Stakeholders analysis in project management

Stakeholder analysis is one of the phases of the analysis phase carried out in the PCM methodology. This stage examines the existing situation, to develop a vision of the desired situation in the future and to choose appropriate strategies that will help achieve project goals.

The analysis phase consists of 4 elements:

• Stakeholder identification
• Problem analysis (image of reality)
• Analysis of objectives (picture of the situation in the future).
• Analysis of the strategy (comparison of different options to address a given situation)

Stakeholders are all the people, groups, institutions or companies that may have stake in the project. They can directly or indirectly, positively or negatively influence or be influenced by the developments and outcomes of projects or programs. Often during the analysis, managers divide them into different subgroups.

Stakeholder analysis involves the identification of all stakeholder groups, which may affect (positively or negatively) the project, the identification and analysis of their interests, problems and potential to influence project outcomes, etc. Tells us who the project will directly address, and determines how to affect a specific person. The findings from the analysis are then considered in the design of the project. It is important that stakeholder analysis take place at an early stage in the project identification phase during the initial assessment of the project.

In ideal projects, stakeholder analysis can be performed during the planning workshop, in which take part representatives of the main stakeholders.

See also:

• Project environment
• Project steering committee

Examples of Stakeholders analysis in project management

• Determining the stakeholders: In this example, a project manager is tasked with determining all the stakeholders in a project. This includes examining the project goals and objectives, the resources available, and the potential impact of the project on those involved. The project manager then identifies the stakeholders and their interests in the project, as well as their level of influence on the project's outcome.
• Assessing stakeholder interests: This example involves assessing the interests of each stakeholder in the project. The project manager examines the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, their level of involvement and impact on the project, and the extent to which their interests are aligned with the project goals. This helps the project manager determine how to best manage the stakeholders and ensure their interests are met.
• Managing stakeholders: In this example, the project manager is tasked with managing the stakeholders throughout the project’s life cycle. This includes keeping stakeholders informed of the project’s progress, addressing any concerns they may have, and ensuring their interests are taken into consideration when making decisions. The project manager must also ensure that the stakeholders are engaged in the process and have the necessary resources to support the project.
• Measuring stakeholder satisfaction: This example involves assessing the level of satisfaction of each stakeholder during the project’s life cycle. The project manager evaluates the quality of communication between the project team and the stakeholders, the effectiveness of the project management processes, and whether the stakeholders’ interests have been taken into consideration. This helps the project manager determine whether the project has been successful in meeting the stakeholders’ expectations.

Advantages of Stakeholders analysis in project management

Stakeholder analysis is an important step in the project management process and offers many advantages. The following are some of the primary benefits of conducting a stakeholder analysis:

• A better understanding of the stakeholders’ interests and concerns: Stakeholder analysis allows project managers to identify stakeholders’ interests, needs and expectations. By understanding these, project managers can create strategies to meet stakeholder needs and ensure their buy-in.
• Improved communication: With a better understanding of stakeholders’ interests, project managers can tailor their communication to best meet their needs. This allows for better collaboration which can have a positive impact on the success of the project.
• Early identification of risks: Stakeholder analysis helps to identify potential risks at the early stages of the project. This allows the project team to plan and prepare for potential issues and minimize their impact on the project.
• Improved decision-making: Understanding stakeholders’ interests, needs, and expectations provides the project manager with the information necessary to make informed decisions. This ensures that the project is on the right track and that everyone is working towards the same goal.

Limitations of Stakeholders analysis in project management

Stakeholder analysis is a fundamental part of project management and can help to ensure successful project outcomes. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this approach in order to ensure best practices. These limitations include:

• Not considering the most important stakeholders: It is possible to overlook certain stakeholders that are critical to the project’s success. This can lead to unexpected issues or conflicts arising later on.
• Misunderstanding stakeholder interests and motivations: Stakeholders may have hidden agendas or interests that are not immediately apparent. It is important to ensure that all stakeholders’ interests are understood and taken into account.
• Poor communication: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between stakeholders. It is important to ensure that everyone is kept informed and that lines of communication are always open.
• Not accounting for changes: Stakeholder analysis should be updated as the project progresses to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account.
• Not involving stakeholders in decision-making: Stakeholders should be involved in decision-making processes to ensure that all perspectives are taken into account.

Other approaches related to Stakeholders analysis in project management

A Stakeholder Analysis is an important part of the project management process. However, there are several other approaches related to the analysis of stakeholders that project managers can use to ensure that all parties involved in a project are taken into account. These include:

• Risk Analysis: This involves identifying and assessing the risks that stakeholders may pose to the successful completion of the project. Risk analysis helps to identify potential areas of conflict, as well as any potential consequences of not engaging with stakeholders.
• Communication Analysis: Communication analysis is focused on understanding how stakeholders interact with each other and how best to facilitate communication between them. It looks at the channels of communication used, who needs to be involved in conversations, and any potential barriers to effective communication.
• Interest Analysis: Interest analysis looks at the needs and interests of stakeholders and attempts to find ways to meet those needs within the project. It is an important part of stakeholder engagement and can help ensure that stakeholders are satisfied with the outcomes of the project.
• Power Analysis: Power analysis looks at the power dynamics between stakeholders and how they might influence the project. It can be used to identify any potential conflicts of interest and to develop strategies to manage them.

In summary, Stakeholder Analysis is a key part of the project management process, but there are several other approaches related to the analysis of stakeholders that project managers can use to ensure that all parties involved in a project are taken into account. These include Risk Analysis, Communication Analysis, Interest Analysis, and Power Analysis.

Stakeholders analysis in project management — recommended articles

Stakeholder management plan — Role of stakeholder — Preparation of project — Result orientation — Project cycle management — Project governance model — Project environment — Coordination meeting — Primary and secondary stakeholder

References

• Cleland, D. I. (1986). Project stakeholder management (pp. 275-301). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Achterkamp, M. C., & Vos, J. F. (2008). Investigating the use of the stakeholder notion in project management literature, a meta-analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 26(7), 749-757.
• Karlsen, J. T. (2002). Project stakeholder management. Engineering Management Journal, 14(4), 19-24.
• Littau, P., Jujagiri, N. J., & Adlbrecht, G. (2010). 25 years of stakeholder theory in project management literature (1984–2009). Project Management Journal, 41(4), 17-29.