Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement for Major Projects

Major projects affect communities, regulators, investors, unions and many internal groups, any of whom can delay or derail delivery. This course teaches systematic stakeholder engagement: identifying and analysing stakeholders, planning engagement, managing expectations and opposition, consulting effectively and monitoring relationships throughout the project.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Many large projects are delayed by stakeholders rather than technical issues. You will learn to engage early and turn potential opponents into supporters.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Stakeholder mapping exercises, engagement plan workshops, consultation role plays and case studies of major projects.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify and analyse project stakeholders
Prioritise stakeholders by influence and interest
Develop stakeholder engagement plans
Manage expectations and resistance
Run consultations and public engagement
Monitor stakeholder relationships and adjust plans

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project and programme managers
Stakeholder and community relations managers
Infrastructure and energy project teams
Government project officers
Communication professionals

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Stakeholder analysis
Engagement planning
Consultation
Conflict management
Relationship monitoring

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Stakeholders in Major Projects

09:00–10:08Why stakeholders matter
10:08–11:00Types of stakeholders
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Types of stakeholders (continued)
11:45–12:53Lessons from troubled projects
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 2Analysis

09:00–10:08Stakeholder identification
10:08–11:00Power-interest mapping
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Power-interest mapping (continued)
11:45–12:53Concerns and motivations
12:53–14:00Workshop: stakeholder map

Day 3Engagement Planning

09:00–10:08Engagement levels
10:08–11:00Methods and channels
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Methods and channels (continued)
11:45–12:53Timing
12:53–14:00Exercise: engagement plan

Day 4Managing Opposition

09:00–10:08Understanding resistance
10:08–11:00Negotiation and compromise
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Negotiation and compromise (continued)
11:45–12:53Community consultation
12:53–14:00Role play: public meeting

Day 5Monitoring

09:00–10:08Relationship tracking
10:08–11:00Grievance mechanisms
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Grievance mechanisms (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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