Post Project Review
A Post Project Evaluation is not produced for all projects. When it is, it is produced by the Project Manager at the request of the Project Sponsor. It should establish:
- How did the project progress?
- and what were the issues we should be aware of for future projects?
There really is no standard format for this - that should be established by the Project Sponsor and Project Manager for the particular project. However the following is a general format of the main things to be covered.
Post Project Review
Part A
1. Title of project,
2. Background to the Project
3. Terms of Reference & Key Objectives
Part B
4. Project overview
5. Evaluation Checklist
Post Project Review
Part A
1. Title of project
Together with the names of the Project Manager and Project Sponsor. It is also usual to have "Date of Report" and "Dates of Period Covered".
2. Background to the Project
A brief description of the background to the project including how the project came about, what the project is about, why we are undertaking the project, and what in very broad terms the outcome of the project will be to the organisation.
3. Terms of Reference & Key Objectives
Taken from the Project Brief or Project Plan.
First, a brief (5 to 10 line) overall definition and description of the project and its aims including some reference to likely timescales, budget and resources, and what the project will aim to deliver. Then a statement of what the project is to deliver - the key objectives. The latter is often done as a listing the main stakeholders of the project with a statement for each of what the project will aim to deliver to them.
Part B
4. Project overview
5. Evaluation Checklist
5.1 Project initiation process, project brief, approval and clarity of project plans
- What Went Well? What could have gone better? What can be done better in future?
5.2 Use of project documentation and progress reporting
- How "fit for purpose" were the applied monitoring and control systems?
- What could be improved?
5.3 Effective ownership and delivery of project tasks
- How well did the project organisation work?
- Any comments on clarity of roles, communication, and the use of expertise and leadership of the project.
5.4 Effective communication throughout the project lifecycle
- Was an effective communications approach put in place?
- Were all parties kept informed at key stages with information access points made clear?
5.5 Effective work delivery at all stages during the project lifecycle
- How well was word delivered?
- How well were targets met?
- What approaches worked best in meeting targets?
5.6 Identification and management of risks and issues
- How well was this done?
- Any lessons to be learnt for the future?
5.7 Management of project closure
- Any comments on the final stage of delivery, signing off and taking stock of the project.