Before we review the checklist items that will drive our project-ending efforts, let’s touch on the key principles that drive a successful project close:
- It is earned along the way—The main purpose of project management is to achieve the success criteria set forth at the beginning of the project and to meet stakeholder expectations throughout the project. If this is done, a successful project close is almost guaranteed. If not, this is generally why unofficial games like “activate the spin machine,” “pick the fall guy,” and “bring in the lawyers” were invented.
TipDevelop a Project End Checklist to improve both your and your organization’s performance.Leverage a standard form to document client acceptance and approval of project deliverables. This streamlines the process and helps condition the stakeholders to perform this important activity.Requirements for formal contract closeout procedures should be defined in the contract’s term and conditions. - Think end from the start—A key part of the project plan must focus on how the end of the project will look when we are done, who will own and operate the deliverables, and how to transition those deliverables to them. Many projects have difficulty ending because this process is not clear or understood.
- Bring closure—To avoid the emptiness and frustration that is frequently experienced when there is not proper closure, make sure to properly acknowledge the contributions of all project participants, close out the legal and accounting elements, and officially signal that the project is complete.
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