Project Closure Process

10 Questions

What is the primary purpose of the process of closing a project?

To provide a fixed point at which acceptance of the project product is confirmed

What is NOT one of the objectives of the process of closing a project?

Plan for the next project

Why is it important to ensure the project is closed in an orderly way?

To ensure the project is not abandoned

What is a characteristic of a project that distinguishes it from operational management approaches?

It is finite

What happens if a project loses its finite nature?

It loses some of its advantages over operational management approaches

What is the benefit of having a clear end to a project?

To acknowledge that the original objectives have been met

What is the purpose of preparing information for the project board during the project closure?

To authorize the project's closure

Under what circumstance might the project board trigger a premature closure of the project?

When the business case is no longer valid

What is the purpose of documenting and planning follow-on action recommendations after the project?

To address any unachieved goals and objectives

What is the output of the 'Prepare planned closure' activity during the project closure?

Project log update, project plan update (if required), and benefits management approach update (if required)

Study Notes

Project Closure

The purpose of project closure is to confirm acceptance of the project product, recognize achievement of objectives, and provide an orderly close in case of premature termination.

Objectives of Project Closure

Check user acceptance of the project product
Ensure business support for the product after project closure
Review project performance against baselines
Assess realized benefits and update the benefits management approach
Address open issues and risks with follow-on action recommendations
Close the project in an orderly way

Importance of a Clear End to a Project

A clear end to a project is more successful than a slow drift into use
It provides a recognition that original objectives have been met, and responsibility for ongoing operations and maintenance has been confirmed
It allows for the disbanding of the project management team and termination of project costs

Closure Activities

Closure activities should be planned as part of the stage plan for the final stage
Work is required to prepare information for the project board to obtain authorization to close the project
The project executive should notify the business layer that the project has closed

Premature Closure

The project board may trigger a premature closure of the project if the business case is no longer valid
Closure activities should still be executed in case of premature closure
Follow-on action recommendations may be required after the project, and should be documented and planned