Project success depends on effective communication

Abstract: Companies all over the world rise and fall; this is mostly due to a lack of effective management and leadership. Management and leadership are often mistaken for one another, but the true definitions indicate that the two are as different as night and day, yet still remain part of one another. In leading companies, the need for effective communication is critical, as it promotes and allows the enhancement of achievements. NASA embarked on one of the most complex projects to date, namely the Apollo Program (1967–1975). This project consisted of many elements, in which communication played a major role. The project was a success, yet it was accomplished with only rotary dial phones and typewriters as communication channels. Therefore, communication and the effective action behind it could affect the success of a project or company. Communication within an organisation is seen as a vital resource. However, in reality it sometimes happens that insufficient attention is dedicated to the concept, process, and content of communication in the workplace, thus leading to the intended message being misunderstood. The managing of this resource is required to have a basic objective, in covering all communication facets within an organisation, and its immediate environment. Success in communicating efficiently and effectively requires a change of values within the culture of the organisation. This document elucidated on new investigations through empirical research to provide solutions to questions such as:  “What makes a project successful?”  “What does effective communication endorse?”; and  “What is the link between success and effective communication?” To deliver a conclusive answer for the key objective of this investigation, which is to endorse new ways of thinking in the project management sector.M.Ing. (Engineering Management