Definition of the Execution Phase

00:03 So here we are.

00:05 We've gone through the first two phases of the project lifecycle.

00:09 Initiation, where the project foundations are laid and a project manager is appointed.

00:14 And planning, where the project manager uses their many skills to create a superb project plan.

00:21 So what next? Well. If this was a skiing trip, you'd be at the point where you've prepared the holiday, got the time off work, and saved up enough money.

00:32 You've got all your equipment on watched hours of how to ski videos on YouTube.

00:36 You've mentally prepared yourself on the journey up the ski lift, and you are now standing at the top of the slope.

00:43 You've done everything humanly possible to get ready, but now it's time to push yourself down the hill and see what your efforts amount to in project management vernacular.

00:54 This hill is called execution, so try not to fly headfirst into a tree. As we said over and over again, the more detailed the plan, the easier the execution.

01:09 Note that I am saying easier.

01:12 Not easy.

01:14 No project can ever execute itself regardless of how well it's been planned.

01:19 The project needs the project manager to manage the work, the people and all communications throughout the whole phase.

01:26 And while the project team is responsible for the actual execution of the project, it's the project manager who's accountable.

01:34 Of course, the execution phase will vary more than the planning stage depending on the project. But don't worry.

01:41 In the following lessons, we will take you through some universal methods for ensuring a smooth execution.

01:48 All right. You may have noticed that the execution phase runs alongside the monitoring and control phase.

01:54 Instead of explaining both those phases simultaneously, we will break halfway through execution to explain monitoring and control activities.

02:02 It will be much clearer this way.

02:04 Trust us on this one.

02:06 We've got your back.

02:07 So let's start at the beginning, the kick-off meeting.

02:12 See you in the next lesson where we will discuss what it is and how to do it.

02:16 Great stuff.