A Definition of Project Management Terms

Before we begin, it’s beneficial to explore what is meant by stakeholders, engagement cadence, communications, and artefacts. 

Understanding their significance to project-based change management shows who is involved, how they plan and communicate, and what materials they use.

Stakeholders

These are individuals, groups, or entities with vested interests in a project's outcome. 

They can include project sponsors, team members, end-users, customers, regulatory bodies, and more.

Stakeholders play a crucial role in project success as they influence, are influenced by, or have a direct interest in project activities and results. 

Managing stakeholder expectations, communication, and engagement is essential to ensure their needs are met, conflicts are resolved, and project goals are achieved.

Engagement Cadence

Engagement cadence is a structured and planned schedule of interactions and communications within a project or organisational initiative.

It specifies when, how, and through which channels stakeholders, team members, and other relevant parties engage with the project.

In short, engagement cadence offers a structured approach that boosts efficiency, reduces risks, and enhances stakeholder satisfaction - ultimately contributing to project success.

Communications

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful project management, referring to the exchange of information, messages, and updates among stakeholders. 

It involves creating, distributing, storing, retrieving, and disposing of project-related information. 

Proper communication ensures stakeholders are well-informed about project status, objectives, risks, and changes, fostering collaboration, understanding, and alignment. 

Clear and timely communication helps prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and project disruptions, ultimately contributing to project success. 

Artefacts

In the context of project management, artefacts refer to tangible and intangible documents, materials, or outputs created during various project phases. 

These can include project plans, reports, specifications, diagrams, software code, prototypes, and more. 

Artefacts are essential for capturing, storing, and communicating project-related information and knowledge. They are crucial in documenting project requirements, design, progress, and outcomes. 

Effective management of artefacts ensures that project documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to those who need it, contributing to project success and knowledge transfer.

Now, let’s explore how all these moving parts work together, using some hypothetical change management projects.