PROJECT POST-MORTEM REPORT EXAMPLE

PROJECT TITLE
First Master’s Program Cohort
MODERATOR	DATE PREPARED
Sally Smith	May 12th
PROJECT OVERVIEW
What were the original goals and objectives of the project?
To recruit and maintain 20 graduate students in the new master’s level program
What were the original criteria for project success?
To enroll one hundred percent of our target cohort size and have a graduation rate of at least 80 percent
Was the project completed according to the original expectation?
We enrolled 20 students, but the graduation rate was 70 percent, with 14 students completing the program.
Additional Comments

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
What were the major accomplishments?
Meeting our initial enrollment goal was a big accomplishment, considering that this is a new program without an established reputation or significant word-of-mouth referrals.
What methods worked well?
Online marketing generated the greatest returns, with 80 percent of students reporting that they found out about the program via our website and/or targeted search ads. The majority of students who enrolled also participated in introductory phone calls or in-person events.
What did you find to be particularly useful for accomplishing the project?
We found the following strategies to be particularly useful: focusing resources on marketing, offering prospective students one-on-one information sessions, and soliciting feedback from students throughout the program.
Additional Comments

PROJECT CHALLENGES
What elements of the project went wrong?
Four of the students who left the program early complained of the following program issues: disorganization, unclear communication, and misleading information. Two students left the program for either personal or financial reasons.
What specific processes need improvement?
This is a new program that combines academic and experiential methods. Regarding these methods, we need to communicate clearly with prospective students who may be accustomed to more traditional academic settings. During the inaugural semester of the program, there were several miscommunications between the faculty and the staff; these miscommunications resulted in last-minute schedule changes as well as other changes that impacted student experience.
How can these processes be improved in the future?
Modify the informational materials for prospective students in order to emphasize program methods and clarify expectations. Increase faculty and staff meetings. Communicate with students as early as possible regarding any schedule changes, and provide detailed explanations for how you will handle changes.
What were the key problems areas (i.e., budgeting, scheduling, etc.)?
We didn’t prepare in advance for possible schedule changes or other issues. The communication was inconsistent across levels of the program.
List any technical challenges.
Additional Comments

POST-PROJECT TASKS / FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
List any continuing development and maintenance objectives.
What actions still need to be completed, and who is responsible for completing them?
John Doe will adjust the marketing materials to reflect the changes mentioned above. Alex Bee will provide training for recruiters to ensure that they cover certain talking points in one-on-one sessions. Alice Smith will manage the meeting calendar and ensure that notes are distributed to all attendees. Bruce Jones will facilitate a program meeting to discuss organizational issues and goals concerning the future of the program.
List any additional outstanding project items.
Additional Comments

PLANNING PHASE
LESSON LEARNED	ACHIEVED?	COMMENTS
The project plans and scheduling were well documented, complete with adequate structure and detail.	Y
The project schedule contained all elements of the project.	Y
The tasks were clearly defined.	Y
The stakeholders had adequate input in the planning process.	Y
The requirements were gathered and clearly documented.
The criteria were clear for all phases of the project.
Additional Comments

EXECUTION
LESSON LEARNED	ACHIEVED?	COMMENTS
The project reached its original goals.	N	We achieved enrollment, but had a high dropout rate.
Unexpected changes that occurred were of manageable frequency and intensity.	Mixed	These changes may have contributed to the departure of students. We need to streamline and standardize processes for managing change.
Project baselines (i.e., time, scope, and cost) were thoughtfully managed.	Y	The budget planned for the possibility of low enrollment or retention.
Fundamental project management processes (i.e., risk and issue management) were efficient.	Y
Project progress was tracked and reported in an accurate, organized manner.	Y
Additional Comments

HUMAN FACTORS
LESSON LEARNED	ACHIEVED?	COMMENTS
The project manager reported to the appropriate parties.	Y
Project management was effective.	Mixed
The project team was organized and adequately staffed.	––	This issue requires further review.
The project manager and team received proper training.	N	We now see gaps in training that we will correct. As a result, we will be able to provide recruiters and academic counselors with proper training.
There was efficient communication among project team members.	N	See sections above for comments on improving communication.
Functional areas collaborated effectively.	Y
Conflicting goals did not cause interdepartmental problems.	Y	This program is not in conflict with our other programs.
Additional Comments

OVERALL
LESSON LEARNED	ACHIEVED?	COMMENTS
The original cost projections were accurate.	Y
Student needs were met.	Mixed	When surveyed, most students recommended some improvement in program organization and communication. Students who chose to complete the program reported overall satisfaction with the information covered, academic rigor, etc.
The objectives of the program were met.	Mixed
The objectives of the university were met.	Y	We successfully completed the first cohort and learned lessons that will help us continue to build the program.
Additional Comments

PROJECT CLOSE ACCEPTANCE
PROJECT MANAGER NAME	DATE	PROJECT MANAGER SIGNATURE
SPONSOR NAME	DATE	SPONSOR SIGNATURE

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