Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which is the first step in creating a communication management plan?

1. Define the budget for communication

2. Identify the target audience

3. Create communication materials

4. Develop an implementation timeline

The correct answer is: Identify the target audience

Identifying the target audience is the foundational step in creating a communication management plan because it ensures that all subsequent communication efforts are tailored effectively. Understanding who the audience is—be it stakeholders, team members, customers, or other relevant parties—allows the organization to craft messages that are relevant, clear, and engaging to those specific groups. By pinpointing the target audience first, organizations can then move on to define what information needs to be communicated, choose appropriate communication channels, and create relevant communication materials. If the target audience is not clearly identified, resources may be wasted in creating messages that do not resonate or are irrelevant to key stakeholders, ultimately undermining the purpose of the communication plan. This initial step is critical for aligning the communication strategy with the interests and needs of its recipients, paving the way for more effective planning and execution in the subsequent stages of communication strategy development.