile-mercurial.com