Sample Lessons Learned Questions

Ron Parks

General Processes
What would you say were the most critical factors for project success?
Which tools or techniques worked well?
Were there organizational obstacles that made it difficult to complete the project
Were roles and responsibilities clearly defined?

Control-Specific
Have any scope changes to this project impacted the schedule? How?

Have cross-project dependencies affected scope? How?

Was the work plan well documented, with appropriate structure and detail?

Did the work plan encompass all aspects of the project?

Did stakeholders have appropriate input into the project planning process?

How often were deliverables 're-worked' based on the introduction of new requirements?

How often were deliverables 're-worked' because it did not meet requirements?

Were communications adequate in all activities?
Was risk controlled adequately?

Was an adequate contingency plan created?
Did the project meet all original scheduled milestones/deadlines?

Was project status reported according to plan?

Were all issues resolved in a timely manner?

Did the change control procedure work adequately?

Did the project receive all the necessary approvals to proceed in a timely fashion?

Was the project staffed appropriately?

Was quality of the product or services adequate?

Were Initial cost and schedule estimates were accurate?

Was the technology solution chosen appropriate for the project?

Communications
Were status and issues communicated in a timely manner to all appropriate parties?

Did the user community understand the project, what was completed and what was coming next?

Requirements
Were requirements documented clearly?
Were specifications clear and well-documented?
Were test plans adequate?

Overall
Was the project a success?
Were project objectives met?
Be sure to ask for input on "What Went Right"

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