Stakeholder Management - Exlplained through Case Study

Case Study:

Let's consider a real-world project involving the development of a new mobile application for a ride-sharing company.

Who is a Stakeholder?

A stakeholder is an individual, group, or organization that has an interest, influence, or is affected by a project, initiative, or organization. They can impact or be impacted by the project's outcomes, activities, or decisions. Stakeholders can be internal or external to the organization and can have diverse roles and perspectives.

The stakeholders in this case would include:

1. Company executives and management: They have a vested interest in the project's success and may provide the necessary resources and strategic guidance.
2. Development team: The individuals responsible for designing, coding, and testing the application. They have a direct involvement in the project's execution.
3. Customers: The end-users of the mobile application. Their satisfaction and feedback are critical to the project's success.
4. Drivers: The drivers who provide the ride-sharing service. They need to be considered as stakeholders since the app will affect their work and income.
5. Regulatory bodies: Government entities or agencies responsible for overseeing transportation regulations. They may require compliance with specific rules and guidelines.
6. Competitors: Other ride-sharing companies in the market who may be affected by the new app's introduction.

Types of Stakeholders:

Stakeholders can be categorized into various types based on their level of influence, interest, and involvement in a project. Common types of stakeholders include:

1. Primary stakeholders: These are individuals or groups directly affected by the project's outcomes and have significant influence or interest. In the case study, primary stakeholders would include company executives, customers, drivers, and the development team.
2. Secondary stakeholders: These stakeholders may not be directly impacted by the project but still have an interest or involvement. They can include suppliers, shareholders, local communities, and media.
3. Internal stakeholders: These are stakeholders who are part of the organization executing the project. In the case study, internal stakeholders would include company executives, management, and the development team.
4. External stakeholders: These stakeholders are outside the organization but have an interest or are affected by the project. In the case study, external stakeholders would include customers, drivers, regulatory bodies, and competitors.

Stakeholder Identification:

Stakeholder identification is the process of identifying and documenting all the individuals, groups, or organizations that have a stake in the project. This step is crucial to ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Brainstorming: Gather project team members, subject matter experts, and other relevant individuals to identify potential stakeholders. Use techniques such as mind mapping or affinity diagrams to generate a comprehensive list.
2. Analyzing project scope and objectives: Review the project's goals, objectives, and deliverables to identify stakeholders who may be affected by or can influence these factors.
3. Conducting interviews and surveys: Reach out to key individuals or representatives from various stakeholder groups to gather their perspectives and identify any additional stakeholders.
4. Reviewing organizational documentation: Examine existing documentation, such as organizational charts, customer profiles, or vendor lists, to identify stakeholders that may have been overlooked.

Stakeholder Analysis:

Stakeholder analysis involves assessing and understanding stakeholders' characteristics, interests, expectations, and influence levels. This analysis helps prioritize stakeholders and develop appropriate engagement strategies.

1. Mapping stakeholders: Create a stakeholder map or matrix, placing stakeholders based on their level of influence (high or low) and their level of interest (high or low) in the project. This helps determine the appropriate level of engagement for each stakeholder.
2. Assessing stakeholder interests and expectations: Understand what each stakeholder group expects from the project. For example, customers may expect a user-friendly interface, while drivers may expect increased earnings potential.
3. Analyzing stakeholder influence: Evaluate the level of influence each stakeholder has over the project's success. Company executives and regulatory bodies might have high influence, while customers may have lower influence individually but a collective impact.
4. Identifying potential conflicts: Identify conflicting interests or expectations among stakeholders. For example, drivers might seek higher earnings, while customers may want lower prices. Addressing and mitigating these conflicts is crucial for project success.

Stakeholder Management:

Stakeholder management involves developing strategies to engage, communicate, and address stakeholders' needs and concerns throughout the project lifecycle. It aims to build positive relationships, minimize conflicts, and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

1. Communication plan: Develop a communication plan outlining how and when to engage with each stakeholder group. Consider their preferred communication channels, frequency of updates, and the information they need to know.
2. Stakeholder engagement activities: Organize workshops, focus groups, or feedback sessions to actively involve stakeholders in shaping the project. For instance, conducting usability tests with customers or gathering driver feedback on the app's features.
3. Addressing concerns: Monitor and address stakeholder concerns or issues promptly. For example, promptly responding to customer complaints or providing support to drivers experiencing technical difficulties.
4. Regular updates and progress reports: Share project updates and progress reports with stakeholders to keep them informed about the project's status, milestones achieved, and any changes in scope or timelines.
5. Managing conflicts: Anticipate and manage conflicts among stakeholders proactively. Mediation or negotiation may be necessary to find mutually beneficial solutions.

By understanding who stakeholders are, categorizing them, identifying their characteristics, and implementing effective management strategies, business analysts can enhance stakeholder engagement and increase the chances of project success.

BA Helpline

#businessanalysis #businessanalyst #businessanalysts #ba #stakeholdermanagement