PMBOK: Project Executing
Project Executing is a phase in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) framework, where the project team executes the work defined in the project management plan. The PMBOK framework provides a comprehensive approach to project management, and the project executing phase is an important component of this process.
Key Components of Project Executing
Project executing involves several key components, including:
- Implementing the project management plan
- Directing and managing project work
- Controlling project work
- Closing project or phase
Implementing the Project Management Plan
The project management plan outlines the work that needs to be done to achieve the project goals. During the project executing phase, the project team begins implementing this plan by carrying out the various activities and tasks outlined in the plan. This includes:
- Defining the project scope
- Developing schedule and budget
- Identifying and acquiring resources
- Managing risks and issues
Defining the Project Scope
The scope of the project refers to the boundaries and limitations of the project. It is important to define the project scope to ensure that the project team is clear about what work needs to be done and what work is outside the scope of the project.
Developing Schedule and Budget
The project schedule outlines the timeline for completing the project, while the budget outlines the financial resources required to complete the project. Both the schedule and budget are critical components of the project management plan and must be carefully managed during the project executing phase.
Identifying and Acquiring Resources
The project team must identify and acquire the resources necessary to complete the project. This includes both human resources (e.g. project team members) and physical resources (e.g. equipment, supplies).
Managing Risks and Issues
Risks and issues are inherent in any project, and it is important to manage these effectively during the project executing phase. The project management plan should include a risk management plan that outlines the steps the project team will take to mitigate risks and resolve issues as they arise.
Directing and Managing Project Work
The project team must direct and manage the work of the project during the project executing phase. This includes:
- Assigning tasks and responsibilities
- Monitoring progress and performance
- Communicating with stakeholders
Assigning Tasks and Responsibilities
The project manager must assign tasks and responsibilities to the project team members. This is an important step in ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Monitoring Progress and Performance
The project manager must monitor progress and performance during the project executing phase. This includes monitoring the status of the project schedule and budget, as well as tracking the completion of tasks and activities.
Communicating with Stakeholders
Effective communication is critical to the success of any project. The project manager must communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep them informed about the status of the project and to address any concerns they may have.
Controlling Project Work
Controlling project work involves monitoring and controlling the various aspects of the project to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards. This includes:
- Monitoring project performance
- Controlling changes to the project
- Managing quality
- Managing project risks
Monitoring Project Performance
The project manager must monitor project performance to ensure that the project is progressing as planned. This includes monitoring the status of the project schedule and budget, as well as tracking the completion of tasks and activities.
Controlling Changes to the Project
Changes to the project are inevitable, and it is important to control these changes to ensure that the project remains on track. The project manager must assess the impact of changes on the project and determine how to best manage these changes.
Managing Quality
Quality management is an important aspect of project management and involves ensuring that the project is completed to the specified quality standards. The project manager must establish a quality management plan and implement quality control procedures to ensure that the project is completed to the specified quality standards.
Managing Project Risks
The project manager must manage project risks to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards. This includes identifying and mitigating risks, as well as managing issues as they arise.
Closing Project or Phase
The closing project or phase involves completing and closing out the project or phase. This includes:
- Completing all project activities
- Verifying and documenting project results
- Obtaining customer acceptance
- Archiving project records
Completing All Project Activities
The project manager must ensure that allproject activities are completed as planned. This includes completing all tasks, activities and deliverables, as well as ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of the project status.
Verifying and Documenting Project Results
The project manager must verify and document the results of the project to ensure that the project has been completed successfully. This includes reviewing the project schedule and budget, as well as verifying that the project has met the specified quality standards.
Obtaining Customer Acceptance
The project manager must obtain customer acceptance to ensure that the project has been completed to the customer’s satisfaction. This includes obtaining sign-off from the customer on the project deliverables and ensuring that the customer is satisfied with the results of the project.
Archiving Project Records
The project manager must archive project records to ensure that the project information is available for future reference. This includes storing project documentation, such as the project management plan, as well as project artifacts, such as Gantt charts, project schedules, and project budgets.
Gantt Chart Software
Gantt chart is a visual representation of the project schedule, and it is an important tool for project managers. There are several online Gantt chart software options available, including GanttPRO, Microsoft Project, Wrike, ClickUp, Monday.com, Smartsheet, and others. These software tools provide project managers with a visual representation of the project schedule, making it easier to track progress, manage risks, and ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards.
In conclusion, Project Executing is an essential component of the PMBOK framework, and it involves implementing the project management plan, directing and managing project work, controlling project work, and closing project or phase. Effective use of project management tools and techniques, such as Gantt chart software, can help project managers to successfully execute their projects and achieve project success.
Benjamin Dawes
Benjamin Dawes is a project manager from the United States who has worked for several organizations throughout his career. He grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts and attended Northeastern University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration. After graduation, Benjamin started his career in project management at a large financial services company in Boston. He quickly proved himself to be an effective leader and was promoted to project manager within a few years. Benjamin's strong organizational skills and ability to work with diverse teams made him a valuable asset to the company. From there, Benjamin went on to work for several other financial services companies, including Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. He also worked as a project manager for a healthcare technology company, where he managed the development and launch of a new software product aimed at improving patient outcomes. Benjamin is known for his expertise in project management methodologies such as Waterfall and Agile, which he has successfully implemented on several projects. He is also a skilled communicator and is able to effectively manage stakeholders across multiple teams and departments.