Introduction

“Planning without action is futile, Action without planning is fatal.”

In the previous learning module we have considered the various stages of project initiation. The end result of this phase in the lifecycle of the project is a detailed project plan, covering resources, cost estimates, time estimates, assigned responsibility and so on. It is now time to put the plan to test. It is easy to argue that implementation will be a straightforward process if the planning was done properly, but unfortunately practice has learnt that it is fraught with difficulties and crises (2:21). The way in which the plan is executed and implemented will ultimately determine success or failure. This implies that the project manager and his team should carefully monitor and control project progress to keep the actual performance as close as possible to the project baseline.

In this learning unit, we will consider some of the important issues the project manager needs to address to ensure efficient and effective project implementation.

Click here to view a video that explains the importance of planning and implementation.