Completing the project

Introduction

In this unit, we explore some aspects of bringing a complex project to completion. There are a number of things to consider in the final stages of a project. It is very important to ensure that the goals of the project have been achieved, and that all the outcomes and deliverables have been handed over to the sponsor (or that any discrepancies have been addressed). Handover can involve different types of presentation for different types of outcome. There may be a physical object to handover, but other outcomes might include, for example, training to enable staff to use new technology or processes. The way the outcomes are delivered will also vary according to the type of project. In any case, there will need to be agreed processes for resolving any difficulties encountered at the point at which control and responsibility are handed over to the owners of the project.

Completion of a project is often followed by an evaluation (although evaluations can also take place during the life of a project).

We shall consider how different types of evaluation can contribute to managing a project. Evaluation can be expensive, but there are a number of ways in which it can be focused and planned so as to avoid unnecessary expense. Evaluation enables us to learn from studying what has happened, and we conclude this unit by looking at ways in which you can plan for personal development so as better to manage future projects.

This material is from our archive and is an adapted extract from Fundamentals of Senior Management (B713) which is no longer taught by The Open University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .