All projects have different deliverables and goals. So, project managers create the project management plan specifically for the project they are managing for their organizations. Managing and directing these projects requires efficient collaboration and coordination between the project managers and the project development teams. The PMBOK Guide 6th Edition specifies the five process groups and 49 processes of project management, grouped under each process group to help project managers successfully execute projects. The executing process group assists project managers in directing the project team to deliver the project scope mentioned in the project management plan.
Executing Process Group in Project Management
While leading and managing projects for their organizations, project managers ensure all project deliverables are on track. Thus, the main objective of the executing process group in project management is to ensure that the project management team is on the projected path to achieve the desired results. The project manager measures the project team’s progress against the previously agreed-upon metrics in the executing phase. These metrics or baselines are a part of high-level documents like the project charter and the project management plan.
Thus, with the help of the executing process group and the processes listed under it, project managers can successfully meet the project requirements and manage the project stakeholder’s expectations. During this process group, project managers coordinate with the suppliers and vendors to procure project resources. In the executing process group, project managers establish the project’s quality standards and implement the risk responses according to the quality management and risk management plans.
Executing Process Group Processes
The executing process group of project management signifies the project’s execution according to the project plan. The project manager guides the project team to meet the specifications defined in the project management plan document. However, project managers discover several new information and project knowledge during the project execution. In that case, the project manager must analyze the project knowledge and decide to incorporate it only if it adds value to the project as well as the organization.
There are 10 processes grouped under executing process group; these are as follows:
- Direct and Manage Project Work
- Manage Project Knowledge
- Manage Quality
- Acquire Resources
- Develop Team
- Manage Team
- Manage Communications
- Implement Risk Responses
- Conduct Procurements
- Manage Stakeholder Engagement
PMBOK Guide 6 vs 7
As mentioned above, the process-based approach to project management is a part of a guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, sixth edition. PMBOK Guide 7th edition does not contain these process groups and processes; instead, it follows a principle-based approach. The PMBOK Guide seventh edition changes reflect the changing dynamics of the global economy and the varying ways organizations conduct projects today.
Modern organizations no longer restrict themselves to a single project management methodology. They are open to trying more than two or a combination of two project management methodologies, like the hybrid project management methodology that combines waterfall and agile methods. Therefore, the process-focused direction has transformed into a value delivery system where organizations focus on tailoring their project management processes according to the needs of their customers.
Also, more organizations are prioritizing performance over fixed processes. The PMBOK Guide 7th edition changes reflect this attitude with the introduction of models, methods, and artefacts, as well as tailoring and eight performance domains. Thus, the importance of the project outcome has increased rather than the execution processes of the project. Despite all these new changes to the PMBOK Guide, existing project managers still trust the process-based approach of the sixth edition.
Conclusion
Therefore, your PMP (Project Management Professional) Certificate Study must include both the sixth and seventh editions of the PMBOK Guide for acquiring the prestigious PMP Certification from PMI (Project Management Institute). Along with a thorough understanding of the ten knowledge areas, which were the project management standards in the sixth edition, PMP aspirants can learn about the new project management standards, also known as the twelve project delivery principles of the seventh edition. This approach will help them understand the tried and tested process-focused approach and the new principle-focused approach of project management for successfully clearing their PMP Exam in 2022 and leading projects for their future organizations.
