< News
March 19, 2024
At TEG Projects we manage engineering projects within the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry across Australasia. We’ve found as a team that project success relies on stakeholder engagement. As project solutions become more complex, involving a myriad of internal and external stakeholders, navigating these relationships becomes paramount. In this blog we review strategies we’ve found to ensure effective stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration and delivering successful capital projects in the F&B sector.
Successful Stakeholder Engagement
Successful stakeholder engagement begins with transparency. Avoiding surprises by openly communicating project objectives, challenges, and progress establishes a foundation of trust. We find, working in the food and beverage manufacturing industry that complexity often comes from constraints during any change within the footprint of a working factory. For instance on a recent brownfield project for Frucor, maintaining safe access of both the ongoing construction personnel and the plant’s operational staff was paramount. The two work streams also shared an unloading area, which meant careful planning and supervision was needed to operate in each. Surprises can erode trust and hinder collaboration, as Project Managers it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with stakeholders at all times.
Clear and Regular Communications
Clear and regular communication is the bedrock of effective stakeholder engagement. Establishing a structured communication plan that includes regular updates, milestone reports, and open forums for discussions ensures that stakeholders are kept in the loop. TEG Projects use Project Schedules to plan out projects and keep stakeholders informed about timelines, they provide a detailed way to communicate the complexity of projects with stakeholders. Clear and regular communications were crucial to the success of two of our recent projects: Snack Foods Extrusions Upgrade, and the construction management of the Pepsico Administration Offices. Consistent communication mitigates misunderstandings and allows stakeholders to feel more connected to the project.
The Importance Of Formal vs Informal Types Of Communication
At TEG Projects we recognise that different stakeholders may prefer varying communication styles. While formal reports and presentations may be suitable for some, others may appreciate informal updates or direct conversations, or require visual explanations of schema to understand all aspects of a project. We’ve found that tailoring our communication approach to accommodate both formal and informal channels ensures we reach stakeholders in the most effective and engaging way. We also find it helpful to follow up meetings with meeting notes detailing themes covered as well as next steps. This provides an anchoring point for the team to refer back to, especially on complex projects when many stakeholders are involved or impacted by a multitude of decisions.
Stakeholder Mapping: Know Your Allies and Influencers
Creating a stakeholder map is a strategic step in understanding the landscape of project influencers and allies. Identify key players, their interests, and their influence levels. This mapping allows us to tailor engagement strategies, ensuring that we prioritise our efforts where they matter most. Using a stakeholder map gives our team a clear understanding of who to talk to about specific elements of a project and at what level of detail this communication should be.
Early Engagement: The Power of Inclusion from Day One
Right from the project’s inception, we engage our stakeholders in the development of the Problem Statement and Project Brief, to harness the full spectrum of their expertise. Early involvement allows stakeholders to contribute insights that can shape the project’s direction and identify potential challenges before they become obstacles. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and commitment, aligning stakeholders with the project’s goals.
Involvement Throughout the Project Lifecycle
Stakeholder engagement is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Involving stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle keeps them invested in the project’s success. Regular updates, check-ins, workshops, and collaboration sessions ensure that stakeholders remain informed, contributing their expertise at crucial junctures.
Tailored to Stakeholders Interest and Influence
We recognise that stakeholders have diverse interests and levels of influence, therefore we tailor our engagement strategies to align with their specific concerns. For instance for the Fonterra Waitoa Treated Water Plant Upgrade those in the surrounding communities needed clear communications about the process and timeframe, as well as expected outcomes from the upgrade. While the considerably modernised operations required a relearning of systems and processes for the plant operators. Understanding these nuances allows us to address concerns effectively and demonstrate our commitment to responsible project management.
Engaging stakeholders in engineering projects within the F&B sector requires intentional and clear communications. By embracing transparency and continuous involvement, we’ve been able to foster collaborative relationships that lead to successful project outcomes. Effective stakeholder engagement is best practice in Project Management and is key to navigating complexities and ensuring the seamless delivery of capital projects that meet the diverse needs of all involved parties.
Do you have a complex project requiring Project Managers who understand the importance of Stakeholder Engagement? Or are you an expert Project Manager looking to join a team who values good communication? Reach out to TEG Projects today.
