Project Closure, Review, and Learning Loops: An Analytical Essay

This essay delves into the critical aspects of project closure, emphasizing the significance of single-loop and double-loop learning methodologies. It begins by defining project closure and its importance, then explores the mechanics of single-loop learning, which focuses on identifying and correcting ...Read More

Analysis essay questions 1
Executing, controlling and closing projects
By
Department
Professor’s Name
Name of the University
Date of submission

Analysis essay questions 2
PART ONE
Introduction
‘Project closure procedure encompasses phases and practices that make sure project comes to the
expected end. The stage is termed to be ending point of the project goal’ (Milosevic &
Martinelli, 2016 p.23). ‘For those implementing the project it is intended to provide the required
learning’ (Boddy& Paton, 2004 p.227). Adoption of the two loops (single and double) is
important in providing the required knowledge and information to the project teams and
management after it is integrated in the project closure stages. ‘The use of single loop learning in
project closure provides a framework in which users can find the variance between the planned
and actual results’ (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 p.538). ‘Adoption of double loop learning is
definite procedure that provides a different approach of using assumptions to come up with
valuable decisions’ (Balcher, 2012 p.658). In project context both loops can be integrated and
employed in a project management system to add value to project closure process and ensure it
meets the required standards and expectations.
Single loop learning
‘The aim of having the SLL is either correct errors, strengthen health practices, promote
unwanted working behaviors, and discover discrepancies that affect project activities and
deliverables found in a project management system adopted in a project.’ (Von Zedtwitz, 2002
p.258). ‘The project team will use the system advocated by SLL to mitigate any flows or
inadequacies to obtain desirable results. ‘Project managers will find SLL to be useful in
identifying ant irregular flaws or inadequacies as early as possible in order in order to provide
mitigation measures to the set targets and requirements’ (McClory, Read, & Labib, 2017, p.
1322). Figure 1 shows the actual SLL of the actions and procedures expected to take place in an
actual project closure of a project it shows the nature of action that can take place in case the
results are not favorable or not of the required standards.

Analysis essay questions 3
Single loop learning
Figure 1 single loop learning
Figure 1 displays the sequence that takes place if integrated during the project closure project
information system. In an ideal situation the decision to close the project is made based on the
variance between the planned goals and the actual accomplishments. The decision based on SLL
if it was appropriate and everyone is satisfied (YES) project is closed but whenever the project
does not meet the required expectations (NO) it is given another chance through specified
actions.
Double loop learning
‘DLL is scheduled to be a problematic approach in which project teams can adopt in making
valuable alterations to ensure that all go as planned or as per schedule. The project decision will
be given a double chance to correct any process that requires immediate attention’ (Milosevic, &
Martinelli, 2016 p.231). ‘The use of DLL gives the project team to appreciate better ways in
which learning experiences during closure can be reviewed and corrected appropriately’ (Von
Zedtwitz, 2002 p.258). DLL takes consideration of certain behaviors and actions that require
corrective actions through a monitoring process. Figure2 shows an example of the DLL
Project end results
Were they
done right?
Results
Action

Analysis essay questions 4
decisional model and how it can be designed to solve a actual problem and provide learning
experiences.
Errors
Yes
No
Figure 2 double loop learning
Figure 2 illustrates two parts representing the DLL in a continuous evaluation cycle. The right
side is known as the convergent side which involve a more research like process of gathering
information of the stated problem while the right side is known as the divergent side which is the
decisional approach side that gives corrective, reviews and learning experiences of the DLL
approach. ‘Adoptions of DLL approach can provide a suitable mechanism that can solve any
shortcomings, weaknesses and variance during project closure stage, and in addition it can
provide valuable contributions of learning experience’ (Boddy& Paton, 2004 p.228).
Project end goal, objectives,
deliverables
Comparison of
planned vs actual
Actions/solutions: research
on problem, alternatives,
remedies, implementation of
changes
Make reviews or
comparisons
Actions/solutions: research
on problem, alternatives,
remedies, implementation of
changes
Monitor of process
Decision
Reflect and learning
experience

Analysis essay questions 5
PART TWO: Reflections
In professional projects closure take place the project team have agreed to close down. From my
experience it is worthy for the project to be closed after it has achieved its intended objectives.
For example closure will entail closing out certain functions and activities. The double and single
loop learning process may be useful in project closing decision and they can be integrated in
PMS during closure. Another example is the closing meeting with stakeholders and project team
which conducted to provide their learning experiences this can be supported by using outcome of
the loop learning processes.
PART THREE QUESTIONS
Q.1 Project closure and review
Post project review is a useful process that aid in improving performance of subsequent projects.
Several projects conduct closure but lack interest in conducting post project review. ‘Other
projects are terminated but a postmortem is not conducted to establish the causes that led to
failure of non-performance’ (Harrison & Lock, 2017 p.234). Project post review is defined as the
process of analyzing lessons learnt after the project has been stopped or closed to obtain
experiences that can be utilized for future project improvements. ‘Post project reviews are useful
in research and development projects that are aimed at providing knowledge and services as part
of its output’ (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017 p.134).
In conducting a post evaluation reviews consultants in R&D projects will be able to identify
lessons from their engagements with clients. Improvement on learning experiences in R&D
projects is a critical component in sustaining long-term engagements between consultants and
their clients (Boddy & Paton, 2004. p. 225). It helps in identifying certain actions and activities
that were not conducted appropriately, and it provides a methodology that can be transferred
from one project to another. The levels of learning in post review closure in R&D projects will
range from individuals, group, and organization learning. ‘For successful implementation of
project post reviews in R&D projects it needs to be conducted in stages in the life of R&D
projects (feasibility, development, test market, and commercialization)’ (Balcher, 2012

Analysis essay questions 6
pp. 645). That will clearly identify the drawbacks of each stage and improve learning from one
R&D project to the next. The key barriers that might cause defective implementation of project
post review include: mental, team based inadequacies, epistemological controls, and
administrative problems. Overcoming such shortcomings will enable future embracement and
implementation of project post reviews.
Q2. Examples of organizations using loops in project closure
University of Southern Queensland in Australia provides an organization that has adopted loops
in its project closure. The institution uses it the system for evaluation for learning and providing
the required feedback. The aim of using the method in its project was to improve its courses and
reducing complains among students. The feedback reviewed would be used to future improve the
existing courses and programmes through a double loop learning system. The framework
presented by University of Southern Queensland provides a post review of performance at each
stage in which the student is contact with the University. The management formulated the
systematic programme as part of its post-evaluation strategy which is supported by ICT systems
and project based workflow processes. ‘The success of the loop system has enabled the
institution programmes and courses to be competitive internationally attracting more student
enrollments and retentions’ (Sonavane, Rathi, & Patil, 2018 p.45).
REAL CAR adopted a loop learning system in its production and manufacturing process.
REALCAR is a project implemented by the car manufacturers of Jaguar and Land rover which
are UK largest automotive manufacturing businesses. The closed loop value chain adopted in the
project is a non-linear approach that combines both forward and reverse supply chains
(Sonavane, Rathi & Patil, 2018 p.34). The aim of the project team management is to carry out a
project closure review and identify the types of wastes originating from the actual manufacturing
process. In return the process will be establishing a suitable mechanism that would use the waste
back to the system. The product waste is incorporated in production of new version products.
‘The project was able to meet its cost minimization and environmental sustainability strategy by
adopting the loop system during closure of its operation’ (Von Zedtwitz, 2002, p.257)

Analysis essay questions 7
Q3. Importance of single-loop learning (SLL) and double-loop learning (DLL)
Loop learning systems form an important component in organization or project delivery of
services in all its stages of operations. The loop learning system are suitable models in
effectively anticipating changes, adopting new situations and in providing mitigation
mechanisms to challenges facing organizations. If both are used they provide tools that can be
used for continuous improvement in organizations and firms. ‘Single and double loop learning
processes can solve problems easily and improve internal operations of organizations’ (Harrison
& Lock, 2017 p.34). Project teams have identified the role of the loop system in projects in error
detection and providing a channel of reorganizing it to make notable systematic changes in the
process. Although it is difficult to bisect each role of the single and double loop learning system
they work complementary in organizations and derive the same roles to organizations and firms.
Projects employ the two systems always in service delivery related products in order to make
things right by focusing upon doing wrong things right. The convergent side of the double loop
learning system is suitable in encouraging participation in solving problems in organizations.
‘Teams can interactively discuss and be able to obtain information that is relevant to the problem
detected or identified (Hidding & Nicholas, 2017 p.83). Some of the methodologies employed in
loop system include using of researching skills and brainstorming techniques. In evaluation
process the loops enable the system to give the difference of what was forecasted and actual
scenario to facilitate judgements and corrective measures. Loop system act as a control
mechanism of identifying errors in a process and providing solutions to them. In summary both
type of loop system are important in providing actual blue print in which work performance is to
be conducted.

Analysis essay questions 8
Reference lists
Barcher, B. 2012., The nature and scope of project management in relation to the composition of
complex projects. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 5 (4), 643-660.
Boddy, B & Paton, N., 2004. Responding to competing narratives: lessons for project
managers.’International Journal of Project Management, 22 (3), 225-233.
Harrison, and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach. New
York: Routledge.
Hidding, G.J. and Nicholas, J.M., 2017. A new way of thinking about IT project management
practices: Early empirical results. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic
Commerce, 27(1), 81-95.
John Wiley., Sons. Sonavane, S., Rathi, M. and Patil, S., 2018. Practice Based Closure Quality
Loop Optimization in Teaching Learning Process: A Case Study in Software Engineering
Design. International Journal of Education and Learning Systems, 4(1), 25-78.
Jones, T.A., Lewis, T.A., Groomes, D.A. and Adams, L.A., 2015. Casework Management Using
Double Loop Learning. Journal of Rehabilitation Administration, 39 (2), 23-56.
Joslin, R. and Müller, R., 2015. Relationships between a project management methodology and
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Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling . New York: John Wiley & Sons.
McClory, S., Read, M. and Labib, A., 2017. Theorizing the lessons-learned procedure in project
management: Concerning a triple-loop knowledge framework. International Journal of Project
Management, 35(7), 1322-1335.

Analysis essay questions 9
Meredith, J.R. & Mantel, S.J., 2012. Project management: a managerial approach. Hoboken:
Wiley.
Milosevic, D.Z. and Martinelli, R.J., 2016. Project management toolbox: tools and techniques
for the practicing project manager. . Chicago: Wiley.
Von Zedtwitz, M., 2002. Organizational education through post project appraisals in R&D. R&D
Management, 32 (3), 255-268.