A communication management approach contains a description of the means and frequency of communication with parties both internal and external to the project. It facilitates engagement with stakeholders through the establishment of a controlled and bidirectional flow of information.

The following quality criteria apply to a communication management approach:

• All stakeholders have been identified and consulted with regard to their communication requirements.
• There is agreement from all stakeholders about the content, frequency and method of communication.
• A common standard for communication has been considered.
• The time, effort and resources required to carry out the identified communications have been allowed for in stage plans.
• The formality and frequency of communication is reasonable for the project’s importance and complexity.
• For projects that are part of a programme, the lines of communication, and the reporting structure between the project and programme, have been made clear in the communication management approach.
• The communication management approach incorporates corporate, programme management or customer communications facilities where appropriate (e.g. using the marketing communications department for distributing project bulletins).