Challenges that teams face during each of the five process groups

When initiating

Project selection is an important decision, as any project to be executed must fit the organization’s vision, mission, goals, strategies and objectives, and at the same time, it must cover current or future needs the company might have.

When planning

Teams should make realistic and useful plans, supported by the expertise of people with knowledge of each particular area of the project. Also, this process group is when team members meet and establish relationships that can facilitate a good working environment.

When executing

In this step, the challenge is to ensure that all team members are completing their work properly, and that conflicts - such as lack of motivation or communication issues - are resolved without affecting the project.

When monitoring and controlling

Project members must be able to adapt to changes and take the necessary corrective measures that the project requires. Also, it’s beneficial to identify the areas in need of improvement so that the team can deliver more adequate results.

When closing

One of the biggest challenges - after gaining acceptance from the client - is to execute a smooth transition of the project into the company’s normal operations. Also, problems that can arise after the project is delivered and operational - such as the need for staff replacement - can be addressed beforehand.