Close Project (CP)

Purpose

Closing a Project defines the check point where the project has reached its objectives and the products have been accepted. While a Project Manager does all the activities and prepares the project for closure, the authority to close a project rests with the Project Board.

The process checks for the following - 

1. User acceptance of the products delivered.

2. Comparing the project performance with the baselined documents.

3. Ensuring products can be supported even after closure of the project.

4. Assess and address any pending issues or risks as well as the benefits realized with the baseline plan.

Closing a Project process is the last part of the last stage of the project. A project is closed when - 

1. The original objectives have been met. 

2. Ownership of the products has been transferred to the customer.

3. All unachieved objectives are identified so that they can be addressed in the future. 

4. No further cost or resources are allocated to this project. 

5. The Project Board has the requisite documents to authorize project closure. 

Process flow

The activities covered under this process are - 

1. Planned closure: this includes completion and acceptance of the products.

2. Premature closure: done on special request by the Project Board.

3. Handover of products: the process is complete when all the steps in the Change Control Approach document are completed.

4. Evaluating the project: writing the End Project Report.

5. Release Delivery Team: the resources are released and are no more required to be available for the project. 

6. Recommending project closure: a formal notification is sent to the Project Board to close the project.

Inputs

1. Output documents from Controlling Stage 

2. Stage Plan

3. Benefits Review Plan

4. Lessons Log

5. Product Status Account

Key Deliverables

1. Lessons Report; significant lessons, project review and measurements review

2. Configuration Item Records; item type, item attributes, version, identifier, stage and other details

3. Benefits Management Approach; benefits measurements, baseline measures, timescale, financial forecast summary and performance review

4. End Stage Reports; review of the business case, project objectives, stage objectives, team performance products, risks and forecasts

5. Project Closure recommendation