This unit applies to an individual who is clearly and solely responsible for the management and leadership of a complex project, either as an employee of an organisation or an external consultant.

In the context of this unit a complex project is defined as a project which involves:

the need for a comprehensive and multi faceted project plan

the need for a formal internal or external communications strategy

a dedicated and diverse project budget

multiple administrative components

multiple operational components

a wide range of stakeholders

a project operations team.

The functions performed by a program manager to manage communications within multiple projects are addressed in BSBPMG607A Direct communications management of a project program.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan communications processes

1.1. Identify, document and analyse information requirements, with input from stakeholders and guidance from a higher project authority, as the basis for communications planning

1.2. Develop, within delegated authority, an agreed communications management plan to ensure clarity of understanding and achievement of project objectives throughout the project life cycle

1.3. Establish and maintain designated project management information system (PMIS) to ensure the quality, validity, timeliness and integrity of information and communication

2. Manage project information

2.1. Manage the generation, gathering, storage, retrieval, analysis and dissemination of information by project staff and stakeholders within established systems and procedures to aid decision making processes throughout the project life cycle

2.2. Implement, modify, monitor and control designated information validation processes to optimise quality and accuracy of data

2.3. Implement and maintain agreed communication networks between project staff, client and other stakeholders to ensure effective communications at appropriate levels throughout the project life cycle

2.4. Identify communication and information management system problems and report them to a higher project authority

3. Assess communications management outcomes

3.1. Conduct finalisation activities to ensure agreed ownership of, and responsibility for, information collected

3.2. Review project outcomes to determine the effectiveness of management information and communications processes and procedures

3.3. Identify and document lessons learned and recommended improvements, and pass on to higher project authority for application in future projects

Required skills

literacy skills to write reports and communicate key issues

technology skills to facilitate effective communication

organisational skills to manage information

analytical skills to review project outcomes.

Required knowledge

project life cycle and the place of communications within it

project management information systems and their various applications.

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:

development and implementation of a range of project communications that facilitate effective outcomes for multiple complex projects

knowledge of the place of communications within the project life cycle.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to project communication documentation

consideration of feedback from project team members and other stakeholders as to how effectively communication was managed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skill and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of strategies for managing project communications and their application to different situations

analysis of responses in addressing case studies and scenarios which present project communication management issues and problems

observation of performance in role plays which demonstrate communication skills

evaluation of communications management plan

review of identification and reporting of communication and information management system problems.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other units from the Diploma of Project Management.

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.

Delegated authority means that activities may:

be conducted routinely or as changing circumstances dictate

be done independently within broad guidance or by taking the lead of a team

involve consultation with other project members, teams and internal stakeholders

involve the selection, use and supervision of appropriate communications management methods and tools

take into account internal organisational change and external environmental change

Project management information system is a means for communicating knowledge about the project and provides a systematic approach to the storing, searching and retrieval of information relevant to the project and may include:

complex computer-based systems

modified systems to cater for unique project requirements

simple manual systems

Communication networks may include:

client organisation and end users

formal networks

informal networks

organisation's communication networks

specific networks

Unit sector

Management and Leadership - Project Management

This unit contains employability skills.