Tips for Closing a Project Successfully

When you perform closing processes, keep the following tips in mind:

• Avoid rushing through the closing processes, or you may overlook important details.
• Get input from team members, stakeholders, and the project sponsor when compiling information for lessons-learned documentation.
• Implement a formalized method for documenting lessons learned.
• Give team members access to the lessons-learned documentation.
• Make sure that the accounts are closed to ensure that no more spending is charged against a closed project.
• Take one more look at the Statement of Work to make sure that all requirements have been met. Pay particular attention to objectives, deliverables, schedule, and cost.
• Create written, formal notification that the contract is complete and the product or service has been delivered satisfactorily.
• Forewarn managers about when team members will be released from a project team approximately four to six weeks before it happens.
• Watch for signs of project slowdown so team members can be assigned to other projects instead of lingering on the current project team.
• Think about establishing a warranty period for products or services to address problems as soon as they occur. Retain some team members who are dedicated to the project for these potential issues.
• Remember to thank people who have contributed to the project and its successful completion.

Mark the end of the project with some kind of celebratory event or meeting.