Closing Projects

CLOSING PROJECTS

The completion of a project and consequently its success can only be measured after the respective stakeholders agree that all the conditions of the contract have been met.

The framework for closing a project as highlighted by Wysocki should follows the following guideline:

i) Getting client deliverables.

ii) Ensuring all deliverables are installed.

iii) Ensuring that documentation is in place.

iv) Getting client sign-off on final report.

v) Celebrating the success of the project.

The Post-Implementation Audit is a very important tool during the closing process. 'It is an evaluation of the project's goals and activity achievement measured against the project plan, budget, time, deadlines, quality od deliverables, specifications and client satisfaction.' The following questions are answered when carrying it out.

1) Was the project goal achieved?

2) Was the project work done on time, within budget, and according to specification?

3) Was the client satisfied with the project results?

4) Was business value realized?

5) What lessons were learnt about the project management methodology?

6) What worked and what did not?

In answering the above questions, one can accurately measure the success of the project according to the plan initially set out.

The Post-Implementation Audit is quite a valuable resource for both the project manager and her organization. From it, we can extract a wealth of information which can be priceless in future projects. For example, we can find out which methodology works well with what projects and which team members are best matched for what stage or tasks in the project, these inarguably add to the efficiency that a team brings to the project and consequently contributes to the success of the project as a whole.

The Final report is another crucial document in the closing stage. It should include notes on the following:

i) Overall success of the project

ii) Organization of the project

iii) Techniques used to get results

iv) Project strengths and weaknesses

v) Project team recommendations

The celebration stage is also highlighted as serving an important role. This part shows appreciation to the team. It also gives the team members closure as various relationships have been forms during the course