Read this
BEFORE you start your project. If you do, this will be easier at the end. Depending on the type of project, the following steps may be useful.
- Transition your team members off appropriately. Understand what their next assignments are and that there is the right amount of overlap.
- Obtain sign-off(s) on the delivered product and the complete project. Ideally, the sign-off reflects back what was agreed to in the contract.
- Deliver all necessary documentation to the client. This should be reflected in the contract.
- Archive all appropriate documentation on the network and in the physical project notebook. Copy project files including the final project onto a CD and keep in the physical project notebook.
- Perform a post-project review (aka a “post-mortem” or “sunset” meeting) with the project team, customer, vendors (if applicable) and management. The focus of the review is: what worked well? what did not work well? what would you do to improve the next project?
- Give individual performance feedback to the team members if necessary
- Update the project history file with final actual performance data and the post-project review. The file should be then stored and organized for easy access during future projects.
- Close project accounts and finalize all billing. Close the project number to restrict further billing
- Make sure all non-company labor (contractors) have submitted invoices for their work and have been paid.
- Make sure all non-labor costs have been invoiced for and have been paid for, and receipts have been obtained. These costs may include: photography costs, hardware and software costs, project expenses, and more
- Make sure the MS Project file accurately reflects the end of the project.
- Make sure your budget workbook accurately reflects all project labor costs.
- Inform marketing and the rest of company of delivered goods for knowledge sharing purposes. For marketing purposes, prepare a couple paragraphs on the overview of the project that includes - project overview, what your company did, and return on investment if possible
