• Unit 6: Project Implementation and Closure

    The final phase of the project life cycle is the implementation and closure phase. This includes winding down tasks, implementing the product or service to the client or internally within the organization, releasing staff and conducting a lessons-learned review. This phase is very crucial to preventing the project from moving beyond the original scope and budget as defined in the baseline project plan. There must be acceptance of the project deliverables and feedback must be sought regarding project performance. Evaluation reports must also be created and lessons-learned, or post-mortem meeting must be held to discuss project strengths and weaknesses. Outstanding contributors are also recognized during this phase and the achievements of the overall project team are celebrated.

    This unit will review how to close down projects and use the insights gained to make improvements going forward; it will also discuss how to celebrate the team for peak-performance and how to seek and obtain customer feedback and acceptance.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe the closedown process;
      • describe implementation activities;
      • define post-mortem meeting;
      • explain the project acceptance process;
      • explain global project management; and 
      • identify the coverage of PMP certificate exam based on PMBOK (2008) the fourth edition.

    • 6.1: Project Implementation

      • Project Execution Page

        Read this section, which discusses project execution.

      • Implementation Page

        Read this section on implementation. Think about the key things to keep in mind during this phase.

    • 6.2: Acceptance of Deliverables and Client Approval

      • Understanding and Meeting Client Expectations Book

        Read these sections, which discuss how to define client expectations and how to determine the proper organizational structure to deliver an acceptable project. The client brings their own set of expectations to each project. How can you manage a disruptive client? A passive-aggressive client? What are the tools you can use for each situation, and what are the commonalities? Attempt the exercises at the end of each section.

    • 6.3: Project Procurement and Closure

      • Project Procurement and Closure Book

        Read this chapter, which discusses the procurement and closure aspect of closing out the project and delivering it to the client. Attempt the exercises at the end of each section.

      • Project Closeout Page

        This reading discusses the final stage of the project management lifecycle. As the project draws to a close, you must define the closeout process. What areas are you comfortable with, and what do you need to work on as you "close out" your study of project management in this course? Can you make a closeout plan for your time taking this course?

      • Project Closure Page

        Watch this video, which discusses how to close a project and close project contracts.

      • Project Completion and Review Page

        Watch this lecture, which discusses how to close a project. The review of the project is an important time for self-reflection and think about opportunities for improvement.

    • Unit 6 Discussion and Assessment

      After completing all six units of this project management course, you should be able to define the terms project and project management; explain the role of the project manager during the project life cycle; identify human resource skills for forming and developing teams; balance project time, budget, and resource constraints; and apply project management tools and techniques for managing a project. More specifically, you should be capable of explaining the five key project management process groups and the nine key project management knowledge areas. You should also be able to discuss what makes a project successful and what risks projects may have during the whole project life cycle. In today's global world, you also should be able to explain the main challenges of managing global projects.

      • Unit 6 Discussion Forum
        Make forum posts: 1

        Consider responding to the following questions in this discussion forum. You may also respond to other students' posts.

        1. In general, what types of project contracts exist? What are the differences between them? As a project manager, what would be your favorite contract to manage? Why?
        2. How can you handle changes requested by your clients after the project deliverables have been officially accepted?
        3. Assume you are assigned to an international project. What kind of potential issues or challenges do you need to be aware of when you start to plan the project?

      • Unit 6 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.