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Project Health Check
During my experience in the IT industry, I’ve had the pleasure of working for some excellent organisations that are always looking to improve the way that they manage projects. You may be employed by such an organisation.
In order to improve the way that a project is being managed, it often involves performing an audit of the current situation. Here a few of the questions to ask:
- Does the project have a valid business case?
- What are the expected benefits and are they measurable?
- What framework is in place for ensuring ongoing business justification for project?
- How are the business requirements being captured?
- Do the products being delivered meet expectations?
- Are deviations and issues being reported to the right level of management?
- Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined?
- What are the means and frequency for communication with stakeholders?
- What monitors are in place to ensure that products are of the required quality?
- How are risks being recorded and managed?
- When will project closure be determined?
- How will project outputs be incorporated into existing business processes?
The process of performing a Project Health Check is sometimes referred to as project assurance (PRINCE2). Project assurance is typically initiated by the project board as a method for checking that the project is being conducted correctly. It involves having someone at arms’ length look at how a project is being managed and offer guidance on areas where it might be improved. Sometimes this person is part of the organisation and in a Project Management Office (PMO) role (PMBOK). At other times, perhaps if no-one is available internally, an external organisation or individual is engaged to perform the role.
Performing a Project Health Check is not something to look at lightly. Often project managers will incorporate assurance checks into project plans at the start of projects. The relatively small investment of performing a Project Health Check can dramatically improve the likelihood of project success!
