Communication Models
A depiction, analogy, or diagram that shows how the project's communication process will be carried out.
Key Points
- Maps the communication process: sender, receiver, encoding/decoding, medium, feedback, and noise.
- Clarifies how information moves, who is involved, and the expected feedback loops and timing.
- Guides selection of methods (interactive, push, pull) and channels appropriate for stakeholders.
- Often represented as flowcharts, swimlanes, or simple diagrams that show paths and escalation.
Example
On a software rollout, the team creates a swimlane diagram: the project manager sends weekly status emails to stakeholders (push), executives check a live dashboard as needed (pull), and Sev-1 incidents trigger immediate video calls with the ops lead and vendor (interactive). The diagram shows feedback loops and 24-hour escalation to the sponsor.
PMP Example Question
Which artifact best represents a communication model for a project?
- A weekly status report template
- A swimlane diagram showing sender-receiver, medium, feedback, and noise
- The stakeholder register
- A RACI chart defining who is responsible and accountable
Correct Answer: B — a diagram of the communication process with sender, receiver, medium, feedback, and noise
Explanation: A communication model is a representation of how communication will occur, including roles, channels, and feedback loops; the swimlane diagram fits this purpose.
