What is the focus of the executing phase of a project?

The executing phase of a project primarily focuses on integrating the project with operations. During this phase, the plans developed in the earlier phases of the project life cycle are put into action. This entails not only carrying out the tasks defined in the project plan but also coordinating people and resources, as well as integrating and performing the activities of the project in accordance with the project management plan.

Integrating the project with ongoing operations ensures that the project aligns with the organization's existing processes and that the outputs are effectively transitioned into regular business functions. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that the outcomes of the project are sustainable and can operate within the existing frameworks of the organization.

In contrast, planning for project closure involves final tasks to formally close the project, which occurs at the end of the project lifecycle. Defining project goals is a task that takes place much earlier in the planning phase, where objectives and deliverables are established. Assessing project risks is also an integral part of earlier phases, primarily in the planning phase, allowing teams to identify and prepare for potential challenges prior to executing the work. Thus, the primary focus during execution is to implement the project in a way that successfully merges project activities with the organization's operations.