BSBPMG519A
Manage project stakeholder engagement

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage 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 those responsible for managing and leading a project in an organisation, business or as a consultant.

The project manager operates within assigned authority levels, and is responsible for own performance and the performance of others.

The project manager may undertake the work in the context of an organisational program and/or portfolio of projects.

This unit has generic application for projects in a range of industries, organisations and contexts.

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

a comprehensive, detailed and integrated project management plan

a formal communications plan

a dedicated and project-based budget

formal and planned engagement with a wide range of stakeholders

a documented risk, issues and change-management methodology

a quality plan with assurance and control processes

a project team-based environment.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify and address stakeholder interests

1.1 Identify stakeholders relevant to project objectives

1.2 Segment stakeholder interests and determine forms of engagement

1.3 Consider interests of stakeholders when considering and advising on project-management issues

1.4 Identify and implement actions to address differing interests where required

2. Manage effective stakeholder engagement

2.1 Support development of team members’ interpersonal skills in effective stakeholder engagement

2.2 Distribute team work effectively to ensure defined project roles are followed

2.3 Identify and clarify stakeholder behavioural expectations where required

2.4 Openly lead stakeholder performance reviews

2.5 Identify and address individual development needs and opportunities to support stakeholder engagement

3. Manage stakeholder communications

3.1 Determine and document stakeholder communication needs

3.2 Ensure relevant stakeholders agree to communication method, content and timing of engagement

3.3 Communicate information as planned and in line with authority levels, identifying and addressing variances

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to identify and segment stakeholder engagement

interpersonal skills to facilitate stakeholder engagement

leadership skills to facilitate and motivate project teams and other stakeholders

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

stakeholder engagement theory and strategies

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:

developing and implementing stakeholder engagement for a project of sufficient complexity to demonstrate the full range of performance requirements

effective team leadership applied to project team and project stakeholders.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

examples of project-management documentation for stakeholder engagement

records of project team leadership 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 engaging 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.