Project Management : Phase 4

Phase 4 - Project execution

Project management is the management of change. Adopt all the practises that ease the inevitable trauma of change. However much we desire the end result of the Project, there will be steps along the way which are difficult for some people to accept.  If we have been fastidious in steps 1 to 3, all we have to do is to take all our preparation and planning and put it into practice !

Before starting :-
- Ask "Are the resources in place - Finance ; Materials ; People?"
- Establish clear responsibility and authority levels for all participants.
- Check everyone understands the plans and schedule.
- Develop the communications to ensure everyone knows what is to happen, when it is to happen and who is in charge of that aspect of the work.

Do not allow changes to the Project scope or schedule until a full review of the consequences of the proposed change are understood. Any change should fulfil all the criteria for adoption that was required of the original project. There will always be competing demands for the resources that a change will use. Lack of Change Control is the most common reason for Projects failing.

Review Project and plans daily.   Check where you are on the Project in relation to the plans. This is the control mechanism.  Note the variations that arise between planned and actual.  Ask if we can accept the difference; "What's the effect - both now and later on in the project. ?" If it has a detrimental effect, e.g. project delay or cost increase, can we take any mitigating action?  Ask "What change in time or cost etc. would make us cancel the project ?"

Remember - all the planning and paperwork in the world will achieve nothing ! Only people do things.
Therefore throughout the work it is essential to motivate, communicate with, pray with, enthuse and involve all the participants. In real terms, this will be the whole fellowship.

Finish
The completion stage is a very pressurised time in the life of the project. Everyone wants it yesterday, all the problems and difficulties assume huge proportions and fatigue erodes enthusiasm and persistence. Take heart from Joshua, "be strong and courageous" and ensure each final task is completed to specification. Unfinished work left now, will be a millstone later.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Key points
Complete final detailed design
Stick to the Plans
Complete the construction / implementation
Prepare people to accept / use the change
Publicly record the completion and handover of the Project

Move onto Phase 5