When we talked about closing a PRINCE2 project last week, we mentioned the importance of evaluating the project. This process is vital, and one that those involved in projects but not trained in project management techniques may overlook. Becoming PRINCE2 certified on one of our PRINCE2 courses will mean not making this kind of mistake!
Project evaluation is a lesson-learning activity which assesses the project against its objectives, and provides statistics on performance.
Why Evaluate a Project?
An effective project manager – and anyone with training in PRINCE2 – will be aware that control is needed at every stage. This includes looking closely at what went on during the project, and assessing what could have been done differently and how this may apply to future projects. The idea is that the quality of the project management improves each time.
What is Evaluated?
All aspects of the project – outcome, quality, methods, risks and issues – are evaluated. It’s important to remember that the product itself is not being evaluated at this stage – this is done in the Post Project Review, which comes later on.
The project manager is also assessed. The Project Board may do this as part of the process of appraising the supplier by the customer, seeing if the contract has been fulfilled and whether the supplier should be used for future projects.
Who Evaluates the Project?
This differs slightly depending on the exact structure, and size of the project but, generally, PRINCE2 projects are evaluated by the Project Manager, Project Support and any quality assurance personnel.
How is the Project Evaluated?
The Project Initiation Document is referred to, as a reminder of what the project was supposed to achieve, and an End Project Report is written. The Lessons Log will have been updated during the project, and will now be rewritten as a Lessons Report – not just a summary of what could or should be done differently next time but a record of successes and what processes worked.
Some smaller projects may not have such extensive or formal reporting, but all PRINCE2 projects will have an evaluation stage.
The End Project Report will include:
- Formal evaluation of the performance of the project against the expectations from the Project Plan and defined tolerances
- Evaluation of the quality, management and technical aspects of the processes and tools used
- Inspection of the Risk Register and any actions taken during the project
- Inspection of the Issue Register and any actions taken during the project
- Inspection of the Quality Register and relevant comments
If an ongoing Quality Management Strategy needs to be updated then this will be done at this stage.
What Happens Next?
Once the project has been evaluated, and all reports written, recommendation for project closure will be sent to the Project Board. The project manager will be able to learn from successes and avoid repeating mistakes.
Similar posts you may like:
- How to Close a Project in PRINCE2
- PRINCE2 Process Model
- PRINCE2 Crossword Revision
- Take a closer look at the PRINCE2® Processes
- A PRINCE2 Management Team Structure
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closing a PRINCE2 project, evaluating PRINCE2 project, prince2, project evaluation