---
title: "Media choice table"
subject: "ICT Project Management"
chapter: 11
key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:media-choice-table"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/media-choice-table
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Media choice table

ICT Project Management · Chapter 11: Project Communication Management

- Asked in: year not given
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/media-choice-table
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-11

## Question

Sketch a media choice table.

## Short answer

A media choice table helps select the right communication medium by comparing options like face-to-face, email, and reports against factors such as urgency and need for a record. Rich media suit complex issues, lean media suit routine updates.

## Answer

A **media choice table** guides the project team in selecting the most suitable communication medium for different types of communication. It compares media against the nature of the message, so that the right medium is used for the right purpose (a tool adapted from Gido and Clements / Schwalbe, based on media richness theory).

#### Sketch of a media choice table
| Type of communication | Face-to-face meeting | Phone / video call | Email | Memo / letter | Formal report | Chat / SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent, need immediate answer | Best | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor | Good |
| Complex, sensitive issue | Best | Good | Poor | Fair | Fair | Poor |
| Needs a permanent record | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Best | Fair |
| Routine status update | Fair | Fair | Best | Fair | Good | Good |
| Large audience / many recipients | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Best | Fair |
| Formal approval / legal | Fair | Poor | Fair | Best | Best | Poor |
| Brainstorming / conflict resolution | Best | Good | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Team informal chat | Good | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor | Best |

(Poor < Fair < Good < Best.)

#### Factors for media choice
- Urgency and need for feedback.
- Complexity and sensitivity of the message.
- Number and location of recipients.
- Need for written proof.
- Cost and availability of technology.
- Cultural and language considerations.

#### Richness of media
```text
Rich <------------------------------------------------> Lean
Face-to-face > Video > Phone > Personal written > Email
             > Formal report > Bulk notices
```
Rich media are better for ambiguous and emotional messages; lean media suit simple, routine information.

#### Use
The table is included in the communication management plan. It helps the team avoid mistakes such as trying to resolve a serious conflict by email.

**Example:** A delay in vendor delivery (urgent and complex) is first discussed by phone or in a meeting, then confirmed by email for the record.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is the purpose of a media choice table?
   A. To select the most suitable communication medium for each type of communication
   B. To compute communication channels
   C. To schedule meetings
   D. To list stakeholders
   Answer: A. It compares media against message nature. (Key point: Purpose)

2. Which medium is best for resolving a serious conflict?
   A. Email
   B. Face-to-face meeting
   C. Chat/SMS
   D. Formal report
   Answer: B. Rich media suit sensitive, emotional messages. (Key point: Conflict resolution)

3. Which statement on media richness is correct?
   A. Lean media suit ambiguous messages
   B. Email is the richest medium
   C. Rich media suit ambiguous messages; lean media suit routine information
   D. Rich media suit only bulk notices
   Answer: C. Face-to-face is richest; email and reports are lean. (Key point: Media richness)