Process: Direct and Manage Project Work
Process Group: Executing
Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management
Purpose
The Direct and Manage Project Work process involves leading and performing the work defined in the project management plan and implementing approved changes to achieve project objectives. It includes managing deliverables, using resources, and ensuring that tasks are executed according to plan in real time.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Contains all baseline and subsidiary plans needed to guide execution.
- Project Documents – Includes change logs, lessons learned, risk register, and requirements documentation.
- Approved Change Requests – Modifications that have passed through the integrated change control process.
- Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) – Organizational culture, standards, and systems that influence execution.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Templates, procedures, and historical information used to support execution.
Tools and Techniques
- Expert Judgment – Applied to interpret plans, make decisions, and solve execution challenges.
- Project Management Information System (PMIS) – Systems used to track progress, manage data, and facilitate communication.
- Meetings – Used to coordinate actions, resolve issues, and engage stakeholders during execution.
Outputs
- Deliverables – The completed outputs of project work ready for validation.
- Work Performance Data – Raw data on activities performed, such as start/finish dates, status, and costs.
- Issue Log – A record of issues identified, assigned, tracked, and resolved.
- Change Requests – New requests generated during execution to modify scope, schedule, cost, etc.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Adjustments made as needed to reflect reality and maintain alignment.
- Project Document Updates – Updated documents such as risk register, stakeholder register, and lessons learned.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- In the Executing Process Group, this is the central process where work is actually performed.
- Within Project Integration Management, it reflects the active coordination and management of all project elements as defined during planning.
Why It Matters
- Drives Progress – It’s where the bulk of the project work happens, converting plans into results.
- Ensures Alignment – Keeps execution tied to the plan, adjusting when necessary through change requests.
- Supports Real-Time Decision Making – Allows the team to react to conditions on the ground while still tracking toward objectives.
- Feeds Monitoring and Control – Provides the data needed to assess performance and identify corrective actions.