RUNNING HEAD: COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION 1

Communications Plan for Biodiesel Project

Aaron J Perkins

Grantham University

Communications Plan 2

Abstract

A communication plan is a reliable information distribution process for the external and internal

project personnel. The components of an effective communications plan are comprised of an

introduction, tools for gathering information, distribution network, communication matrix, and

signature page. Below are the components for the communications plan for the biodiesel

production project. The communication plan will cover all the objectives outlined in the Work

Breakdown Structure for this project. The project manager and sponsor are the primary team

members for information distribution.

Keywords: communication, stakeholder, planning, manager

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Communications Plan for Biodiesel Project

Communication ranks high among the factors leading to success of a project (Verzuh, 2012). It

is a critical step in outlining the objectives for all the stakeholders. A communication plan is a

reliable information distribution process for the external and internal project personnel.

Effective planning enables organizations to develop a means of addressing a variety of issues.

Important concepts for managers to convey revolve around project goals, allocation of labor,

problem-solving, and change management. The components of an effective communications

plan are comprised of an introduction, tools for gathering information, distribution network,

communication matrix, and signature page. Review this plan at regular intervals to ensure that

you are adequately communicating to those stakeholders who are closest to the project (Roman,

2012). Below are the components for the communications plan for the biodiesel production

project.

Introduction:

The communication plan will cover all the objectives outlined in the Work Breakdown Structure

for this project. The project manager and sponsor are the primary team members for information

distribution. The remaining stakeholders will deliver any information to the distribution team at

both regular intervals and as emergent data is made available. The plan includes formal data

collection from scheduled meetings, status reports, revised schedules, and risks inventories. In

addition, informal information is recorded for email, phone conversations, and other daily

interactions. Included below are guidelines used for the communication plan.

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Information Storage:

1. Staff Meeting Format (Weekly)

Stakeholder Current Tasks Status Comments

2. Status Reports (Weekly)

Department Current Task Completion Date Comments

3. Revised Schedules

Start Date Duration End Date Delays

Provide Statement of Work 1-Mar 0 1

Provide Work Breakdown Structure 1-Mar 0 1

Provide Responsibility Matrix 2-Mar 0 2

Provide Project Charter 3-Mar 0 1

Define Basics of Biodiesel Production 4-Mar 0 2

Identify Production Equipment 4-Mar 0 1

Outline Production Operations 4-Mar 0 3

Identify Treatment and Recovery Byproducts 6-Mar 0 1

Describe Methods of Transportation and Storage 7-Mar 0 2

Identify Sources of Raw Material 8-Mar 0 1

Production Estimates of Local Sources 8-Mar 0 3

Describe Potential Service Collection Routes 8-Mar 0 4

Create Target Audience Profile 11-Mar 0 1

Provide Analysis of Site Location in Tampa Area 12-Mar 0 2

Provide Project Funding Breakdown 12-Mar 0 1

Identify Operational Costs 14-Mar 0 3

List Lending Requirements and Loan Rates 16-Mar 0 1

List Regulatory Requirements from Government 17-Mar 0 1

Licensing Process 18-Mar 0 2

Permitting and Taxation 19-Mar 0 1

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4. Risk Inventory

Threat Severity Category Action Required Stakeholder

Distribution Network:

Communications Matrix:

Stakeholder Data

Requirements

Rate of

Recurrence

Medium Resultant

Response

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Signature Page:

This is the final page of the Communications Plan should be a signoff page for the Project

Manager and the customer-side project sponsor and this document should be retained and

adjusted as required for during project's lifecycle. In addition, any necessary communication

methods should be added or modified. Currently the page is under review and will be posted

once finalized.

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References

Roman, Kay. (2012). Developing Your Project Communication Plan. Collegiate Project

Services. A Cornelius & Associates Company.

Verzuh, Eric. (2012). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley &

Sons.