The Project Management Tool Kit: 100 Tips and Techniques for Getting the Job Done Right

GENERAL PROCESS33Lessons Learned

What:	Using analysis of current and past projects to improve the processes used for future work.
When:	Project execution and closure.
Results:	Perpetuation of good practices and identification of processes needing attention.

Prepare

Analyzing lessons learned may be done at any time, but it is most commonly part of project reviews or closing projects. Schedule a meeting for a process review at the end of a project life cycle phase or at project close to gather information while it is still fresh in people’s memory. Allocate sufficient time for the review. Even shorter projects may generate enough information to justify a half-day retrospective analysis.

Verify that team members and others who should participate ...