PMP Certification: Manage Communications (based on PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition)

— (updated )
  • WHAT Manage Communications Is. Manage Communications implies executing the tasks defined in the communications management plan to gather the project information, distribute it to the stakeholders in a timely manner, and, finally, store it. Moreover, a project manager uses the Manage Communications process to answer the stakeholders’ requests for additional information or clarification of information.
  • WHY Manage Communications Is Important. Most of the communications critical for a smooth and successful running of any project take place in the Manage Communications process.
  • WHEN Manage Communications Is Executed. Project manager and stakeholders communicate throughout the entire project lifecycle.
  • HOW Manage Communications Operates.

Project Communications Management (by Process Groups) — PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition Update

Plan Communications Management

Manage Communications

Monitor Communications

Click here for a detailed analysis of each project management process group and knowledge area.

pmp 2018 manage communications pmbok guide 6th edition main tipsographic

Manage Communications 101

What Does Manage Communications Involve and When Do You Perform It in a Project Life Cycle?

  • WHAT Manage Communications Is. Manage Communications implies executing the tasks defined in the communications management plan to gather the project information, distribute it to the stakeholders in a timely manner, and, finally, store it. Moreover, a project manager uses the Manage Communications process to answer the stakeholders’ requests for additional information or clarification of information.
  • WHY Manage Communications Is Important. Most of the communications critical for a smooth and successful running of any project take place in the Manage Communications process.
  • WHEN Manage Communications Is Executed. Project manager and stakeholders communicate throughout the entire project lifecycle.
  • HOW Manage Communications Operates.
InputsTools and techniquesOutputs
  1. Project management plan
    • Resource management plan
    • Communications management plan
    • Stakeholder engagement plan
  2. Project documents
    • Change log
    • Issue log
    • Lessons learned register
    • Quality report
    • Risk report
    • Stakeholder register
  3. Work performance reports
  4. Enterprise environmental factors
  5. Organizational process assets
  1. Communication technology
  2. Communication methods
  3. Communication skills
    • Communication competence
    • Feedback
    • Nonverbal
    • Presentations
  4. Project management information system
  5. Project reporting
  6. Interpersonal and team skills
    • Active listening
    • Conflict management
    • Cultural awareness
    • Meeting management
    • Networking
    • Political awareness
  7. Meetings
  1. Project communications
  2. Project management plan updates
    • Communications management plan
    • Stakeholder engagement plan
  3. Project documents updates
    • Issue log
    • Lessons learned register
    • Project schedule
    • Risk register
    • Stakeholder register
  4. Organizational process assets updates

Source: PMBOK® Guide, 6th ed., Chapter 10, section 10.2, p. 379.

Manage Communications Key Terms

project management professional certification 2018 kit free online course tipsographicWhat Are the Key Terms to Fully Understand the Process of Managing Communications?

  • Information Management Systems. A tool for managing, storing, and distributing project information in a standardized way, be it in hard copy form – more and more obsolete – or electronic form – e.g., email, websites, or project management software, the new standard for project communication.
  • Nonverbal Communication. The gestures, facial expressions, and physical appearance of a person while communicating a message verbally.
  • Performance Reporting. A specific type of communication that, after collecting and analyzing information on the project baselines and the actual results and comparing the variances, distributes the resulting reports on project status to stakeholders.
  • Project Communications. The output from the Manage Communications process that includes the actual information created, stored, and distributed by the project – such as status reports, presentations, e-mails, lessons learned, and so forth.

Manage Communications Tips

What Are the Best Tips to Answer Correctly the PMP Certification Exam Questions on Manage Communications Process?

  • Active Listening. It occurs during verbal communication when a project manager or a stakeholder give feedbacks to the speaking counterpart.
  • Control Over Communication Artifacts. A project manager should be in control of the whole communications process, rather than of every communication artifact, i.e., presentations, reports, or texting.
  • Types of Communication. Four main types of communication for the PMP exam:
    • formal written – e.g., reports
    • informal written – e.g., texting
    • formal verbal – e.g., presentations
    • informal verbal – e.g., brainstorming.

Click here for a detailed analysis of each project management process group and knowledge area.

SOURCES: Project Management Institute (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). 6th ed. Newtown Square: Project Management Institute.

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