BSBPMG418A - Apply project stakeholder engagement techniques

BSBPMG418A
Apply project stakeholder engagement techniques

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist in managing stakeholder relationships during a project. It involves ensuring the timely and appropriate involvement of key individuals, organisations and groups throughout the project.This unit is adapted from the unit 'PM01 Manage Stakeholder Relationships' found in GAPPS (2007) A Framework for Performance Based Competency Standards for Global Level 1 and 2 Project Managers Sydney: Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards.

Application

This unit applies to a project practitioner working in a project support role.

The individual may be operating in a large or small organisation and applying skills in the context of enterprise projects.

The project practitioner may be part of a project team under the direction of a project manager, or may work as part of a smaller scale self-directed team.

This unit has generic application to a range of industries and organisations and a range of projects, from simple to complex.

In the context of this unit a project is defined as involving:

a practical and comprehensive project plan

a documented communications strategy

a detailed project budget

strategic engagement with stakeholders

a risk, issues and change-management methodology

a quality plan with assurance and control processes

a supportive team-based environment.

The functions performed in project work, where formal project management methodology is not the main focus, are covered by BSBPMG522A Undertake project work.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assist in identifying and addressing stakeholder interests

1.1 Assist in identifying stakeholders relevant to project objectives

1.2 Segment stakeholder interests and assist in determining forms of engagement

1.3 Consider interests of stakeholders when advising on project operations

1.4 Support actions to address differing stakeholder interests where required

2. Actively participate in stakeholder engagement

2.1 Apply interpersonal skills to ensure stakeholder engagement is effective

2.2 Conduct stakeholder engagement in line with agreed defined project roles

2.3 Establish and clarify stakeholder behavioural expectations where required

2.4 Openly engage with stakeholder performance reviews

2.5 Recognise and address development needs and opportunities to support stakeholder engagement

3. Assist stakeholder communications

3.1 Assist in determining and documenting stakeholder communication needs

3.2 Assist in negotiating agreement on project communication method, and content and timing of stakeholder engagement

3.3 Support the communication of information as planned within authority levels, identifying and addressing variances

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to identify and segment stakeholder engagement

interpersonal skills to facilitate stakeholder engagement

teamwork and communication skills to acquire and disseminate relevant project information

technology skills to use software and communication technologies relevant to the industry and project context

writing and media skills to generate project communications content with stakeholders.

Required knowledge

common problems leading to variances in stakeholder engagement

interests and expectations of stakeholders

levels and means of stakeholder engagement in projects

types of project stakeholders.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of the following is essential: identifying and segmenting stakeholders relevant to the project engaging stakeholders using interpersonal skills appropriate to the project context selecting communications methods relevant to the project needs and stakeholder expectations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must ensure access to: examples of project documentation detailing stakeholder engagement records of project team involvement in stakeholder engagement activities.
Method of assessment	A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skill and knowledge. The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit: written reports and examples of stakeholder engagement observation of performance in role plays that demonstrate techniques in stakeholder engagement direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate analysis of responses addressing different project scenarios that present issues and problems in project stakeholder engagement oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of strategies for engagement stakeholders review of stakeholder engagement issues and responses within authorities.
Guidance information for assessment	Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Stakeholders are those whose interests are impacted by the project, and may include:	associated organisations clients community internal and external parties sponsors suppliers team members users.
Interests:	may include: articulated needs expectations expressed or implied preferences requirements may relate to: how the activities of the project are conducted the product of the project.
Forms of engagement may include:	collaborating consulting empowering informing involving.
Interpersonal skills may include:	conflict management dealing with emotions and stress decision making demonstrating sensitivity to diversity issues emotional intelligence leadership modelling desired behaviour negotiating trust building verbal and non-verbal communication.
Roles may include:	accountabilities authorities delegations reporting arrangements responsibilities.
Behavioural expectations may include:	client expectations dealing with differences in: culture ethnic background other personal characteristics of project individuals religion skills organisation performance indicators responding to conflict.
Communication needs may include:	communication method used confidentiality requirements content required cultural differences geographical dispersion privacy and other relevant legislation protocols required approvals.
Communication method may include:	direct and indirect face-to-face discussions interviews large and small meetings forums and workshops use of communications media, including: audiovisual media internet mobile communications newspaper and magazines radio social and business media telephone television.
Variances may include:	incorrect or misleading content missing reports stakeholder complaints untimely distribution.

Sectors

Management and Leadership – Project Management

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.