The discussion on stakeholders went better than expected. Everyone seems to be on the same page. But now, the team is unsure of who should be included as stakeholders in the communication management plan. The team realizes that there are a lot more stakeholders on the project than expected. In addition to the team itself, there are other internal and external stakeholders who must be considered.

Although all of your team members work in the sales and marketing function, they all bring unique skills and experiences to this project. Many have worked in other departments prior to their new role or have duel responsibilities in the company.

“This is a make-or-break project for us at this point,” says Jim. “We have to get it right the first time. If we miss any stakeholders in our communication, it could be devastating to the success of the project.”

Jim turns to you. “I need you to lead the team in conducting a stakeholder analysis. We need to make sure to include all of the stakeholders, their background, contribution to the project, and level of priority to the project communication. You will be working with your four teammates in performing the stakeholder analysis and transferring this information to the project charter for review.”

“Okay,” you say. “Can everyone give me a little bit of background about work experience and education?”

“Sure,” says Jerry Lawson. “I have an MS in Business Management and several IT/PM certifications as well as 6 years with the company.”

“I have a lot of procurement and acquisition experience, but have an engineering background,” says Sara Jenkins. “I earned an MBA and a BS in electrical engineering. I have been with the company for 4 years.”

“I have done business analysis, quality assurance, and risk management, but have a construction background,” says Melissa Grant. “I have an MSM in project management and a BS in electrical engineering as well as 6 years with the company.”

Mike Green, a technician who previously worked in the public relations and marketing department says, “I have done a lot of hands-on electrical work and testing. I earned my MBA in marketing and two undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and IT management. I have been with the company for 5 years.”

“Great, thanks,” you say.

Jim hands you a document, saying, “Here is a project charter, a stakeholder register, and SOW templates for you to use as a guideline.”

After Jim leaves, you and the rest of the team get busy discussing how to conduct a stakeholder analysis and how to justify stakeholders’ inclusion in the project communication. You also begin to review the project background information to develop your SOW.

Assignment

Back at your desk, you write the stakeholder analysis in an essay-style format using MS Word or the stakeholder register template. Notes from your team discussion help you defend your position on the stakeholders’ inclusion. If you use MS Word, your essay should outline who they are to the project, their roles, responsibilities, and positions at the company (internal or external), and their level of influence on the project.

Fill out all of the sections in the given templates with as much information as possible. The goal is to document everything you know and everything others need to know about this project thus far.