Match Assessment to Project Needs

Assessments

There are different types of assessments for different types of projects. All projects, regardless of size, benefit from the second set of eyes.

Consider project size and complexity when deciding on an assessment approach.

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Small to medium size projects should consider using a “peer review” process.
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Large or smaller, highly complex projects should consider using a "quality assurance" process to ensure an “independent and objective” assessment role.

Peer Review

A peer-review process entails having someone independent of the project, in other words, not a constituent and partner, assessing :

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Scope
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Key deliverables
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Real project status
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Risks, issues, decisions
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Other factors, such as assumptions

Assign a peer-review role to an internal person, usually another manager within the organization, having the experience and appropriate skills to conduct the peer review.

Peer review roles provide:

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An exemplary process for developing internal project management and assessment skills.
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An opportunity for individuals to be recognized and entrusted by leadership to take on additional responsibilities within your organization.

Quality Assurance

Large and highly complex projects require more formal, structured, and rigorous assessments:

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Use an independent expert appropriate for your project's scope and subject matter.
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Periodic assessments should begin during your project initiation cycle and conducted at critical milestones and stage completions.
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Assessments embodied in Before Action and After Action Dialogues.

Confirm the assessor assigned is independent and objective to your project.

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Often, a partner, such as a software vendor or consultant already retained on your project, assigns their assessor.
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Though this approach may provide valuable insights, your business leaders will receive a “filtered” report biased in support of the vendor conducting the assessment.
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From an objective assessment perspective, retain someone not associated with a constituent or partner organization on your project.

Match Assessment to Project Needs

Assessments

Peer Review

Quality Assurance

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