Comprehensive Review: Project Closure Process for IT Projects

This report provides a comprehensive review of the project closure process for IT-related projects, emphasizing the critical phases and activities required for a smooth and successful project conclusion. It begins by highlighting the importance of planning for project closure and outlines the key phases, including organizing training on the declared output, analyzing project performance through stakeholder engagement, re-assigning or managing project resources, finalizing documentation procedures, and creating a final report that captures lessons learned. The report also includes a project closure checklist to guide project managers through the process, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed, from holding a closing meeting to conducting a final handover ceremony. The checklist serves as a practical tool for monitoring progress and ensuring that all aspects of project closure are addressed effectively.

Running head: Review 1
PROJECT CLOSURE FOR IT RELATED PROJECTS
Presented by
Student affiliation
Supervisor
3rd May2018

Running head: Review 2
Project closure is the last phase of a project life cycle that involves an ending activities and
handing over of the project to respective client (Schwalbe 2015, p.34). If a system has been
developed successfully it is instituted into production process. It is the task for project managers
to plan for project closure to ensure a smooth end to the project. Before closure of a project there
are certain phases and activities that need to be followed (Martinelli & Milosevic 2016, p.32). A
meeting with various stakeholders needs to be done to define the project closure process.
The first phase that is critical in closure of IT related project is to organize training on the
declared output. The training will be conducted to various users of the products on how they will
be able to use the item (Burke 2013, p.41). Through the training the project management team
will be able to obtain feedback that could be used for corrective purposes (Schwalbe 2015, p.34).
The second phase of the project closure is to analyze the performance of the IT project. It will
involve engaging participants on the success and failures using the implemented project. That
will take place by having performance review meetings. The third phase will be to re-assign or
manage the resources left in the project. The phase involves transferring and disposing used
resources and ensuring human resources are managed (Burke 2013, p.45).
The fourth phase that a project manager needs to perform is finalizing the documentation
procedures. That will involve closing of accounts, ending of contracts, settlements of accounts,
and filling necessary records in convenient locations. Documentation is important for future
references and decision making (Martinelli & Milosevic 2016, p.34). The final phase is making a
final report that will indicate lessons learnt. The final report which will be given to the final
client during the handing over that will show technology used, monitoring of project, and
participatory of the users (Hedman 2013, p.12). To guide the project closure a checklist need to
be formulated to ensure a smooth closure process. Table 1 shows the project closure checklist.

Running head: Review 3
Table 1 project closure checklist
Project activities and items Yes No
A closing meeting held
Training on the system conducted
Analysis of project performance done
Finalization of the documents and contracts
Transfer and re-assigning of resources done
Finalizing of the lessons and corrections
Final reporting and communications
Handing over ceremony conducted
The project closure checklist (table 1) will be useful to provide guidance during project closure
process.

Running head: Review 4
References list
Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey: Wiley
publishers.
Hedman, K., 2013. Project management professional exam study guide. Indianapolis: Wiley.
Martinelli, R.J. and Milosevic, D.Z., 2016. Project management toolbox: tools and techniques
for the practicing project manager. John Wiley & Sons.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.