Several things went right on the recent launch of Scouts Canada’s revitalized uniform but there are two project management knowledge areas that the team focused on that made it really successful—project scope management, particularly the Collect Requirements process, and project communications management.

To respect the movement’s century-old history and to address potential emotional concerns, the team spent countless hours gathering the requirements via formal studies, surveys, focus groups and face-to-face discussions. Without a well-integrated project communications management plan, the requirements gathering process would not have been successful.

Throughout the project, updates were sent to more than 100,000 members whilst continually engaging the senior management team, and local staff and volunteers. The resulting media coverage in national newspapers, radio and television—and the buzz on social media sites—points to a solid and well-executed marketing and public relations strategy.

Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.