Post-project reviews as a key project management competence

There is a general belief that post-project reviews are beneficial. However, such reviews are not conducted in a consistent manner, if at all, in many organizations. Therefore, there is a need to discuss post-project reviews as part of effective project management. This paper explores the nexus of knowledge management and project management. It addresses the role of post-project reviews and their impact on the success of future projects, improvement of the overall performance of the organization and its long-term competitive position, and development of its learning processes. It discusses critical aspects and useful techniques in the implementation of post-project reviews. The data gathered from post-project reviews provide the historical database from which future project teams can develop meaningful project plans based on their organization's project learning cycle. This database can provide project managers and teams with the information they need on specific staff skill set needs, and the profile of the customer and operating environment that can impact the ultimate success of projects and project management. The paper discusses where post-project reviews fit into the project life cycle and project management processes. It assesses how such reviews can assist an organization in improving the manner in which its projects are conceived, planned, implemented, reported, and evaluated. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.