SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage project communication for a project 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243822  Manage project communication for a project 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Project Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Project Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to manage the communication requirements for a simple to moderately complex project. Learners will be able to identify and analyse communication needs, and compile a communication management plan to address the needs using appropriate communication methods. Learners will be able to implement the communication management plan to provide stakeholders with the required project information. Learners will also be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the project communication and implement improvements. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learners are competent in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard: Sustain oral interaction across a wide range of contexts and critically evaluate texts at NQF Level 5.
  • Unit Standard: Write and present for a wide range of purposes, audiences and contexts at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Simple to moderately complex project can be defined as projects that have:
  • A high degree of stability, few uncertainties or low rate of change with regard to expected deliverables, phase contents, organisational process and procedures, legislation and team members.
  • Limited range of different methods or approaches relating to; the design and creation of deliverables and end products.
  • Low to moderate impact on the environment and or socio economic elements; Moderate to low need to comply with legislation; Moderate number of stakeholders affected by or interested in the project.
  • Low strategic importance to the organisation or organisations involved, not necessary identified in strategic plans.
  • Stakeholders, that are in agreement about the characteristics of the product of the project; Benefits of the project well defined and agreed.
  • Low number of different organisations participating in the project; A low number; and or wide variety of interfaces between the project and other organisational entities in order to produce the end deliverable.

    Other terminology used in this unit standard:
  • Communications management plan may include but is not limited to:
    > Stakeholder communication requirements.
    > Description of required information and format, content and level of detail required.
    > Sender - receiver of communications.
    > Responsibilities.
    > Reporting lines.
    > Risk mitigation.
    > Costs.
    > Methods, including technology, of communication.
    > Frequency/timing of communication.
    > Escalation processes.
    > Glossary of terms.
  • Medium or method could be:
    > Written or audio visual.
    > Electronic Communication.
    > Person to person approaches.
    > Mass media.
  • Tools for evaluations of communication include:
    > Stakeholder analysis.
    > Outcomes assessment.
    > Newspaper clipping analysis.
    > Sampling.
    > Interviews.
    > Statistics from tracking communications.
    > Questionnaires.
  • Documentation management systems may include but are not limited to computer based document control systems, computer based document tracking systems, manually operated document control systems.
  • Templates may include but are not limited to letters, memo's, faxes, e-mail messages, minutes of meetings, document transmittal forms, various types of drawings, programme schedules, cost reports, equipment data sheets, specifications, procedures, standing orders, materials control documents (Orders, receiving, issued, inventory levels, stock counts), contracts, requisitions, budget authorisations, change notices, change orders, site instructions, rectification instructions, variation orders, petty cash vouchers, petty cash returns, timesheets, travel/expense claims, technical procedure related controls.
  • Policies and procedures may be organisation specified systems, policies and procedures or where these do not exist, accepted industry best practice.
  • Performance reports may include but are not limited to project progress and/or status reports measuring scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, issues. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of effective communication on a project is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basics of a communication model are described with examples of the application thereof on a project. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Basic communication model may include but is not limited to source, encoding, media, channel, decoding, sender, receiver, response, feedback, noise, listening.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential barriers or levers for successful communication between a project team and its stakeholders are identify and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Barriers may include but is not limited to; age, attitude, gender, cultural diversity, ego, etiquette, perception, language, status, health, psychological state, misunderstandings, concentration level, distractions, knowledge and education, interests, needs, personality, use of language including jargon, slang and grammar, prejudices, thoughts and feelings, moods, attention span, environmental factors, technology, blurred messages.
  • Levers - use of home language, recognition of recipient's cultural expectations, simple uncluttered language.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Types of communication are described with examples of their application in the sector relevant to the project. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of communication may include but are not limited to oral communication (including voice, tone, timing and word), written, body language, attire, accessories, facial expressions, body movements, personal space, touch, formal, informal.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Factors that influence communication are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors may include but not limited to; needs and objectives of respective parties, attitudes and motivations of involved parties, interpersonal skills, emotions, cultural differences confused messages, disruption, effective listening, effective writing, effective speaking, correctness of information, Fog factor.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods of communication on a project are described with examples from a project. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Letters, reports, email, meetings, press adverts or releases, pictures, tables, charts, graphs, brochures, flyers, theatre, forms, orders, contracts.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop a communication plan for a project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication needs are identified in accordance with scope of the project, project constraints and assumptions and the needs of project stakeholders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication needs may include but not limited to content, technology availability and technology competence of sender or recipient, geographic location to project team, role in project, culture, protocol, formal structures, organisation processes, contractual, environmental factors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information needs are analysed, summarised and prioritised using the communication needs and the contribution or value of the information transfer to the project success. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Available communication technologies are researched and viable alternatives proposed in accordance with project environment and constraints. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential communication risks are identified and mitigation actions considered to address these risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Communication strategy and tactics are developed and agreed in accordance with identified needs, potential risks, available technologies and project constraints or opportunities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A communications management plan is developed in accordance with agreed strategy and tactics and communications needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A communications management plan is agreed and incorporated into overall project management plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Implement a project communication plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A project management information system is implemented to collect, disseminate and record project information in accordance with the communications management plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Templates and procedures to support implementation of the communications management plan are developed in accordance with project and/or organisation standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Project team members are briefed on procedures and provided with necessary project communication templates and data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation and/or object management is implemented for a project in accordance with organisation or project standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Object may include but is not limited to video, audio tapes, theatre props.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information is distributed in accordance with the project communication management plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Performance reports are prepared and distributed in accordance with the communications management plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate the effectiveness of a project communications and implement improvement measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Risks and/or issues are identified, recorded, analysed and responded to in accordance with project procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Effectiveness of project communication is evaluated and reported on in accordance with project objectives, success criteria and project management plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Meeting effectiveness is evaluated and improvements identified and implemented in accordance with project procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Improvement measures to communications are identified and implemented in accordance with needs and results of evaluation. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment to be conducted by an accredited provider according to internal approved provider policy and the relevant ETQA guidelines.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Communications theory.
  • Communications management planning.
  • Communication and reporting methods and techniques.
  • Stakeholder identification and analysis.
  • Meeting management.
  • Documentation management.
  • Problem identification.
  • The methods and techniques for solving problems.
  • Risk analysis.
  • Presentation and writing skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems, monitoring all problems occurring in relation to project communications. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others whilst gathering and distributing information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities ensuring timely action and maintaining fairness and transparency throughout the process of communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect and organise information pertaining to communication needs, methods and results. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively throughout a project with all stakeholders. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology in the gathering of and presenting information, reporting progress and communicating in varied ways. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems with regards communication within a project team and to other project stakeholders. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terms, techniques and processes referred to in this unit standard are based upon recognised best practice for generic project management reflected in industry standards such as:
  • Standards from Project Management Institute (PMI®) such as:
    > A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK Guide), 2000 and 2004 versions, from Project Management Institute (PMI®).
    > Extensions to PMBoK® Guide from PMI®.
    > Work Breakdown Structure.
    > Earned Value.
  • Body of Knowledge from Association for Project Management, UK.
  • ISO 10006.
  • British Standard 6079.
  • IPMA Competence Baseline from International Project Management Association.
  • Project Management role delineation studies from PMI® for CAPM and PMP.
  • Project Management Competency Development Framework from PMI® 2002.
  • Emerging global performance standards for project management personnel (GPSPMP - Global).
  • Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management 2003. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58309   National Diploma: Project Management  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.