Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessHard
A project manager is leading a project to develop a new internal training program. The project is nearing completion, and the project team has successfully delivered all planned modules. However, a key stakeholder expresses concern that the training content, while technically accurate, may not fully address the practical application needs of the end-users in their daily tasks. What should the project manager do to evaluate and deliver the project benefits and value?
- AConduct a post-implementation review to gather feedback on the practical application of the training.
- BFormally close the project, as all deliverables have been completed.
- CSuggest a follow-up project to develop additional content addressing practical applications.
- DUpdate the lessons learned register with the stakeholder's feedback for future projects.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Conduct a post-implementation review to gather feedback on the practical application of the training.
Evaluating actual project benefits and value often extends beyond technical completion. A post-implementation review (or benefits realization review) is crucial to assess if the project outputs are actually delivering the intended value and meeting stakeholder needs in practice.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Closing the project without evaluating benefits misses a critical step in ensuring value delivery.
- C. Suggesting a new project is premature before formally evaluating the current project's benefit realization and understanding the gap.
- D. While important, updating lessons learned is a passive step; active evaluation of benefits is needed now.
Benefits Realization Review
A structured assessment conducted after project completion to determine if the project's outputs have delivered the intended benefits and value to the organization and stakeholders.
- Crucial for validating project success beyond scope delivery.
- Identifies gaps between planned and actual benefits.
- Informs future projects and organizational strategy.
Memory trick: Did the arrow hit the bullseye? Check after it flies, not just when it leaves the bow.