Project Management and Group #3: The Executing Process Group

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) states “The Executing Process Group consists of those processes performed to complete the work defined in the project management plan to satisfy the project specifications.” This group integrates and coordinates people and other resources to carry out the project management plan. The processes below make up the Executing Process Group.

Direct and Manage Project Work

The Direct and Manage Project Work process belongs to the Project Integration Management knowledge area. Some outputs of this process are deliverables, work performance data, and change requests. Some activities in this process include managing IT risk, performing activities to accomplish project objectives, and managing sellers and suppliers.

Perform Quality Assurance

The Perform Quality Assurance process belongs to the Project Quality Management knowledge area. This process involves auditing of quality requirements and quality control measurements. The process essentially makes sure the quality standards and operational definitions are being used during project execution. As you might expect, some outputs of this process are change requests and updates to the project management plan and project documents.

Acquire, Develop and Manage Project Team

All these processes are part of the Project Human Resources Management knowledge area. The key outputs of these processes are:

• Acquire Project Team: Typical outputs include assigning staff and creating resource calendars. Negotiations and Acquisitions are part of this process.
• Develop Project Team: Typical outputs include conducting performance assessments. All development related activities, such as training and team-building, are performed in this process.
• Manage Project Team: Typical outputs include updates to the project management plan and other project documents. Project performance appraisals and conflict resolution are part of this process.

Manage Communications

Manage communications for the project.  This includes internal communication among the project team as well as external communication.  External communication management can help set expectations and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.

Conduct Procurements

Key activities in this project include selecting a seller, awarding a contract, and signing an agreement. Key inputs to this process are the make-or-buy decision, the source selection criteria, the seller proposals, and the procurement statement of work.

Manage Stakeholder Engagement

Managing stakeholder expectations, stakeholder needs, and addressing issues in the project life-cycle. Key outputs of this process are the issue log and change requests.

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