Project execution is the third phase of the project life cycle where the actual work of creating project deliverables takes place. This phase transforms the project plan into tangible results and typically consumes the majority of project resources, budget, and time.
During execution, the project …Project execution is the third phase of the project life cycle where the actual work of creating project deliverables takes place. This phase transforms the project plan into tangible results and typically consumes the majority of project resources, budget, and time.
During execution, the project manager coordinates people and resources while managing stakeholder expectations. The team performs the tasks outlined in the project management plan, following established processes and procedures to produce the required outputs.
Key activities during project execution include:
**Resource Management**: Assigning team members to specific tasks, managing workloads, and ensuring the right people with appropriate skills are available when needed.
**Communication**: Distributing information to stakeholders, conducting status meetings, and maintaining clear channels for team collaboration.
**Quality Assurance**: Implementing quality standards and processes to ensure deliverables meet specifications and requirements.
**Procurement**: Acquiring goods and services from external vendors, managing contracts, and overseeing supplier relationships.
**Team Development**: Building team cohesion, resolving conflicts, and providing guidance to enhance performance.
The project manager must continuously monitor progress against the baseline plan during execution. When variances occur, corrective actions are implemented through integrated change control processes. Documentation remains essential, as all changes, decisions, and outcomes must be recorded.
Stakeholder engagement intensifies during this phase as deliverables become visible. Managing expectations and addressing concerns promptly helps maintain support and satisfaction.
Common challenges during execution include scope creep, resource conflicts, communication breakdowns, and unforeseen technical issues. Successful execution requires strong leadership, adaptability, and consistent adherence to project management methodologies.
The execution phase concludes when all major deliverables are completed and ready for validation. This transitions the project into the monitoring and controlling phase, which often runs concurrently, or moves toward project closure activities.
Project execution is the phase where the actual work gets done. This is where your project plan transforms from documentation into tangible deliverables. Understanding execution is critical because it typically consumes the majority of project resources, time, and budget. For the CompTIA Project+ exam, execution questions test your ability to apply project management principles in real-world scenarios.
What is Project Execution?
Project execution is the third phase in the project life cycle, following initiation and planning. During this phase, the project manager coordinates people and resources while managing stakeholder expectations to deliver the project's objectives. Key activities include:
• Directing and managing project work • Acquiring and developing the project team • Managing communications with stakeholders • Conducting procurements • Managing quality assurance activities • Implementing approved changes
How Project Execution Works
The execution phase operates as a continuous cycle of work performance and monitoring. The project manager uses the project management plan as a guide while:
1. Assigning tasks to team members based on the work breakdown structure 2. Holding kickoff meetings and regular status meetings 3. Tracking progress against baselines (scope, schedule, cost) 4. Resolving issues and removing obstacles for the team 5. Communicating status to stakeholders according to the communication plan 6. Processing change requests through the change control process 7. Ensuring quality standards are being met
Key Documents Used in Execution
• Project Management Plan • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) • Resource Calendar • Communication Plan • Risk Register • Change Log • Issue Log
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Project Execution Overview
Tip 1: Remember that execution and monitoring/controlling happen simultaneously. When a question presents a scenario during execution, consider whether monitoring activities should also be occurring.
Tip 2: Focus on the project manager's role as a facilitator and communicator. Questions often test whether you understand that the PM removes obstacles rather than doing all the technical work.
Tip 3: Know the difference between quality assurance (process-focused, happens during execution) and quality control (product-focused, happens during monitoring and controlling).
Tip 4: When questions mention changes during execution, the correct answer typically involves following the change control process rather than making ad-hoc modifications.
Tip 5: Understand that team development and stakeholder engagement are ongoing activities throughout execution, not one-time events.
Tip 6: For scenario-based questions, identify which execution process is being described: team management, communication management, procurement, or work direction.
Tip 7: Remember that all approved changes must be reflected in updated project documents. Look for answers that include documentation updates.
Common Exam Scenarios
• A team member is struggling with a task - the PM should provide support, training, or reassign resources • A stakeholder requests a change - follow the change control process • Quality issues are discovered - implement corrective actions and update lessons learned • Communication breakdowns occur - refer to and possibly update the communication plan
Master these concepts and you will be well-prepared to answer Project+ exam questions on project execution.