In his book “Industrial Megaprojects: Concepts, Strategies, and Practices for Success”, Dr. Edward W. Merrow emphasizes the importance of establishing a communication plan or project charter in large-scale capital projects.
Communications Plan
He recommends the following steps for developing an effective communications plan:
- Identify the stakeholders: Identify all the stakeholders who will be impacted by the project and determine their communication needs and preferences.
- Determine the objectives: Define the objectives of the communication plan, including what information needs to be communicated, how often, and by whom.
- Choose the right channels: Determine the most effective communication channels for each stakeholder group. This could include meetings, reports, emails, or social media.
- Develop a timeline: Create a timeline for communication activities and ensure that it is integrated with the project schedule.
- Assign responsibilities: Assign responsibilities for communication activities to specific individuals or teams to ensure accountability.
- Monitor and evaluate: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the communication plan and make adjustments as needed.
Project Charter
Dr. Merrow also emphasizes the importance of creating a project charter that outlines the purpose, goals, scope, and communication plan for the project. This charter should be reviewed and approved by all stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aligned and committed to the project objectives.
Comprehensive
Overall, Dr. Merrow’s recommendations for establishing a communications plan or project charter involve a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders and ensures that effective communication is an integral part of the project delivery process.
