---
reference_type: Focus Area
reference_id: FA03
name: Executing
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
pmbok8_source: "Process Groups Practice Guide — Executing"
authority: PMI-derived
---

# FA03 — Executing
**Type:** Focus Area
**PMBOK8 Source:** Process Groups Practice Guide — Executing
**Version:** 1.0.0

## Definition
Executing is the focus area in which the work defined in the approved Integrated Project Management Plan is directed, coordinated, and performed to produce the project deliverables. This focus area is where the plan becomes reality: the team is developed and managed, stakeholders are actively engaged, procurements are conducted, quality assurance activities are implemented, and project knowledge is captured and shared. Executing is the most resource-intensive focus area and operates in close, continuous feedback with FA04 Monitoring and Controlling to ensure that work remains aligned with approved plans and baselines.

## Entry Conditions
- Integrated Project Management Plan is formally approved by the sponsor
- All three baselines (scope, schedule, financial) are established and approved
- Project resources have been acquired or are committed and available
- Team operating agreements and role assignments from FA02 are in place
- Procurement vehicles (contracts, agreements) are executed or in process
- Kickoff meeting has been conducted and team is mobilized

## Primary Activities
- Direct and manage project work by authorizing work packages, coordinating team activities, and producing deliverables according to the schedule and scope baseline
- Manage project knowledge by capturing lessons learned, sharing expertise, and updating the Knowledge Record continuously
- Develop and manage the project team through coaching, conflict resolution, performance management, and skill development
- Manage stakeholder engagement by executing communication activities per the Communications Management Plan and responding to stakeholder needs and concerns
- Conduct procurements by executing vendor selection processes, awarding contracts, and managing vendor onboarding
- Manage quality by performing quality assurance activities, process audits, and ensuring deliverables meet defined acceptance criteria before submission
- Manage communications by producing, distributing, and archiving project information per the Communications Management Plan
- Implement change management activities from the Change Management Plan to support organizational readiness and benefit realization

## Primary Outputs / Artifacts Produced
| Artifact | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Project Deliverables (domain-specific) | The tangible products, services, or results produced by executing the work packages; the primary output of the project |
| A17 — Performance Reporting Record (updated) | Records actual performance data against baselines; feeds FA04 Monitoring and Controlling |
| A18 — Issue Log (updated) | Captures issues arising during execution that require resolution and tracks their status |
| A12 — Change Log (updated) | Records change requests raised during execution and their disposition |
| A30 — Knowledge Record (updated) | Captures lessons learned, best practices, and project knowledge as it emerges during execution |
| A29 — Change Readiness Record (updated) | Tracks organizational readiness for the changes the project will deliver; updated as change activities are implemented |

## Artifacts Consumed (Inputs)
| Artifact | Source |
|---|---|
| A14 — Integrated Project Management Plan | FA02 Planning; the governing document that authorizes and directs all execution activities |
| A15 — Schedule Baseline | FA02 Planning; the time-phased work authorization and performance measurement reference |
| A16 — Financial Baseline | FA02 Planning; the cost authorization and financial performance reference |
| A07 — Stakeholder Register | FA01/FA02; identifies stakeholders requiring active engagement during execution |
| A09 — Quality Management Plan | FA02 Planning; defines quality standards, assurance activities, and acceptance criteria |
| A19 — Risk Management Record | FA02 Planning; risk response plans that must be implemented or monitored during execution |

## Skills Active in This Focus Area
| Skill ID | Skill Name |
|---|---|
| SKL-04-01 | Direct and Manage Project Work |
| SKL-04-02 | Manage Project Knowledge |
| SKL-04-03 | Manage Quality |
| SKL-04-04 | Acquire Resources |
| SKL-04-05 | Develop Team |
| SKL-04-06 | Manage Team |
| SKL-04-07 | Manage Communications |
| SKL-04-08 | Implement Risk Responses |
| SKL-04-09 | Conduct Procurements |

## Relationship to Performance Domains
Executing is the focus area in which several key performance domains are active during task performance:

- **PD8-01 — Governance:** Directs and manages project execution, manages quality assurance audits, and coordinates lessons learned and project knowledge.
- **PD8-05 — Stakeholders:** Actively engages stakeholders, handles communication delivery, and resolves emergent stakeholder concerns.
- **PD8-06 — Resources:** Acquires necessary human and physical resources and leads/coaches the project team.
- **PD8-07 — Risk:** Implements agreed-upon risk responses to mitigate threats or capture opportunities.

## Exit Criteria / Quality Gate
- All planned deliverables have been produced and are available for formal acceptance review
- Deliverables meet defined quality standards and acceptance criteria documented in the RTM (A13)
- No unresolved blocking issues remain in the Issue Log (A18)
- All approved change requests have been implemented or are formally deferred
- Knowledge Record (A30) reflects all material lessons learned from execution
- Performance data has been reported and is current in the Performance Reporting Record (A17)
- Sponsor or designated acceptance authority confirms readiness for closure review

*Authority: Process Groups Practice Guide — Executing · Source type: PMI-derived*
*Repository: https://github.com/fakhruldeen/PMOSkills*
