Project Communication Needs
inCivil Engineering
Name: Wut Hmoun Myint
Class: Civil Level-5
Subject: 504 ( Project Management )
Sky Star Engineering College
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Table of contents
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Fundamentalsof
Project Communication
Communication Planning
and Management
Formal & Informal
Communications
Challenges, and Best
Practices for
Communication
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Fundamentals of
Project Communication
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a.Importance of Project Communication
• Ensures clarity in roles, tasks, and deadlines
• Prevents delays and costly mistakes
• Encourages early problem-solving and
collaboration
• Enhances trust and long-term stakeholder
relationships
• Real-time updates maintain momentum
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b. Stakeholders incivil Engineering Communication
Clients: Define scope and approve deliverables
Conractors/Subcontractors: Execute tasks and report progress
Project Managers/ Engineers: Coordinate teams and technical info
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Community Reps: Reflect public impact and feedback
Suppliers/Consultants: Need timely coordination
Government Bodies: Monitor compliance
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c. Communication Channelsin Civil Projects
1. Verbal Communication
• Face-to-face discussions (on-site issue
solving)
• Site briefings / Toolbox talks
• Quick updates during inspections
Strengths: Fast, builds trust
Limitations: No record, can be misinterpreted
2. Written Communication
• Emails, letters, memos
• Daily reports and work logs
• Contracts and formal documentation
Strengths: Provides record and clarity
Limitations: Slower feedback, needs clear
writing
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3. Visual Communication
•Engineering drawings and blueprints
•Site signs and safety posters
•BIM models with visual annotations
Strengths: Clarifies complex ideas
Limitations: Needs standardization and
understanding
4. Digital Communication
•Group messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp for quick
updates)
•Shared folders (Google Drive, OneDrive) for
documents
•Video calls for remote coordination
Strengths: Fast and flexible, allows remote access
Limitations: Requires internet and tech comfort
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• Email andInstant messaging
• Calls, face-to-face talks, site chats
• Informal check-ins
Boosts teamwork, quick fixes, and
relationship building.
• Reports, contracts, scheduled meetings,
emails
• Bulletins, memos, hand outs
• Meetings, Presentations, Speeches,
Conferences
Provides documentation and legal clarity.
Formal Informal
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“Balanced use ensures efficiency and adaptability.”
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Formal & Informal Communications
a. Formal Vs Informal Communications
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When to UseFormal Communication
•Documenting important decisions
•Situations with legal or financial risk
•Communicating with external or high-
level stakeholders
When to Use Informal Communication
•Quick fixes or clarifications
•Building team bonding and collaboration
•Working on-site or in-person
b. Choosing the Right Communication Type — When, Why & Risks
Misuse Consequences
Too informal in serious
matters
No records for disputes, blame-
shifting, delays
Too formal for small
issues
Slower reaction time, cold or
distant team environment
Why to Use Formal Communication
•Ensures clarity and accountability
•Provides official records
•Protects the organization in serious matters
Why to Use Informal Communication
•Saves time and speeds up decision-making
•Encourages openness and trust
•Supports fast-paced, flexible teamwork
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Communication Planning
and Management03
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a. Creating a communication plan
• Define scope, objectives, and stakeholders
• Identify communication needs per role
• Select proper channels and formats (meetings,
emails, etc.)
• Set frequencies ( weekly reports, daily briefings)
• Outline documentation and feedback
mechanisms
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b. Communication Schedule& Hierarchy
● Routine Meetings: Weekly team check-
ins, toolbox talks
● Reports: Weekly/Monthly updates for
progress, cost, risks
● Keeps information flows consistent and
avoid confusion
Client
Design Consultants/
Architects/ Engineers
Project
Manager
Contractors Site Engineers Subcontractors
and labours
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a. Common Barriersto Communication
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Challenges, and Best Practices
for Communication
•Fragmented teams and platforms
•Jargon and unclear instructions
•Language and cultural gaps
•Poor connectivity on remote sites
•Solutions: Use plain language, mobile apps, clear
roles
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• Developing Interpersonalskills
• Effective speaking and active listening
• Appropriate communication mediums for
different audiences
• Define communication protocols early
• Use both formal and informal channels wisely
• Promote feedback and two-way dialogue
• Train teams in communication and cultural
awareness
• Review communication effectiveness using
metrics
b. Best Practices for Better Communication
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Conclusion
Effective communication isthe foundation of successful civil
engineering projects. It ensures clarity, coordination, and timely
decision-making among all stakeholders. With proper planning,
modern tools, and consistent techniques, project teams can improve
collaboration, avoid delays, and deliver quality outcomes. Strong
communication isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
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“Strong communication is not
optional—it’s the foundation of every
successful civil engineering project.”