Stakeholder Management

Abstract

In all types of projects there are stakeholders, these can be either internal or external and their influence on a given project can vary greatly. The growing focus on stakeholder analysis is a clear reflection of the general tendency to recognise how stakeholders can influence decision-making processes. This article will attempt to create an overview of the different tools associated with managing different types of stakeholders and look into the differences in stakeholder management across different project types. Furthermore, the article will look into the limitations of existing methods for stakeholder analysis and management. Here it will look into the areas in need of further development such as stakeholder involvement. Lastly it will summarise the discussion and make a conclusion on the current state of the existing tools for managing stakeholders.

The article will consist of the following headlines and the overall content has been listed in the following paragraphs.

Introduction

• Definition of a stakeholder
• Why are they so important to projects?

Stakeholder identification

• What kind of tools can be used for identifying and classifying stakeholders?
  • Primary versus secondary
  • Direct or indirect
  • Generic versus specific
  • Legitimate versus derivative
  • Strategic and environmental stakeholders

Stakeholders in different projects

• In construction project management
• In R&D project management
• In sustainability management

Stakeholder theories

• The different approaches to stakeholder analysis
  • Categorisation of stakeholders
  • The power/interest grid
  • Stakeholder-influence network
  • Stakeholder management web

Discussion of the tools

• Pros and cons
• What is missing?