This module complements the knowledge of project management by introducing the students to the process and tools and techniques for putting the project plans into practice whilst establishing necessary monitoring and control structures to handle issues which could influence the smooth progress of a project.

The module therefore will consist of two interrelating parts:
To describe the project phase that involves the execution of the plans created during the project planning phase, as taught in the Planning and Budgeting with Risk module. The goal of the execution stage is to complete the project work specified in the project management plan to meet the project requirements. While each plan is being executed, a series of management processes are undertaken to monitor and control the deliverables being output by the project;
To provide an opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of PM by understanding aspects of project closure.

(LO1) Implement the project plan by authorizing the execution of project activities required to produce project deliverables.

(LO2) Manage project progress by applying performance reporting, analysis and progress measurement techniques to ensure activities are executed as planned

(LO3) Communicate project progress to project team members and other stakeholders

(LO4) Implement quality assurance measures and corrective action plans if required.

(LO5) Measure and monitor project performance by gathering accurate information and comparing results to the baseline plan

(LO6) Manage project scope changes and identify needs for corrective action, obtain approvals, perform appropriate actions and evaluate effectiveness.

(LO7) Reassess and update project control plans and practices to ensure effectiveness

(LO8) Recognize and respond to risk events and issues.

(LO9) Obtain final acceptance of deliverables from appropriate stakeholders and facilitate administrative and financial closure.

(LO10) Preserve essential project records to adhere to legal and other requirements as well as document lessons learned

(LO11) Ensure project has been transitioned to operation, if applicable.

(S1) Communication Skills: Students will have opportunities to develop written communication skills through group discussions and assignments.

(S2) Problem Solving and Decision Making: Students will be challenged to think critically about organisational issues and dilemmas. They will do this by gathering and synthesising information, analysing alternative perspectives and options and presenting a considered opinion or programme of action in their course assessment.

(S3) Information and Communication Technology Skills: Students will have opportunities to improve their ICT skills. Students will demonstrate skills in the use f software applications including word processing, visual presentations, data bases, spreadsheets and using the internet for information searches in the course.

(S4) Time management. This involves planning scheduled work and meeting assessment deadlines. This will be evident in the students’ independent management of their assignments and coursework and by meeting coursework deadlines.

Teaching Method 1 - Virtual classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is .

Teaching Method 2 - Non-classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is .

The execution process: Analyse the role and importance of project execution within the plan-execute-monitor and control cycle; Justify the role, importance and character of an input, tools and techniques, and output.

Mobilisation of resources: Analyse the mobilisation of resources; Analyse the manger's role in acquiring and motivating team members

The monitoring and controlling process: Analyse the reluctance to report bad news from a project strategy level; Analyse how a project manager can effectively monitor and control a project.

Performance management and measurement: Analyse of the process of engaging with stakeholders to establish which aspects of a project they perceive as important to measure; Analyse the process of establising appropriate metrics to measure the performance of a project.

Performance management tools and techniques: Interpret earned value (EV) data; Evaluate the value metric of earned value (EV).

Sustainability and ethics: Analyse the demands placed on project managers as they relate to the issues of sustainability; Analyse the demands placed on project managers as they relate to the issues of ethics.

Project termination: Analyse the termination process; Analyse how an organisation can learn from a failed project.

Closing and post-project review: Analyse the closing and post-project review process; Analyse how the project management system can be constructed to ensure that both single-loop learning (SLL) and double-loop learning (DLL) occur during the project closure process.