What is Project Execution? - The Ultimate Guide

Project executions come after project initiation, scheduling, and project planning. But, what is project execution? Project execution is the third phase in the project life cycle where the planning has been taken into action and the work is being carried out.

The main work of the project starts in the execution phase. This is why organizations let project managers lay more focus and emphasis on the execution of the project which is very important in project management. In short, the execution demands more time and attention, unlike the rest of the project phases.

At times, you might have an effective curated project plan but there is no progress-making after the execution. This is because of the weak execution of your project. The project plan is a recommendation to guide your working flow and save time.

Let us discuss further in the article what are project execution plan is, its relevancy, and its ways to implement it for your project.

What is the Purpose of Project Execution?

Project execution (or project implementation) is the phase in which the plan created at earlier stages of the project life cycle is placed into action. 

The major purpose of project execution is to bring the expected project outcome and deliverables consequently.

Project execution plans initiate the procedure to execute, monitor and control projects. The plan acts as a driving suggestion to ensure that the set activities align with the project objectives and ensure approaches to how to finish it.

This typically means everything from the attribute to the strategies with the object of your project work. 

Any strategies and approaches made will be executed during this process to get the job done. Execution plays thirdly in the project lifecycle of four stages i.e., initiation, planning, execution, and closure.

As much as the execution stage sounds simple and concise, a lot of struggles take place with the change in requirements, resources, budget, or time.

Consider that, your project closure took place but the outcome failed. And, what could be the reason? Weak execution of the project deliverables as detailed in the project plan.

Project managers account for multitasking to evaluate and supervise team activities to derive quality deliverables from the team performing the activities. Therefore, putting effort into and nailing the execution stage is the most crucial part of a successful project.

Project Execution Strategies

How do we direct execution gaps without having to second-thought about it? Various strategies can be implemented than to actually apply it, especially with projects piling up and pushing the deadlines. Some of the best strategies to use for your team’s project execution are as follows,

Start with a Finish in Mind 

Muster up and begin the project with the best intention in mind of how the project will result. To do so, think beforehand about the training, changes, and other requirements that might take place.

The project manager must make certain that the project execution strategy must align with the overall company strategy.

Discuss with your team members

Nothing beats best against the project odds if you have a practice of clear communication and feedbacks with your project team. It may include meetings with the team members, project stakeholders, and members involved in the project. Ensure that your team members are on one mind with the process.

Develop a high-performing team

Collaborate and keep high-performing project members that align with your mission, vision, and goals.

Celebrate victories

It's always important to appreciate and celebrate the mini-success of your project. It is a formula to boost team morale, motivation, attitude, and productivity. The power of positivity builds bridges to project completion and success.

Track Progress

For project completion, keep a watch to constant track of how your project is heading and progressing. 

It enables tackling potent problems quickly and maintaining performance through accountability.

Suggested Read: Project Controlling And Its Importance In Project Management

How to Implement a Project Execution Plan?

Here is how to implement a project execution plan:

- First, put up a brief meeting to strategize and define the project before commencing the work.

- Take feedback and review it.

- Distribute and assigns the work. Give a clear idea of who will be performing which tasks.

- Analyze the planning to find out the risk that might occur.

- Have a consistent track of your work and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

- Maintain reviewing the work process and steps of your team members. This will ensure that everybody is on the same page.

- Be flexible with the changes

- Have clear communication with teams and stakeholders

- Set up with changes successfully

Advantages of Project Execution Plan

- The advantages of good project execution are;

- Develop action to achieve the set goals

- Boosts time and budget

- Identify issues and resolve

- Maintains team morale

- Good results for stakeholders

- Think ahead and pre-plan for future opportunities

Bottom Line

In a project, the execution phase deals with the challenges of centralizing communication, personnel, strategy, scope, sponsor, time, and others. So when the teams have clarity on getting the work done, they not only gain enough time before the deadlines but have an edge to accomplish even much more.

To become an expert in executing the project, applying the strategies that we have discussed above will help you to avoid and solve the potential pitfalls.

Despite the good or bad results of your project, keep learning from the experiences and start fresh.

If you are interested in honing your skills in the project management field, it is best to enroll for PMP Certification Training and be certified by a reputed source like Sprintzeal.

We cater to the best training courses globally led by expertise with curated courseware. For further details or any queries regarding the course, you can send an email or chat with our expert for any assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is a project execution plan?

A Project Execution Plan (PEP) is a document that defines and outlines how the project is to be executed, monitored, and controlled. The plan establishes strategies for how your team will perform on everything to get the work done as per the project plan.

2) What is the execution phase of a project?

The execution phase is the third phase in the project management lifecycle. It is the phase of a project where all set tasks take into action.

3) What is project execution in project management?

Project execution in project management is the phase in the project life cycle when the project activities are performed and materialized. Everything in the project plan is put into motion with actionable tasks to get the projects on the right track.

4) What is important in project execution?

Along with your project execution plan, it's important to centralize communications with the teams.

5) What is an example of project execution?

A few examples of project execution may include developing a new process, distributing a service, or contributing a product. The examples are either internal or external. The means of execution depends on the approaches taken by a project manager.

6) How do you write a project execution?

Let's begin with the steps below to come up with a project execution plan.

Step 1: Build and set up the actionable tasks.

Step 2: Create the timelines.

Step 3: Distribute and assign the tasks accordingly.

Step 4: Regularly monitor work progress.

Step 5: Have discussions and practice communication.

Step 6: Take feedback and connect with the stakeholders.

Step 7: Optimize and scheme changes.