PJM6210 - Group 1 - Group Assignment 2 - Communication Plan
PJM6210 - Group 1 - Group Assignment 2 - Communication Plan
Prepared by:
Gaurav Prakash Salvi
Keerthana Eega
Joanna Adeoye
December 6, 2023
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 1
Table of Contents
Communication Plan Purpose/Scope ............................................................................................................. 2
Communication Plan Execution Process ....................................................................................................... 3
Communication Matrix ................................................................................................................................... 4
Meeting Guidelines .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Presentation Guidelines: ................................................................................................................................. 8
Project Status, Risks, Action Items Templates: ............................................................................................ 9
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
References ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 2
1. Phase 1 - Evaluation of First and Second-Level Calls: During this initial stage, we will initiate
a 60-day trial program within a designated district. The primary goals are to:
a. Differentiate each support call as either first or second-level assistance.
b. Analyze call statistics to assess the viability of the project.
c. Gather essential data for measuring success and informing future initiatives.
d. Conclude the trial program by March.
2. Phases 2 and 3 Implementation: Subsequent phases will witness a gradual expansion,
incorporating additional retail locations while ensuring manageable workloads for call agents.
Building upon insights obtained in Phase 1, the objective is to actively involve every business in
the process.
• Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Within the project's scope, endeavors will be undertaken to:
1. Streamline the call-handling process for all stores.
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 3
• Store Repair Support and Store Operations Support Representatives: To represent the
interests and concerns of the support teams impacted by the changes.
3. Create a Communication Matrix:
The Communication Matrix outlines the key aspects of communication, including target audiences,
communication channels, and frequency. It will be a dynamic document, regularly updated to adapt to
the evolving needs of the project.
Communication Matrix
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 5
Meeting Guidelines
1. Introduction and Roll Call:
• Start meetings with a brief roll call, allowing participants to introduce themselves and state their
roles.
• Encourage a brief personal or professional update to foster team connection.
2. Agenda and Document Distribution:
• Distribute meeting agendas in advance to provide participants with a clear understanding of the
discussion topics.
• Share relevant documents ahead of time to facilitate preparedness and informed contributions.
3. Preparation Based on Personality Styles:
• Recognize diverse personality styles within the team and encourage varied preparation methods.
• Tailor communication styles to accommodate different preferences, such as providing written
materials for those who prefer detailed information.
4. Meeting Minutes and Action Items:
• Commit to sending meeting minutes and action items promptly after each session, preferably within
24 hours.
• Clearly outline responsibilities and deadlines for action items to maintain accountability.
5. Virtual Meeting Guidelines:
• Set expectations for participants to join virtual meetings a few minutes early to ensure a timely start.
• Enforce a no-noise policy during virtual sessions to minimize distractions.
• Encourage the use of professional avatars or profile pictures for clear identification.
6. Engagement and Participation:
• Facilitate an inclusive environment that encourages active participation from all team members.
• Employ techniques to engage quieter team members, such as asking for input directly or utilizing
breakout sessions.
7. Time Management:
• Adhere to designated timeframes for each agenda item to respect participants' schedules.
• Implement timekeeping measures, like a visible countdown, to ensure meetings stay on track.
8. Decision-Making Process:
• Clearly define the decision-making process, whether by consensus, majority vote, or designated
leadership decisions.
• Encourage open dialogue but ensure decisions align with the project's goals and objectives.
9. Feedback Mechanisms:
• Establish regular opportunities for feedback on meeting processes and content.
• Encourage constructive criticism and suggestions for continuous improvement.
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 8
Presentation Guidelines:
When creating reports for external stakeholders, vendors, or management, it's important to consider a few
rules to make sure the presentation meets the expectations of the audience and successfully communicates the
desired message:
1. Clarity and Simplicity: Provide information in an understandable, brief way. Speak clearly, stay away
from technical terms, and clarify difficult ideas as needed. Graphs, charts, and other visual aids help
to improve understanding.
2. Relevance to the Audience: Adapt the material to the needs and interests of the audience. Emphasize
important details that are directly related to their goals or worries.
3. Organization and Structure: Stick to a rational framework. To arrange information, use bullet points,
subheadings, and headings. Introduce the topic, highlight the main conclusions or goals, and offer any
actionable advice at the end.
4. Visual Appeal: Make use of professional and eye-catching design components. Throughout the
presentation, keep the styles, colors, and layout consistent. Without overpowering the text, the visuals
should complement it.
5. Data Interpretation and Accuracy: Make sure the information provided is current, correct, and
pertinent. Interpret and explain data elements to facilitate comprehension. Provide consistent labels
and citations to prevent misunderstandings.
6. Engagement and Interaction: If applicable, use interactive components such as Q&A sessions,
discussions, or multimedia to keep the audience interested.
7. Time management: Be mindful of the presentation's allotted time. Practice to ensure the information
is covered in the allotted time while leaving time for queries or conversations.
8. Backup and Technical Preparation: Make strategies in case of technical difficulties. Make sure that
all software, hardware, and presentation tools have been tested and are prepared in advance.
9. Feedback and Follow-Up: After the presentation, invite questions and comments. If more details or
an explanation are required, follow up.
10. Flexibility and Adaptability: Be ready to modify the presentation in response to audience feedback
or requests. An interaction might be more responsive and engaging when it is flexible.
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 9
Minutes of Meeting
These are notes taken during a company’s or organization meeting. They are used to document the discussions,
decisions, and resulting action items. It is also the topic of discussion that transpired during the meeting.
Project Name Contact Centre
Date 12/03/2023
Time 10:00AM
Location Board room 3
Prepared by Secretary Contact Centre
Agenda Initial Customer Support Script Development
Presenter Technical Manager
Next Meeting
Date 12/07/2023
Time 10:00AM
Location Board room 3
Agenda To decide regarding the areas for the initial
phase of trials.
Project Status
Milestones Status
Project State GREEN
Sponsor Approved Achieved
Phase 1 Trial Regions Decided
1st Level Script Developed
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 12
Summary: The project is generally progressing according to the planned schedule, except for some delays in
securing the necessary resources.
Project Components
Components Status
Task 1: Research and Analysis In progress
Task 2: Design and Development Completed
Task 3: Testing and Quality Assurance Delayed
Task 4: Resource Procurement Pending Approvals
Task 5: Documentation Not Stated
Project Risk
Glossary
1. Asset Analyst: Employees responsible for analyzing and managing various assets, including
buildings, mechanicals, fleet, and site-related components.
2. Call Agents: Staff members in the Contact Center responsible for handling support calls and inquiries
from store locations. Also referred to as Contact Center Agents.
3. Contact Center: The centralized department handling support calls and inquiries from store locations.
It encompasses Call Agents and associated management.
4. Centralized Phone Number: A single contact number introduced to streamline support calls from
store locations for three departments: Store Repair Support, Fleet Support, and Store Operations
Support.
5. After Hours Support Team: Definition: External team providing support outside normal business
hours, handling emergency calls and inquiries.
6. IMS (Incident Management System): An online system used for reporting and managing incidents,
including support requests received via email.
7. SM (Site Management): A system used for managing site-related information, possibly linked to
incident reporting and support.
8. Misdirected Calls: Calls that are routed to the wrong department or group, causing delays and
inefficiencies.
9. Cold Transfer: The practice of transferring a call without proper information or context, often leading
to further misdirection.
10. Employee Burnout: The state of prolonged physical and emotional exhaustion among employees,
resulting from prolonged high-stress levels and overwhelming workloads.
11. Change Management: A structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations
from a current state to a desired future state, addressing potential resistance and ensuring successful
implementation.
12. Communication Matrix: A document outlining communication details for each stakeholder,
including the purpose, frequency, method, and responsible owner for communication.
13. Gantt Chart: A visual representation of a project schedule, showing tasks, milestones, and
dependencies over time.
14. Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with an interest or concern in the outcome of the project.
15. Operational Disruption: Disruptions in regular business operations that may lead to delays or
inefficiencies.
16. Employee Engagement: The extent to which employees are committed, involved, and enthusiastic
about their work and workplace.
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 14
17. Workload Assessments: Evaluations of the amount of work assigned to employees to ensure it is
manageable and aligned with their roles.
18. Contract Renegotiation: The process of revising and adjusting the terms of a contract, typically due
to changes in project requirements or conditions.
19. Customer Service Quality: The level of excellence and effectiveness in providing services to
customers.
20. Stakeholder Resistance: Opposition or reluctance from stakeholders toward changes in processes,
structures, or systems.
21. Turnover: The rate at which employees leave the workforce and are replaced.
22. Feedback Mechanisms: Processes or systems put in place to collect and analyze feedback from
stakeholders.
23. Escalation Procedures: Formalized steps to be taken in case of conflicts, issues, or delays, often
involving higher levels of management.
LESSON 3 – COMMUNICATION PLAN 15
References
• Brown, K. (2020, June 15). Improving employee engagement in the workplace. Workplace Insights.
• Johnson, M. B. (2005). Streamlining support calls: A centralized approach. Journal of Business
Efficiency, 7(2), 123-145.
• Institute, P. M. (2021). Project Management Body of Knowledge 7th Edition. New York: Project
Management Institute.
• Smith, P. Alan. (2017). Stakeholder Engagement Framework. Information & Security: An
International Journal, 38(1), 35–45.
• Communication Matrix How-To & Template | Team Gantt. (2019). Teamgantt.com; Team Gantt.
• Carmicheal, K. (2021, January 19). How to write an effective communications plan.
Blog.hubspot.com.