5. list and describe the three major steps in executing the project plan.

Peter Herku says:

September 29, 2016 at 2:53 am

Ben, thank you for your very interesting post. Some additions from my experience:
I differentiate between 2 types of projects: 1. Creating something new (like in your example an e-book); 2. Improvement project where there is a performance gap. Examples: reduce lead time of lead conversion, improve customer satisfaction, reduce customer claims and irritations, etc.
In the improvement projects I follow Project Management steps called DMAIC. This stands for the following project phases: Define (describe the problem and set the objective), Measure (collect baseline data and check quality of data), Analyze (brainstorm and select the most important causes of the current performance vs objective), Improve (counter-measures and actions based on the most important causes), Control (if performance is significantly improved compared to baseline, create new working procedures and checklist to make sure results are sustained).
All of these phases are carried out together with a multi-disciplined team who knows the most of this problem. To support this way of project management and execution we developed a software, HerkuLess.com.
Thank you and keep up the good work!.

Reply

Project management process is usually broken down into separate phases that take the project from the beginning to the end. These stages include:

  • initiation
  • planning
  • execution
  • monitoring and control
  • closure

These phases often overlap with the project life cycle. They can help you determine the right flow and sequence of operations to bring your project to conclusion. Our project management checklist can further help you segment the tasks for each of the project phases.

1. Project initiation

Initiation is the formal start of a project. It usually begins with the issue of a project mandate which briefly describes the purpose of the project and authorises budget spend.

At this stage, you should define the project at a broad level. This often begins with:

  • a business case - justifying the need for the project and estimating potential benefits
  • a feasibility study - evaluating the problem and determining if the project will solve it

If you decide to undertake the project, you should then create a project initiation document (PID). This is the foundation of your project and a critical reference point for the next stages. Key components of your PID should be:

  • your business case
  • project goals, scope and size
  • project organisation (defining the 'who, why, what, when and how' of the project)
  • project constraints
  • project risks
  • stakeholders
  • project controls and reporting framework
  • the criteria for closing and assessing the project

Download a sample project initiation document (DOC, 44K).

2. Project definition and planning

Project planning is key to successful project management. This stage typically begins with setting goals. The two most common approaches include:

  • the SMART method (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely)
  • the CLEAR method (collaborative, limited, emotional, appreciable, refinable)

At this stage, you will also define the project scope, and develop a project plan and work breakdown schedule. This involves identifying:

  • time, cost and resources that are at your disposal
  • roles and responsibilities for the project
  • quality
  • milestones
  • baseline performance measures
  • progress checkpoints
  • risk and resources for resolving unforeseen issues

During this stage, you may also want to develop a communication plan (especially if you have external stakeholders), as well as a risk management plan.

Download an example of a project plan for a premises move (DOC, 191K).

3. Project launch and implementation

Implementation (also called project execution) simply means putting your project plan into action. It often begins with a project 'kick-off meeting'.

During this phase, you will carry out the tasks and activities from your project plan to produce the project deliverables. For example, if you are creating a promotional pack for a trade show, early deliverables might be to gather product information and prices, and complete all of your product photography and get it signed off by the customer.

Project managers may direct this work by:

  • overseeing a team
  • managing budget and resources
  • communicating to stakeholders

Careful monitoring and control at this stage can help you keep the project plan on track. You can use a range of tools and processes to help you manage things like time, cost, quality and risks, or to communicate progress and manage customer acceptance.

4. Project monitoring and control

Monitoring and control often overlap with execution as they often occur at the same time. They require measuring project progression and performance, and dealing with any issues that arise from day-to-day work.

You can use key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine if your project is on track. Things you could measure include, for example:

  • if your project is on schedule and budget
  • if specific tasks are being completed
  • if issues are adequately addressed

During this time, you may need to adjust schedules and resources to ensure that your project remains on track. See how to measure performance and set targets.

5. Project close

During this last phase, you will complete your work and dissolve the project. Closure doesn't necessarily mean success, but simply the final point of the project - eg closure can happen when you cancel projects that fail.

Project closure often involves things like:

  • handing over the deliverables
  • releasing staff and resources
  • archiving or handing over any relevant project documents
  • cancelling supplier contracts
  • completion of all activities across the project
  • preparing the final project budget and report
  • handover into business as usual if this applies

After closure, you can carry out a post-implementation project review (sometimes referred to as a 'post mortem' meeting). This is an opportunity to evaluate what went well and what didn't. Understanding failures, if there were any, can help you learn lessons and improve the way you carry out future projects.

What are the three major steps in executing the project plan?

Three main project planning steps.
Establish the basics in a statement of work. Determine concrete boundaries for your project—in other words, its scope—in the statement of work. ... .
Plan the project in more detail with a work breakdown structure. ... .
Tie it all together in the project charter..

What are the steps in project execution?

Project Execution Steps.
Begin work..
Manage workflow for all project tasks..
Issue management..
Risk management..
Manage change orders..
Manage project communications with all stakeholders..
Verify when milestones are reached..
Conduct gateway reviews as required..

What are the three 3 main elements of project management?

The project management triangle is made up of three variables that determine the quality of the project: scope, cost, and time. The triangle demonstrates how these three variables are linked—if one of the variables is changed, the other two must be adjusted in order to keep the triangle connected.

What are the 5 steps of project planning list and explain?

Five stages of project management.
initiation..
planning..
execution..
monitoring and control..
closure..