Information Technology Project Management: Providing Measurable Organizational Value, Fourth Edition

CHAPTER 14

Project Implementation, Closure, and Evaluation

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

In this chapter, we will focus on three important areas: project implementation, closure, and evaluation. After studying this chapter, you should understand and be able to:

• Describe the three tactical approaches to information system implementation and installation: (1) direct cutover, (2) parallel, and (3) phased, as well as compare the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
• Describe the processes associated with project closure to ensure that the project is closed in an orderly manner.
• Identify four different types of project evaluations or reviews: (1) individual performance review, (2) postmortem review, (3) project audit, and (4) evaluation of the project's MOV.

INTRODUCTION

The topic of change management was introduced in Chapter 11 and focused on preparing the people within the organization for the upcoming change and, more importantly, the transition that will occur as a result of the change. Understanding the human element or the “soft side” of IT project management is critical for ensuring that the individuals or groups within the organization will accept and adapt to the new information system implemented by the project team.

In this final chapter we will concentrate on three important areas—project implementation, closure, and evaluation. Project implementation focuses on installing ...