Learning from Successful Projects

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of a project post-mortem?

Celebrating the project's success

Identifying the reasons for the project's success (correct)

Assigning blame for the project's failures

Creating a template for future projects

What is the main challenge in determining project success?

Defining the project's objectives

Measuring the project's progress

Identifying a single factor that determines success (correct)

Selecting the project team members

Who decides the factors used to determine project success?

The project manager

The project sponsor

The project team members

Any of the above, depending on the project (correct)

What does the acronym S-M-A-R-T stand for in the context of project success?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of conducting a project post-mortem?

Uncovering valuable insights for future projects Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to make the decision on project success factors at project inception?

To ensure all stakeholders are on the same page Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a project post-mortem and a lessons-learned meeting?

A project post-mortem is more agenda-specific Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of writing project success factors in a S-M-A-R-T structure?

To ensure project success factors are clear and actionable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with the initial success factor statement 'This project will be deemed a success if we have happier employees by the end of year'?

It is not measurable and lacks clear criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of planning for and using milestones in a project?

To identify areas where the project is at risk of getting off-track Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not executing the project plan properly?

The project will result in planned executions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reviewing and discussing pre-planned milestones at status meetings?

To ensure the project stays on track with the milestones Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to conduct a post-mortem on a successful project?

To identify areas for improvement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when planning for project success?

All of the above, plus other factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of having a clear and specific success factor statement?

It helps to measure the project's success Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between employee tardiness and turnover rates?

They have been identified as factors that relate to an individual's satisfaction with their job Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Project Post-Mortems

Overlooking the value of learning from past projects is common among business owners, operators, and managers.
Conducting a post-mortem on a successful project is just as important as conducting one on a failed project.

What Constitutes Project Success

Every project is different, and determining success is complex and multifaceted.
Determining success begins at project inception with a choice of who makes the decision (e.g., sponsor, customer, end users, project manager, or team members).
The factors used to determine project success must be written to meet the S-M-A-R-T structure (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely).

Smart Project Success

S-M-A-R-T factors must be written to meet all five parameters (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely).
Example of a poor success factor: "This project will be deemed a success if we have happier employees by the end of year."
Example of a good success factor: "This project will be deemed a success if employee tardiness rate has been reduced to less than 5% per month and the turnover rate is less than 1% per year."

Planning for Project Success

The project team plans the project around the determined success factors, balancing scope, schedule, budget, resources, quality, risk, technical factors, and limitations.
Planning for and using milestones (both product and management milestones) helps identify areas where the project is at risk of getting off-track.

Project Post-Mortem Template

Reviewing and discussing pre-planned milestones at status meetings is crucial.
Taking action to ensure the project stays on track with these milestones increases the chance of project success.

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Description

Discover the importance of reviewing successful projects to learn from past experiences and improve future initiatives.