A method is disclosed for managing a workflow process to bring execution time for said process at least closer to an expected deadline. The process includes a plurality of work nodes and a set of priority levels associated with each work node. The method includes the steps of: generating for each work node a set of expected time to complete (ETC) values for each priority level, each ETC value denoting a cumulative time to complete the process including the time taken by the corresponding node to complete its activity for a selected priority level; selecting for each work node a priority level that has a corresponding ETC value less than or equal to a remaining time available to meet said deadline; and executing activities associated with said work nodes in accordance with said selected priority levels to substantially meet said expected deadline.