Session 1: Identifying Key Stakeholders & Strategies for Engaging Stakeholders
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key stakeholders in VET.
- Develop strategies for effectively engaging various stakeholders.
This session will equip you with essential skills to identify key stakeholders and develop strategies for effectively engaging them in vocational education and training (VET) projects. The module is divided into two parts, each designed to build your skills in stakeholder mapping and engagement.
Part 0: Understanding the critical importance of collaboration in VET
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) ecosystem is a complex network of individuals and organizations working together to provide vocational education and training. This infographic illustrates the vast range of stakeholders involved in this ecosystem, from students and apprentices to educational institutions, businesses, and governments. Each stakeholder plays a unique role in shaping the quality and relevance of VET programs. Effective collaboration among these stakeholders is essential to ensure that VET programs meet the needs of learners, employers, and society as a whole. Through collaboration, we can create a more effective and responsive VET system, capable of addressing the challenges of the labor market and promoting economic development.
Part 1: Identifying Key Stakeholders
The following videos introduce the concept of stakeholder mapping. It explains how to create a stakeholder map by identifying key stakeholders, categorizing them based on their interest and influence, and regularly updating the map. Stakeholder maps are valuable tools for project managers as they help to visualize and manage relationships with various individuals and groups involved in a project. The video provides a simple and effective approach to stakeholder management, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in project planning and execution.
Activities
In this practical activity, you will create a stakeholder map for your project, enabling you to visualize the network of relationships and power dynamics. This exercise will not only clarify stakeholder roles but also highlight potential areas for engagement and conflict resolution.
The following template provides:
- An overview of the stakeholder map and its purpose.
- A visual grid that categorizes stakeholders into four quadrants: “Keep Satisfied,” “Manage Closely,” “Monitor,” and “Keep Informed,” based on their power and influence.
- Drag-and-drop functionality to place stakeholders in the appropriate quadrant.
- A next steps section, encouraging participants to assign point persons to manage each group effectively.
This tool helps ensure that project managers make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and engage stakeholders appropriately at every stage of the project.
Part 2: Strategies for Engaging Stakeholders
This section includes:
- Video lessons on stakeholder engagement in project management and the importance of community involvement.
- A final assignment where you’ll create an engagement plan for a specific project, applying the strategies you’ve learned.
The following YouTube Video offers an overview of the importance of engaging stakeholders in a project. It covers key concepts like understanding stakeholder interests, communication strategies, and the role stakeholders play in the success of a project. The video provides practical insights for project managers on how to foster meaningful relationships and manage expectations throughout a project lifecycle.
The following YouTube Video explores the concept of engaging communities in meaningful ways to foster collaboration and positive outcomes. It covers strategies for involving community members in decision-making processes, promoting active participation, and building stronger relationships with stakeholders. The video is ideal for project managers, organizations, or anyone looking to enhance community involvement in their projects.