Post-Implementation Review (PIR)
Author: Jakob Kehler, February 2022
The Post-Implementation Review (PIR) (also known as Business Review, Project Audit or Post-Project Review) is a methodology that can be applied to evaluate the success of a project after it has been undertaken based on 1. the key deliverables of the project, 2. the process itself going through all life cycles of a project and 3. the delivery of the business case. [1]
In ISO 21502, the project life cycle is defined as a "defined set of phases from the start to the end of the project". This includes the initiation of the project up to all activities including the closure of the project. Pre- and post-project activities are not include in the project life cycle. [2] Nevertheless, a project itself may have only minimal impact on the economy, environment and society, the deliverables itself have bigger impacts and consequences. Taking this into account, a PIR is useful to review the projects with its temporary characteristics "within a broader framework of organizational objectives and given contexts and environments". [1].
This article will guide project managers on how to perform high quality PIRs giving examples of several different industries and then elaborating its benefits and limitations. The importance of a PIR is theoretically highly acknowledged but due to several reasons it is often not used in a practical setting. Not only because of that a general framework does not exist. Still, recommendations can be given.
In today´s fast changing world, a PIR sets the foundation for knowledge management as is successes and failures can be shared to guarantee an increasing success rate in upcoming projects.
Contents |
The role of a PIR in the project life cycle
1. Purpose of the PIR 2. Impact of the PIR 3. Goal of the PIR.
How a PIR can contribute to sustainable Project Management
1. General definition of a Project (refer to Magic Triangle & Project Life Cycle) 2. Status Quo (literature review)
Guidance on how to create high quality PIR
1. General idea of a framework 2. Examples across different industries with its different focus points (Finance, Service, Construction)
Limitations & Benefits
Explaining its limitations and benefits (refer to "Types of Uncertainty" Matrix)
