Implementation Phase

Purpose

Deliver products (deliveries) by completing phases and activities according to the plans and strategies decided in DP3 and described in the Project Plan.

Introduction

The Implementation Phase is initiated once the Project Owner and the Steering Committee approve the time and resource frameworks and plans summarized in the Project Plan (DP3).

Implementation Phase

There may be one or more implementation phases of a project, depending on the project¡¯s content, scope, and complexity. The Project Manager is responsible for managing the implementation phase(s) on behalf of the Steering Committee. This means that the Project Manager must delegate tasks within the Project Team and report on progress towards achievement (e.g., time, cost, and quality).

During the Implementation Phase(s), ownership of products (deliveries) from the project will be transferred to users in the organization. These transfers must be well planned to ensure sufficient ownership and commitment by those who will manage the products from the project and realize desired organizational benefits.

The Project Owner must maintain the necessary level of commitment from Executive Leadership, and the Project Manager must update the Project Plan and Benefit Realization Plan throughout the Implementation Phase(s). If Implementation is divided into several phases, the Project Description should be reviewed at each new Implementation Phase and updated if necessary.

Towards the end of each Implementation Phase, the Project Manager must ensure that the Steering Committee receives sufficient information to evaluate the current phase and check that all the products (deliveries) in the phase have been completed and accepted. Furthermore, the Steering Committee must approve the plan for the next phase and updated Project Description, and confirm that the project is still adequately supported in the organization and in line with strategic goals.

Transition from Implementation Phase to Completion Phase

The Implementation Phase ends when the Project Owner and Steering Committee approve the overall results of the project (deliveries) and make a final assessment of whether the results are in line with the Project Description, Project Plan and Desired Outcomes. Once the Project Owner has approved the project's overall results and the Plan for Completion Activities (DP4), the project enters the Completion Phase.

Templates and tools

• Benefit Realization Plan (word) 
• Project Plan (ppt) (save local copy to see graphic elements)
• Minutes from Executive Leadership Meedings (word) (Norwegian)
• Project Description (word)

Checklist for Decision Point 4

• Are the project deliveries in accordance with the Desired Outcomes defined for the project?
• Are deliveries documented and delivered according to plan?
• Is there any outstanding work that the project is responsible for completing?
• Does the Benefit Realization Lead believe that the desired outcomes are still realistic and has the Benefit Realization Plan been reviewed (and updated as necessary) during the Implementation Phase(s)?
• Is the organization ready to use the deliveries from the project and is necessary training, user documentation, operating procedures, etc. prepared and in place?
• Is it clear that responsibility for follow-up and reporting effects (according to the Benefit Realization Plan) has been delegated (and to whom)?
• Is it clear who is responsible for management and operations and are necessary agreements in place?