Understanding The Project Execution in Project Management Process
There are a few different objectives and outcomes for each phase of the project life cycle. Once the project has been planned for and initiated the project team can finally get to work on achieving pulmonary objectives. In this blog, we will explore project execution in project management and cover the reasons why this process is so important.
What is the Definition of the Project Execution Process?
So let’s discuss project execution, meaning: work, outputs, and deliverables all supported by the executing processes of a project. Most of the project activities are completed during the execution phase, as deliverables are finalized and presented to the client.
The Purpose of the Project Execution Process
Executing Process Group
- The purpose of the Project Execution Process group is to complete the work defined in the project plan and to meet project objectives.
- Executing the project plan
Focuses on:
- Managing people
- Following processes
- Distributing information
During the execution phase of a project, the team works to complete objectives directed by the project scope.
The order of events, tools, materials, and equipment that will be used during the project are all accounted for during the planning stage. Once these plans are finalized, they are executed during the project execution process. If you have done a good job planning for the project, this phase will not be difficult and the client will likely be happy with the results. Keep in mind that weaknesses during the planning process will negatively affect the final outcome. Weaknesses include going over budget, missing deadlines, or producing a final product that is not up to code.
What Does the Project Execution Focus on?
The Project Execution phase has three main objectives. Next, we will explore each of them:
- Managing people. The bulk of the project is completed by the project team. Project activities are then assigned to individual project team members who have the skills needed to get the job done. During the execution phase, members of the team need to be able to complete project activities and finish objectives successfully, according to the project scope and client needs.
- Following processes. It is very important for the project team to follow proper processes during execution. For example, how to refill a commonly used material is often defined in the management processes. When it is time to stock more inventory, the procurement management processes will provide the steps needed in order to successfully place the order.
- Distributing information. Most of the project work is completed during the project execution phase. During this process information and updates must be communicated to stakeholders and clients. The project team will host meetings to review the current status of the project and analyze how to solve problems.
Why Are Meetings Important in Project Execution?
- Meetings are important in the executing process group
During meetings:
- Review risks
- Upcoming contingency plans
- Do not only discuss status or what is done
Every good project manager knows that meetings are important. Various types of meetings can be executed in order to convey different levels of information to the appropriate parties. For example, project team meetings will be a time to cover project activities and specific problems the team is facing. Executives and stakeholders will be in attendance for the delivery of high-level information.
What is Done During the Meetings in Project Execution?
- Risks are reviewed. If there is a possibility that our risk will occur, the project team must take action in order to plan for the intended impacts of said risk. For example, if one of your project team members resigns halfway through the project, you will need to coordinate a handover system to ensure all parts of the project still get completed.
- A contingency plan to analyze the loss created by this cost must be completed.
- Do not only discuss the status or what is done. Keep in mind that meetings are not only for giving stakeholders and team members updates on the current status of the project. Try to make your meetings more interactive by presenting challenges, risks, successes, and best practices that your team is following to ensure excellent completion of the project.
When Should You Start the Project Execution Process?
Reasons to start executing process:
- Project planning is completed
- Integrated change control results in a changed project management plan
Here are the two reasons for beginning the execution phase in the PM process:
- Reason #1: Project planning is completed. Once the planning stage is over, PMs seek approval of the project scope from stakeholders. The project execution process begins with the first few steps that have been outlined in the planning stage.
- Reason #2: Integration of change control, resulting in a changed project management plan. For example, if a change request has been approved, it must be implemented by the PM team. In order to begin the change process, the PM plans are revised and re-evaluated. Next, the execution process is started in order to finalize the approved project change.