---
ref_id: PR36
ref_type: Process
ref_name: "Monitor Communications"
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
pmbok8_source: "PMBOK8 Guide §2.1"
companion_ref_shortcode: PG-APG
related_skills:
  - SKL-05-09
related_artifacts:
  - A28
  - A17
file_path: "reference/processes/PR36-monitor-communications.md"
---
# PR36 — Monitor Communications

## Process Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Process ID** | PR36 |
| **Process Name** | Monitor Communications |
| **Process Group** | Monitoring and Controlling |
| **Knowledge Area** | Communications Management |
| **PMBOK Source** | Process Groups: A Practice Guide §7.9 |

---

## Purpose
Ensure the information needs of the project and its stakeholders are met. Optimizes information flow as defined in the communications management plan and the stakeholder engagement plan.

---

## Inputs
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Project management plan | Resource management plan, communications management plan, stakeholder engagement plan |
| Project documents | Issue log, lessons learned register, project communications |
| Work performance data | Raw communication effectiveness data |
| Enterprise environmental factors | Organizational culture, communication norms |
| Organizational process assets | Communication templates and policies |

---

## Tools and Techniques
| Tool / Technique | Notes |
|---|---|
| Expert judgment | Evaluating communication effectiveness |
| Project management information system | Communication tracking tools |
| Data representation | Stakeholder engagement assessment matrix |
| Interpersonal and team skills | Observation/conversation |
| Meetings | Status reviews, retrospectives |

---

## Outputs
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
| Work performance information | Assessment of communications effectiveness |
| Change requests | To improve communications plans or activities |
| Project management plan updates | Communications management plan, stakeholder engagement plan |
| Project documents updates | Issue log, lessons learned register, stakeholder register |

---

## Key Concepts
- Determines if communications artifacts have had the **desired effect** on stakeholder support.
- Evaluates right message → right audience → right channel → right time.
- May trigger iteration of Plan Communications Management or Manage Communications processes.
- Methods include surveys, lessons learned observations, issue log reviews, and stakeholder engagement matrix changes.

---

## PMBOK 8 Alignment
- Supported by the **Stakeholders** performance domain (§2.6) and communications guidance throughout PMBOK 8.

---

## Related Processes
- Depends on: PR28 (Direct and Manage Project Work) — project communications output
- Feeds into: PR31 (Perform Integrated Change Control)
- Cross-links: PR40 (Monitor Stakeholder Engagement)

---

## Cross-References

| Related Item | Type | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| A28 | Artifact | Primary artifact produced or updated by this process |
| A17 | Artifact | Primary artifact produced or updated by this process |
| SKL-05-09 | Skill | Skill that executes this process |

## Practitioner Notes

Practitioners executing this process should seek answers to the following questions:
1. Are communication effectiveness assessments performed at defined intervals?
2. Are communication gaps or failures documented and resolved?
3. Is stakeholder feedback on communication quality captured?
4. Are communication channels and frequencies adjusted based on monitoring results?
5. Are information distribution records maintained for audit purposes?

## Change Log

| Version | Date | Description | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.1 | 2026-06-03 | Added Cross-References, Practitioner Notes, and Change Log sections (F-12 Batch 4) | PMO Director |
