Executing Process Group
The Executing Process Group consists of processes performed to complete the work defined in the project management plan to satisfy project requirements.
Explanation
The Executing Process Group is where the majority of the project budget is spent and the majority of resources are engaged. This is where the team does the actual work of creating the project deliverables. Key processes include Direct and Manage Project Work, Manage Quality, Acquire Resources, Develop Team, Manage Team, Manage Communications, Implement Risk Responses, and Conduct Procurements.
During execution, the project manager spends most of their time leading the team, resolving issues, removing obstacles, and ensuring that work is being performed according to the project management plan. Leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills are critical during this phase. The project manager also manages stakeholder engagement to maintain support and address concerns.
Execution generates work performance data — raw observations and measurements such as percent complete, actual costs, and actual durations. This data flows into the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group for analysis. Execution also produces deliverables, change requests, and updates to the project management plan and project documents.
Key Points
- •Where the project team creates the deliverables
- •Consumes the majority of the project budget and resources
- •Produces work performance data, deliverables, and change requests
- •Requires strong leadership, communication, and team management
Exam Tip
Most of the project manager's time during execution is spent communicating. PMI emphasizes that PMs spend approximately 90% of their time communicating. Questions about what a PM should do "most" during execution often point to communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Process Groups
Process Groups are a logical grouping of project management processes categorized into five groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.
Work Performance Data
Work performance data is the raw observations and measurements identified during activities performed to carry out the project work.
Deliverables
A deliverable is any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to produce a service that is required to be produced to complete a process, phase, or project.
Monitoring and Controlling Process Group
The Monitoring and Controlling Process Group consists of processes required to track, review, and regulate the progress and performance of the project, identify areas where changes to the plan are needed, and initiate corresponding changes.
Most-studied PMP concepts
High-yield topics our learners drill most before exam day.
Predictive Life Cycle (Waterfall)
A predictive life cycle is a plan-driven approach where the project scope, schedule, and cost are determined early and changes are carefully managed.
Subsidiary Plans
Subsidiary plans are the individual management plans that are components of the overall project management plan, each addressing a specific Knowledge Area or management function.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
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PM Fundamentals & Frameworks
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