
The critical objective of the “execute” phase is to complete quality deliverables to meet stated objectives and requirements. In this phase, the bulk of the actual efforts to enact project activities occur. As indicated in the phase graphic above, this phase happens concurrently and iteratively with the “monitor and control” phase; activities from these two phases feed into one another in a mini-cycle within the larger implementation process.
A project team moving through the “execute” phase will document requirements, collect testing results and determine help desk processes. They will also develop key project artifacts for communication; procurement and contracting; data cleansing, migration and validation results; training; and go-live/implementation.
How to navigate the “execute” phase
Move through the tabs on this page to access the tools to work through this project phase. Start with the “primary tools” tab to access the critical project artifacts for this phase. You can then review the “supplementary tools” tab to see if any of the more specialized tools meet your needs. Last, check the “phase exit criteria” tab to ensure you’re ready to move to the next phase.
Reference the graphic above for a snapshot of the five phases of the project management lifecycle. For a more in-depth view of the framework and the associated steps of each phase, see the full framework below.
Primary Management Framework
Apply project management and change management to guide the migration process
SAMPLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK POSTER LINK
Execute Phase Primary Tools
Tool downloads
Download these interactive, editable tools to help you begin drafting your project artifacts. Each tool includes a description, detailed instructions and helpful hints to help you get started. These editable resources are provided as a starting point to be leveraged and modified as needed to suit your needs.
Some tools listed under the second phase, “plan,” also appear here, as many of the action plans created during the planning phase will need to be the focus of activities during the “execute” phase.
Develop and track baseline requirements
Capture project requirements and provide traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
LINK TO REQUIREMENTS TRACEABILITY MATRIX
Plan communication messages and activities
A communications plan is a document that outlines the intended communications approach and guides communication activities for a particular project or initiative. Communications planning helps ensure that key messages reach intended audiences.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN TEMPLATE
Document planned training activities
A training plan is a detailed description of how training will occur. A training plan is a place for comprehensive documentation of the program’s approach, strategy and specific plans for training users to support the execution of training activities.
LINK TO TRAINING PLAN TEMPLATE

