Determining key stakeholders in the design phase is critical for ensuring that all relevant expertise is integrated into project planning and execution. The most effective way to do this is by analyzing the project scope and identifying disciplines that significantly impact project success.

Key considerations:

Scope and Discipline Impact Analysis

Reviewing the project scope helps determine which disciplines (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical, civil) play crucial roles in design and execution.

Stakeholders should be selected based on their influence on quality, safety, cost, and functionality.

Stakeholder Involvement Criteria

Technical expertise and regulatory compliance: Engineers, designers, and safety managers should be included.

Operational and financial impact: Owners, investors, and procurement teams must be engaged.

End-user requirements: Facility managers and eventual operators should provide input on design usability.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

B (Incorrect): Limiting stakeholder involvement to financial contributors overlooks key technical, regulatory, and end-user inputs.

C (Incorrect): While senior management oversight is valuable, operational stakeholders with technical knowledge must also be involved.

D (Incorrect): Selecting stakeholders based on availability rather than their impact leads to knowledge gaps and design deficiencies.

References:

Quality Management in Construction Projects outlines the importance of engaging discipline-specific stakeholders to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance in design​.

QA Library All emphasizes stakeholder analysis techniques such as power/interest grids and data representation to identify and engage the right stakeholders​.

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