Skip to content

Summary

Here you will find the definitions of the most important terms from this chapter.

Project environment

The project environment is the entire context in which the project is developed and implemented, which can influence or be influenced by it.

PESTEL analysis

The PESTEL analysis evaluates the various influences (political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental, and legal) on a project.

Participative approach

In the participative approach, all stakeholders of the project are actively involved in information and communication processes, as well as decision-making processes.

Discursive approach

The discursive approach means considering various interests of all involved parties to make a balanced decision.

Repressive approach

The repressive approach means that decisions are made and implemented without the involvement of those affected, often as a "fait accompli."

Stakeholder

A stakeholder is a natural or legal person who has or could have an influence on the project, such as all individuals, organisations, etc., involved in or affected by the project.

Stakeholder analysis

Stakeholder analysis is a method of identifying and assessing the different interests and influence of stakeholders. The analysis is usually carried out using a matrix showing the influence of the stakeholders on the project and the impact of the project on the stakeholders.

Test yourself

Try to answer the following questions on your own. Take your time and think carefully before checking the solutions.

What communication strategies can be used to manage the project environment?
  • Providing information and involving stakeholders in decision-making (participative strategy).
  • Balancing different interests (discursive strategy).
  • Creating a "fait accompli" (repressive strategy).
What is the definition of a project environment?

The project environment is the context in which the project is formulated, evaluated, and implemented, and which directly or indirectly affects the project and / or is affected by the project.

What factors define the project environment?

The project environment can be defined by political, economic, social, technological, ecological (= environmental), and legal factors (PESTEL analysis).

What are stakeholders?

Stakeholders are individuals or legal entities that are involved in the project, have an interest in it, or are affected by its outcomes.

Why is a stakeholder analysis carried out?
  • Because stakeholders often have differing expectations of a project and its outcomes.
  • Because stakeholders can either jeopardise a project or contribute to its success.
  • To ensure the timely identification of project risks and opportunities.
What results does a stakeholder analysis provide?

It identifies stakeholders and assesses their relevance to a project. Appropriate stakeholder management measures should be developed on the basis of this analysis.