Matrices-based modeling of communication within planning projects

Within planning projects the planning of communication often is an underestimated complexity factor. Addressing the need for methodological support this paper presents a matrices-based model which supports the planning of communication. Basically the communication model aims for structuring the dependencies between planning participants, planning tasks and planning information respectively content, based on the essential basics of Design Structure Matrices. It allows a differentiated communication analysis by providing a high level of transparency, by adapting to project specifics and, thus, by making different evaluations possible. Furthermore a novel area of application for Design Structure Matrices is introduced with reference to the social-communicative structuring of communication within the scope of the presented model.