Project Assessment

Every once in a while, it's good to remind yourself of the basics - Is your project sitting on a solid foundation to be successful?

Below is a list of questions that can help you do a self assessment. For each question, put a plus (+) next to one or more items that you're most confident about, and a a minus (-) next to one or more items that you're most concerned about.

1. We have a clear workplan with roles, responsibilities, and timeframes.
2. The workplan is realistic about what needs to be done, how long it takes to do it, etc.
3. The people who are assigned leading roles have the authority and skill to carry them out.
4. We've devoted adequate resources (staff time, money, space, computers, etc.) to the project.
5. When tough decisions are needed to carry the project forward, we can get those decisions made promptly and clearly.
6. The people on the project team know what the project is, why we (and the client) are doing it, and what their role is.
7. The people on the project team will have the skills, knowledge and availability to complete their tasks by the time they're expected to start on the project.
8. There's enough commitment to the project - people who are critical to implementation will spend enough time and energy to make sure it gets done.
9. There's enough commitment to the project (on the client side) - people who are critical to implementation will spend enough time and energy to make sure it gets done.
10. We've identified the indicators we'll use to determine whether the project is producing the desired results.
11. We've identified the indicators we'll use to determine whether the project is producing the desired results for the organization.
12. The systems needed to produce this data (for 10 and 11) will be in place when needed.
13. We have mechanisms for holding people accountable for their performance on the project team.