The communication models used to facilitate communications and the exchange of information may vary from project to project and also within different stages of the same project. A basic communication model, shown in Figure 10-4, consists of two parties, defined as the sender and receiver.

 

Medium is the technology medium and includes the mode of communication while noise includes any interference or barriers that might compromise the delivery of the message. The sequence of steps in a basic communication model is:

 

•  Encode. Thoughts or ideas are translated (encoded) into language by the sender.

•  Transmit Message. This information is then sent by the sender using communication channel (medium). The transmission of this message may be compromised by various factors (e.g., distance, unfamiliar technology, inadequate infrastructure, cultural difference, and lack of background information). These factors are collectively termed as noise.

•  Decode. The message is translated by the receiver back into meaningful thoughts or ideas.

•  Acknowledge. Upon receipt of a message, the receiver may signal (acknowledge) receipt of the message

  but this does not necessarily mean agreement with or comprehension of the message.

•  Feedback/Response. When the received message has been decoded and understood, the receiver encodes thoughts and ideas into a message and then transmits this message to the original sender.