Overview
Assigned Readings:
Chapter 1 - What Is a Stakeholder?
Initial Postings: Read and reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Then post what you thought was the most important concept(s), method(s), term(s), and/or any other thing that you felt was worthy of your understanding in each assigned textbook chapter.Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion.
Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:
Background: DeltaOne is a digital transformation initiative led by the IT department at SynerTech, a global logistics company. The goal is to streamline operations and improve supply chain transparency using blockchain technology. The project team includes a project manager, developers, data analysts, and UX designers—all assigned clearly defined tasks, timelines, and deliverables. However, as the project reaches its second phase, confusion begins to emerge—not within the technical team, but among stakeholders. Several individuals and groups from inside and outside the company have voiced opinions, made requests, or raised concerns about the project’s direction. Some assume they’re part of the core team; others don’t understand their influence or responsibility.
The Project Manager, Leah, is now tasked with clarifying roles and managing growing friction among team members and stakeholders. Issues include:
- Operations Director: Wants the project to prioritize speed over functionality, influencing sprint goals without attending meetings.
- External Logistics Partner: Requests regular updates and access to early versions of the software to ensure compatibility.
- IT Developers: Express frustration about changing priorities and unclear feedback from those not directly working on the project.
- HR Director: Raises concerns about how new tech might impact employee roles but hasn’t been actively engaged in project meetings.
Leah realizes that many people involved in the project do not clearly understand the difference between being a stakeholder and being a member of the project team. This misunderstanding is creating confusion, delays, and even conflict.
Discussion Questions
- Understanding Stakeholder Roles: Based on this case, how does the role of a stakeholder differ from that of a project team member? Why is it important for stakeholders to understand the limits of their influence and responsibilities?
- Stakeholder Activities: What types of activities do stakeholders typically perform in a project like DeltaOne? Use examples from the case and explain how these activities differ from those performed by the core team.
- Stakeholder Identification: Identify at least four stakeholders in the DeltaOne project and categorize them (e.g., internal vs. external, primary vs. secondary). What are their specific interests or concerns?
- Role Clarity and Project Success: What are the potential consequences of failing to distinguish stakeholder roles from team roles? How might this confusion affect project success, team morale, or decision-making?
[Your post must be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material. Postings must be in the student's own words - do not provide quotes!]
[Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]
Chapter 1 - What Is a Stakeholder?
Overview:
Stakeholder management is required for all types of projects and change management processes. The tools and skills developed in the discipline of stakeholder management cut across all project management frameworks. The ability to identify, mobilize, motivate, and lead stakeholders will always be in demand for individuals who lead change. The discipline of stakeholder management is essential to project success. As part of the Balanced Approach, the successful project management is an expert on managing the people in the project and harnessing their energy to achieve the desired project goals. We define stakeholders as “people who are subject to, are part of, or have decision making over a project.” Building on this definition, we assign stakeholders into groups, categorize and prioritize stakeholders, and discuss how to communicate to and lead stakeholders. A project may have different stakeholders, all bringing their own unique needs and desires. Without proper management techniques, this can become overwhelming for the project manager.
Learning Objectives
- Able to define who a stakeholder is and what activities he or she performs
- Differentiate the role of a stakeholder from other roles on a project team
Supplementary Readings:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/stakeholder-management-task-project-success-7736
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/stakeholder-analysis-pivotal-practice-projects-8905
What is a Stakeholder? How to Manage Project Stakeholders: