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Project Management Software Articles
Project Management Software
Process Focus: Executing
After
a plan is place, and after it has been approved, and the project team
members assembled, it is time to actually put the plan into action and
begin actually accomplishing the project objectives. This does not mean
that everything happens all at once. Rather, the executing project
management process group encompasses almost the entire project, as each
stage of the plan is executed in order. By consulting the project plan
(which should be readily available on project management software) the
project manager can stay abreast of what should be happening, and when
it should be happening.
A very important
part of executing the project is making sure that the team remains
motivated. As each member begins performing her or his assigned tasks,
and as the project progresses and some assignments begin to feel
monotonous, the project manager needs to keep up morale. By giving
constructive feedback and by praising a job well done, the project
manager can help team members feel appreciated. Sincere comments on
work done encourage those working on the project to do a good job and
fulfill their duties in an efficient manner. Constructive suggestions
on how to improve performance can also help. But the project manager
must remain professional and suggest improvements in a private and
sensitive manner that is not personal.
This
is also the time that outside contractors and vendors should be working
on their portions of the project. The project manager should make sure
that everything is going according to plan, and that things both in
house and out are on schedule. Project management software can be a big
boon, as it provides a visual representation of what is actually being
accomplished.
Project management software
can also be helpful as the project manager prepares progress reports
for her or his own supervisors. The information garnered from the
program is often helpful. Additionally, many of these project
management programs actually provide easy tools for creating visual
aids such as charts and tables for display. Team members should also
periodically report on their progress to the project manager during the
executing phase of the project.
Any changes
are also handled at this time. If something needs to be redone, or if
the project is expanded or reevaluated, it happens during the execution
stage. This is essential when all of the work to complete the project
is accomplished. If a little more needs to be done, or if adjustments
to the output need to be made so that it more closely matches the
project objectives, this is done as part of the executing.
The executing project management process group is arguably the most
important, as this is when everything actually gets done. The project
manager refers to the plan and the charter to evaluate whether or not
what is happening matches what the end result should be. This is where
the product is made, the system integration takes place, or the
research is obtained. Having a reliable team that can accomplish tasks
on deadline makes all the difference at this stage. This is also where
the project manager takes advantage of the careful planning done
before, and learns lessons to make a better plan for the next project.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
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