Concepts
The process of skill appraisal for stakeholders is quintessential to successfully maneuvering the execution phase of any project. Defined by the Project Management Institute in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), stakeholders are individuals, groups or organizations who may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project.
In the context of the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, understanding how to appraise stakeholder skills is fundamental. The reason being, the skill sets of the stakeholders, which includes team members, sponsors, customers, each have a profound impact on how project objectives are met and how effectively risks are addressed.
A. Stakeholder Skill Set Identification
Identifying the skills of stakeholders begins with defining the talent needed to execute the project successfully by creating a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM).
For example, on a software development project, different stakeholders might bring various skills such as coding expertise, project management experience, or understanding of the end-users’ needs.
B. Skill Gap Analysis
Having established the necessary skills, it is crucial to compare them with the current skills of the stakeholders. This comparison can allow for the identification of skill gaps which can then be addressed through subsequent skill development efforts. For instance, if a stakeholder lacks knowledge in using specific project management software, that stakeholder could undergo training to become proficient in that area.
C. Skill Development Plan
The skill gap analysis should lead to the development of a comprehensive plan to enhance the stakeholder’s abilities. This plan may include a variety of development opportunities like training sessions, workshops, coaching, or mentoring.
For example, if the gap analysis shows the project team lacks experience with stakeholder management, a workshop could be organized to familiarize the team with the appropriate strategies and tools.
D. Skill Appraisal Feedback
Providing stakeholders with the outcomes of their skill appraisal not only highlights their strengths and the areas for improvement but also helps in motivating them to learn and apply new skills. Feedback needs to be constructive and encouraging to foster an environment of learning and development.
E. Evaluating Success of Skill Development Effort
Evaluation of the skill development plan is as important as its implementation. The project manager must gauge its success in improving stakeholder skills and the resultant increase in project success. Quantitative measures such as project performance metrics or qualitative measures like feedback from stakeholders or their increased involvement can help evaluate its success.
For example, if team productivity increases after a set of training sessions, it indicates a successful skill development effort.
In conclusion, adequate appraisal of stakeholder skills plays a pivotal role in project success. PMP aspirants must thoroughly understand this process, not just for the sake of the exam, but because it is integral to their real-life careers as project managers.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Appraising stakeholder skills is about understanding their potential contribution towards the success of the project.
- True.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Appraising stakeholder skills refers to assessing the abilities and competencies of stakeholders, which contribute to the overall project objectives.
What is an essential element of assessing stakeholder skills in project management?
- A. Stakeholders’ personal income level
- B. Stakeholders’ capacity and ability to contribute to the project
- C. Stakeholders’ marital status
- D. Stakeholders’ political affiliations
Answer: B. Stakeholders’ capacity and ability to contribute to the project.
Explanation: Stakeholder appraisal focuses on the capacities and not personal details or affiliations of stakeholders.
True or False: In project management, stakeholders only include the project team members.
- False.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Stakeholders can include any individual or organization affected by the project, not just the project team members.
In the context of project management, why is it important to appraise stakeholder skills?
- A. To understand the technical shortcomings of the project
- B. To understand stakeholders’ spending capabilities
- C. To identify where stakeholders could contribute for the success of the project
- D. To determine whether stakeholders are suitable for promotion
Answer: C. To identify where stakeholders could contribute for the success of the project.
Explanation: Appraising stakeholder skills helps in leveraging their skills aptly for project success.
True or False: Appraising stakeholder skills does not help in managing project risks.
- False.
Answer: False.
Explanation: By understanding stakeholders’ skills, we can predict and manage risks associated with their involvement in the project.
Who among the following are stakeholders in a project management context?
- A. Media
- B. Customers
- C. Competitors
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above.
Explanation: Any individual or group affected by the project or can affect the project can be considered as stakeholders.
True or False: Stakeholder appraisal does not aid in designing communication strategies.
- False.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Understanding stakeholder skills can assist designing tailored communication strategies.
Which of the following cannot be considered a skill while appraising stakeholder skills?
- A. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office
- B. Their ability to sing well
- C. Their ability to negotiate
- D. Their ability to motivate others
Answer: B. Their ability to sing well.
Explanation: While all are potential skills, only those that contribute to the success of the project are considered in appraising stakeholders.
True or False: A project manager does not need to appraise the skills of external stakeholders.
- False.
Answer: False.
Explanation: The project manager needs to appraise the skills of all stakeholders, both internal and external.
Is appraising the skills of a stakeholder a one-time process or should it be conducted throughout the project life cycle?
- A. One-time process at project initiation
- B. Throughout the project life cycle
- C. Only at the end of the project
- D. At project initiation and end only
Answer: B. Throughout the project life cycle.
Explanation: Stakeholders’ skills and engagement levels can change over the course of the project, hence it should not be a one-time process.
True or False: Knowing a stakeholder’s skills will have no impact on project scope.
- False.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Understanding stakeholders’ skills can affect the scope of the project if those skills can be used to enhance or improve the project’s outcomes.
True or False: Stakeholder appraisal is a stakeholder management technique.
- True.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Appraising stakeholder skills is part of stakeholder management techniques, elevating project success probability.
This blog post on appraising stakeholder skills was extremely helpful. Thanks!
Can anyone share some insights on the key skills to focus on while appraising stakeholders?
Great post! It provided a clear understanding of how to evaluate stakeholder effectiveness.
I really appreciate the emphasis on communication skills in the appraisal process. It’s often overlooked!
In my experience, evaluating stakeholder influence can be tricky. Does anyone have a method for quantifying this?
Found the section on conflict resolution skills very beneficial.
I think the article could use more real-world examples.
Thanks for the post! Very insightful.