Finalisation Phase
The Project Finalisation Phase is the final phase of a project, to wrap up project activities post-implementation.
The Finalisation phase occurs in two instances – when a project has met its planned end (i.e. delivered its objectives); or when a project has been cancelled. For the latter case, not all activities will be required, so use your judgement here. The purpose of this phase is to ensure that benefits have been / will be realised; assess whether the project objectives have been met; ensure that lessons from the project are recorded and communicated for future use; and the project is closed down with documents archived and appropriate communications sent.
The Post-Implementation Review (PIR)
The Post-Implementation Review is a key component of the Project’s Finalisation stage. It should take place within 4 to 6 weeks of the project’s end. However, it can also be held for the end of a Project Stage, or during a Project as a health-check. Feedback on delivery of the project should be used to help future projects. Valuable learning points should be recorded and shared within the organisation. The PIR should primarily focus on the performance of the project against its objectives; and the management of the project against the agreed project management methodology.
There are 2 key documents in the Finalisation phase:
- Post-Implementation Review (incl. results of the PIR Questionnaire)
- Project Closure Report
The PIR Questionnaire is used to gather information and provoke thought regarding the delivery of the project.
The Post-Implementation Review document is where the findings of the PIR workshop(s)and questionnaire are recorded.
The Project Closure Report is produced to formally shut down the Project.