Project Management Framework
Closure - Post Implementation Review

Definition

The Post Implementation Review (PIR) is conducted after a project has been completed. The purpose of the PIR is to evaluate how successfully the project objectives have been met and how effective the project management practices were in keeping the project on track. The outcomes of the PIR should be documented in a Post Implementation Review Report (also known as a Close-Out Report).

Why is this important?

Conducting a timely and thorough PIR will help identify lessons learned which will assist in planning, managing, and meeting the objectives of future projects.

How to do it well

• Get input from the entire project team, the customers, and other major stakeholders.
• Conduct the PIR after the project's deliverables have been in service for an adequate period of time to evaluate the product or service's successful integration into the business.
• Review the Project Charter to evaluate how closely the project results match the original goals, objectives, and deliverables. This review should also include a gap analysis between the planned requirements, schedule, and budget and what was actually delivered, when and for how much.
• Conduct a lessons learned exercise to capture the most salient points for inclusion in the PIR.
• Conduct a customer survey.
• Consider utilizing an objective third party to conduct the PIR.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the project management practices and other processes as well as the success of the project deliverables.
• Document practices and procedures that led to project successes and make recommendations for applying them to similar future projects.
• Provide only the level of detail necessary to show meaningful analysis of events and conclusions.
• Key in on the "unknowns" which may have increased implementation risks and which offer useful "hindsight" value.
• Attach appropriate documentation which may be useful information to the PIR such as a final Quality Assurance Report, customer survey results, etc.

Related Links:
Conducting a Lessons Learned Exercise
Post Implementation Review Survey (Customer Survey)
Post Implementation Review Report

Checklists

POST IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW
Have positive as well as negative lessons learned been captured?
Has ample time passed for an effective PIR to be conducted?
Was feedback solicited from a diverse audience?
Were original requirements reviewed to check for success of meeting them?
Is the PIR readily available for others to review?
Has the PIR been submitted with the IT Portfolio (as applicable)?