Your task has a long list of to-do, but project execution may be the most important line item on it.
Project execution is the phase in a project’s life cycle where everything in the project plan is put into action and the actual work is performed. It is the result of and comes after project scheduling and project planning, and is where most of the time and effort of your project take place. That means that the way your execute project management is critically important.
Project execution phases
Project execution typically involves three phases: Following processes, managing people, and distributing information. Let’s look at those in more detail:
- Following processes: Following processes involves having outlines, systems, and procedures in place to help you finish your work and meet your organization’s requirements. It could involve how you secure raw materials, what third-party vendors are involved in your production process, and more. With a project execution plan in place, you won’t have to worry about time-consuming decision making and instead turn to the plan for guidance.
- Managing people: Managing people includes making sure your team members follow the project plan, that they are on task, and that they are motivated and encourage.
- Distributing information: Distributing information keeps your team members and your clients involved through the execution phase of the project. This prevents costly misunderstandings, minimizes delays, and encourages open communication and transparency.
Why you need a project execution plan
A project execution plan brings your team and your goals out of the darkness and into the light. By having a project execution plan, you will be able to map out how you will handle project deliverables, what the key performance indicators are, and what obstacles may be encouraged along the way and how those can be overcome.
Creating a project execution plan
With a powerful ally on your side like ProWorkflow, creating and following a project execution plan is relatively simple and straightforward. Here is how to create a project execution plan:
1. Hold an intake meeting. Don’t simply start working — hold at least a brief meeting to outline the project, introduce who is going to be working on it, who is doing what, and what the finished project should look like. You may also touch on scope and budget.
2. Anticipate and work quickly to control risk: Few projects ever go off without a hitch. You can minimize risk by learning from team members about previous projects, perform a PESTEL analysis, and analyze planning documentation to identify the risks that may naturally be present in the project, such as tight deadlines or limited budgets.
3. Manage the project as it develops: Don’t simply launch a project – keep track of it as work is going on. By identifying and tracking key performance indicators, you can measure them against your goals to make sure your project stays on track.
4. Ensure those responsible for work check their steps off: Getting responsible team members to check off their steps will catch mistakes before they snowball into something catastrophic.
Strategies for successful project execution
Strategy may be easier to create than actually follow, especially when projects stack up and deadlines are pressing. Here are some strategies for successful project execution:
- Start your project with a good idea in mind of what it will look like when you are finished
- Get your team members on the same page before launching your work
- Work with the finish line in mind, thinking ahead about training that may be needed
- Get high-performing specialists on your team who are aligned with your vision and goals
- Keep close track on how your project is progressing, and hold responsible those who are signed on to individual tasks
- Listen to feedback from team members, both so you can monitor how this project is going and so you can apply lessons learned from the present project to whatever may come next
- Be open and flexible so you can adapt to challenges as they develop and pivot quickly
- Don’t hesitate to celebrate miniature milestones along the way to your overall project completion
Project execution is easier with the right project management tools in place. Powerful software like what is offered by ProWorkflow lets you easily communicate, share files, assign tasks, and more, with all of your operations backed by plenty of cloud storage, easy notification settings, and best in class security. Contact ProWorkflow today for a free demo.
