1. The Project Post Mortem

2. Agenda What is a Project Post Mortem? Benefits of a PPM
How to conduct a PPM
Tips for a successful PPM
3 Things

3. What is a Project Post Mortem?
A “look-back” from a specific project or course of action
Occurs after the fact
Documents lessons-learned for use in similar future circumstances
Compares expected results with actual results

4. 3 Types of PPRs A full, comprehensive PPM for the project or action
Bundle the project with other similar ones and debrief together
No post project review will occur, but it will be a conscious decision rather than just not getting it done.

5. Benefits of a Project Post Mortem
Documents the wisdom gained through experience, and what could be done differently next time.
Understand why things went well (or not), and why.
A form of structured feedback
Improves communication

6. How to Conduct a PPM Decide on scope and who should participate
Establish ground rules, and meeting roles
Conduct Gap Analysis
Review expected performance or results
Document actual performance or results
Document action items arising as a result of the PPM

7. Questions Asked at a PPR
What are the KPIs for this project?
Where the requirements and goals of this project clear at the beginning?
Did we achieve the business objective?
What went better than expected?
What did not go as well as expected?
How were specific problems overcome?
What changes would be made if we were to do this project over?
Which process or methods caused frustration?
What specific tools or techniques were useful on this project?
Next time we need more/better involvement from…?
Does a smaller group need to go offline and evaluate parts of this project further?

8. Tips
Do it as soon as possible after the conclusion of the project or action
Do not assign blame, but rather focus the intent on learning
Talk about team performance
Keep the discussion focused, and do not allow digression to related issues
Look for an 80% solution

9. 3 Things to Remember
Don’t let the PPM become bigger than the project it was meant to assess
Take the time to do it well
Make it a learning exercise – don’t make it about personal blame.