Free project review template

What's in a project review?

A comprehensive project review will include:

• Performance Assessment: Evaluating how well the project met its objectives, adhered to the budget, and stayed on schedule. This involves comparing the project's outcomes with the original plan and identifying any variances.
• Process Evaluation: Analyzing the effectiveness of the project management processes used, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control. This can reveal strengths and weaknesses in the project's methodology.
• Outcome Analysis: Looking at the tangible and intangible outcomes of the project. This includes not only the final deliverables but also the impact on stakeholders, any changes brought to the organization, and the project's contribution to business goals.
• Identifying Lessons Learned: One of the most crucial elements, this involves extracting insights from both the successes and failures of the project. What worked well, what didn’t, and why?
• Recommendations for Future Projects: Based on the insights gathered, the review aims to provide actionable recommendations for improving future project management practices.

The review is prepared with input from various stakeholders, including the project team, clients, and management, to get a well-rounded view of the project's effectiveness.

The findings of the review are documented in a structured report, which is shared with relevant parties to ensure that the lessons learned are communicated and can be applied in future projects.

Why use a project review template?

A project review template can significantly streamline and enhance both the review process and the subsequent presentation of findings in several ways:

1. Structured Framework: The template provides a clear and organized structure for conducting the review. Each section guides reviewers through different aspects of the project, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. This structured approach helps in systematically addressing all critical components, from project overview to lessons learned.
2. Consistency and Comparability: By using a standardized template, you ensure consistency in how project reviews are conducted across different projects within your organization. This uniformity allows for easier comparison and benchmarking of project performance over time.
3. Focused Analysis: The specific sections and prompts in the template help reviewers focus their analysis on key areas of project performance, such as adherence to scope, budget, and schedule, as well as stakeholder satisfaction. This targeted approach ensures that no significant aspect is overlooked.
4. Efficiency in Data Collection: The template acts as a guide for what data needs to be collected and analyzed. This can save time and effort, as reviewers know exactly what information is required, reducing the likelihood of missing or redundant data.
5. Enhanced Participation and Engagement: Having a clear template can encourage more effective participation from all team members and stakeholders. It sets clear expectations for the review process, making it easier for participants to prepare and contribute meaningfully.
6. Ease of Documentation: The template simplifies the documentation process. As reviewers work through the template, they can record findings and conclusions directly. This facilitates a more straightforward compilation of the final review report.
7. Quality of Recommendations: The template can help in generating more focused and actionable recommendations. By systematically analyzing each aspect of the project, the template ensures that the suggestions for improvement are well-founded and relevant.
8. Professional Presentation of Findings: A well-structured template leads to a well-structured final report. The format and organization inherent in the template make the final presentation of findings clear, professional, and easy to follow, which is particularly beneficial when sharing insights with stakeholders or senior management.
9. Encourages Learning and Improvement: Finally, the template is a tool for learning. It prompts reviewers to identify not just what went wrong, but also what went right and why, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Learn more about conducting a project review in OPEN, our free online project management program.