Learning from a Project Post-Mortem

 

In the dynamic field of project management, errors and setbacks are unavoidable. However, continuous improvement hinges on learning from these failures. This is where post-mortem, or retrospective meetings, become essential. They provide a crucial opportunity to review past projects, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and set the stage for future success (Hadari, 2023). This blog post will analyze a project I initiated a while back that did not produce the desired outcomes to uncover lessons that can be learned from the post-mortem review.

During the pandemic, I embarked on an exciting venture to start an online souvenir shop called Bahamian Treasures. The core idea was to sell authentically hand-crafted souvenirs made by talented Bahamian artisans. These unique items included straw baskets, unique soaps, wood carvings, and paintings, each reflecting the rich culture and heritage of The Bahamas. The goal was to provide tourists and locals with a convenient way to purchase genuine Bahamian crafts while supporting local artisans.

The project experienced some success. For example, the products were high-quality, authentic, and exquisite craftsmanship. The project successfully created a platform for Bahamian artisans to showcase and sell their work. Feedback was positive; customers appreciated the uniqueness and cultural significance of the products.

Ultimately, the cons outweighed the pros of this project. The website struggled to attract significant traffic due to inadequate digital marketing efforts. Shipping and handling proved to be more complex and costly than anticipated, leading to delays and customer dissatisfaction. Budget overruns occurred due to unforeseen website development, marketing, and product procurement expenses. Had I followed a structured PM framework, the outcome might have been different.  One of the most widely recognized guides on project management is the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). This guide provides a standardized approach that can be universally applied across various industries but requires adaptation to fit specific project needs (Gurnov, n.d.).

The project fell short at Step 1: Define the project concept, then get support and approval of Greer’s (2010) 10 steps to project success. This step ensures clarity of vision, informed decision-making, and strategic planning by conducting thorough market research and securing stakeholder buy-in. It helps identify potential risks early, optimize resources, and maintain focus throughout the project lifecycle, thereby addressing many challenges faced during the project.  Securing support and approval from key stakeholders, such as investors, partners, and potential customers, provides the necessary resources and backing to move forward confidently. If implemented, this step would have significantly improved the project outcome. (Project Management Institute, 2021).

Conclusion

In summary, post-mortems are critical in project management, enabling teams to systematically review and learn from past projects. These reflective sessions foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation by identifying successes and pinpointing areas for improvement. Implementing post-mortem can transform setbacks into valuable lessons, driving innovation and enhancing overall project performance. Embracing this practice not only helps in refining processes but also in building a resilient and proactive project management approach.

References

Greer, M. (2010). The project management minimalist: Just enough PM to rock your projects! Download The project management minimalist: Just enough PM to rock your projects!(Laureate custom ed.). Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com 

Gurnov, A. (n.d.) What is a Project Management Framework? Wrike. Retrieved from https://www.wrike.com/project-management-guide/faq/what-is-a-project-management-framework/

Hadari, R. (2023). Top Post Mortem Questions to Ask. Go Retro. Retrieved from https://www.goretro.ai/post/top-post-mortem-questions-to-ask

Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition. Project Management Institute.