Developing a Project Closure Checklist

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗣𝗠𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 - 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. 📚 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/ekRmSj_h With this report, we are introducing a simple and scalable way to measure project success. A successful project is one that 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲, as perceived by key stakeholders. This clearly represents a shift for our profession, where beyond execution excellence we also feel accountable for doing anything in our power to improve the impact of our work and the value it generates at large. The implications for project professionals can be summarized in a framework for delivering 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 success: 📚𝗠anage Perceptions For a project to be considered successful, the key stakeholders - customers, executives, or others - must perceive that the project’s outcomes provide sufficient value relative to the perceived investment of resources. 📚𝗢wn Project Success beyond Project Management Success Project professionals need to take any opportunity to move beyond literal mandates and feel accountable for improving outcomes while minimizing waste. 📚𝗥elentlessly Reassess Project Parameters Project professionals need to recognize the reality of inevitable and ongoing change, and continuously, in collaboration with stakeholders, reassess the perception of value and adjust plans. 📚𝗘xpand Perspective All projects have impacts beyond just the scope of the project itself. Even if we do not control all parameters, we must consider the broader picture and how the project fits within the larger business, goals, or objectives of the enterprise, and ultimately, our world. I believe executives will be excited about this work. It highlights the value project professionals can bring to their organizations and clarifies the vital role they play in driving transformation, delivering business results, and positively impacting the world. The shift in mindset will encourage project professionals to consider the perceptions of all stakeholders- not just the c-suite, but also customers and communities. To deliver more successful projects, business leaders must create environments that empower project professionals. They need to involve them in defining - and continuously reassessing and challenging - project value. Leverage their expertise. Invest in their work. And hold them accountable for contributing to maximize the perception of project value at all phases of the project - beyond excellence in execution. 📚 Please read the report, reflect on its findings, and share it broadly. And comment! Project Management Institute #ProjectSuccess #PMI #Leadership #ProjectManagementToday

Over the last year, I’ve seen many people fall into the same trap: They launch an AI-powered agent (chatbot, assistant, support tool, etc.)… But only track surface-level KPIs — like response time or number of users. That’s not enough. To create AI systems that actually deliver value, we need 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 that reflect: • User trust • Task success • Business impact • Experience quality    This infographic highlights 15 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 dimensions to consider: ↳ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 — Are your AI answers actually useful and correct? ↳ 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Can the agent complete full workflows, not just answer trivia? ↳ 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 — Response speed still matters, especially in production. ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 — How often are users returning or interacting meaningfully? ↳ 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Did the user achieve their goal? This is your north star. ↳ 𝗘𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Irrelevant or wrong responses? That’s friction. ↳ 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Longer isn’t always better — it depends on the goal. ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Are users coming back 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 the first experience? ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Especially critical at scale. Budget-wise agents win. ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 — Can the agent handle follow-ups and multi-turn dialogue? ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 — Feedback from actual users is gold. ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 — Can your AI 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳 to earlier inputs? ↳ 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 — Can it handle volume 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 degrading performance? ↳ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 — This is key for RAG-based agents. ↳ 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 — Is your AI learning and improving over time? If you're building or managing AI agents — bookmark this. Whether it's a support bot, GenAI assistant, or a multi-agent system — these are the metrics that will shape real-world success. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀? Let’s make this list even stronger — drop your thoughts 👇

Every PM wants to measure the success of their product. But most struggle to do it correctly. As a product management hiring manager, leader, and coach, I've seen that many product managers struggle with defining the right success metrics They focus on generic metrics like acquisition, engagement,  retention These are insufficient. My recommendation is to ask concrete questions when thinking of metrics Here's a list of questions I ask: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 1. What is the user’s goal? 2. What human need do they want to fulfill? 3. What action signifies that their need is met? 4. Is that action enough to know user’s job is done? 5. How can I measure that action? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 1. How many users are using the product? 2. How many users should be using it? 3. Which users aren't using it but should be using it? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 1. How many users like the product? 2. How much do they like it? 3. What action(s) show they “like” it? 4. How can I measure those actions 5. Do they like it enough to keep coming back? 6. If yes, how often should they come back? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 1. Are users finding it hard to complete certain actions? 2. Are there things that users dislike? 3. Are there enough options for users to choose from? 4. Are there things that users want to do, but the product doesn’t allow them to? 5. Can we measure all the above? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 1. Can I cheat on any of the above metrics? 2. Do above metrics give the most accurate answer? 3. Are all metrics simple enough for everyone to understand? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁/𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 1. Are  above metrics a true representation of success? 2. Any other parts of user journey I should measure? 3. Will a positive impact on above metrics lead to a negative impact on other critical metrics? 4. Is the tradeoff acceptable? -- How easy or tough do you find creating success metrics? What is your process?

If customs walks in today, are you ready? Most aren’t and the penalties prove it. What triggers a customs audit ? 1. Random Selection Part of risk-based targeting systems to keep audits fair.  2. Red Flags Errors or inconsistencies in import declarations can raise alarms.  3. Industry Targeting   Customs focuses on industries with high fraud risks like electronics and pharma.  4. Prior Non-Compliance Past penalties or lack of response can trigger scrutiny.  5. **Related Party Transactions**   Intra-company deals face extra checks for pricing issues.  6. FTA Claims   Large claims for Free Trade Agreements may lead to reviews.  Common Mistakes That Trigger Penalties  - Misclassification  Customs uses data analytics to find errors. This can lead to a duty shortfall of up to three times.  - Undervaluation Transfer pricing reports can expose undervalued goods, resulting in fines and interest.  - FTA Misuse  Lack of origin support during claims can mean repayment of duties plus penalties.  - Poor Recordkeeping Random audits can catch missing documents, leading to fines.  - Misdeclared Dual-use Goods   These can lead to serious legal issues.  - Inconsistent Broker Instructions   Discrepancies can cause loss of benefits.  Preparation Best Practices - Assemble a Compliance Task Force    Include Trade Compliance, Finance, Logistics, and Legal teams.  - Review Historical Import Data Analyze reports from brokers and customs tools for the last 12 to 36 months.  - Validate HS Classifications  Cross-check with product specs and rulings.  - Review Valuation Methodology   Ensure all dutiable elements are included in declared values.  - Confirm Origin Documentation  Match each FTA claim with valid supplier declarations.  - Check Recordkeeping Protocol   Keep all documents accessible.  - Audit FTA Claims  Randomly select entries to trace back to source.  - Examine Related Party Transactions  Ensure customs values are based on fair market pricing.  - Spot Audit Broker Instructions  Pull recent declarations to check accuracy.  - Prepare a Compliance Report   Summarize risks and actions taken.  **Do's**  ✅ Designate a single point of contact for customs.   ✅ Be transparent but only provide requested information.   ✅ Keep an audit log of all communications.   ✅ Prepare an intro presentation outlining import processes.   ✅ Provide documents promptly and in order.  **Don'ts**  ❌ Don’t argue or blame other departments.   ❌ Don’t offer unsolicited documents.   ❌ Don’t allow unscheduled interviews with untrained staff.   ❌ Don’t say “we’ve always done it that way.”  **Post-Audit Actions**  Review findings with your broker or legal team.   Respond within the deadline to correct inaccuracies.   Implement corrective actions and document them.   Schedule a follow-up audit within six months.   Update SOPs and training based on findings.  

🚨 Mastering IT Risk Assessment: A Strategic Framework for Information Security In cybersecurity, guesswork is not strategy. Effective risk management begins with a structured, evidence-based risk assessment process that connects technical threats to business impact. This framework — adapted from leading standards such as NIST SP 800-30 and ISO/IEC 27005 — breaks down how to transform raw threat data into actionable risk intelligence: 1️⃣ System Characterization – Establish clear system boundaries. Define the hardware, software, data, interfaces, people, and mission-critical functions within scope. 🔹 Output: System boundaries, criticality, and sensitivity profile. 2️⃣ Threat Identification – Identify credible threat sources — from external adversaries to insider risks and environmental hazards. 🔹 Output: Comprehensive threat statement. 3️⃣ Vulnerability Identification – Pinpoint systemic weaknesses that can be exploited by these threats. 🔹 Output: Catalog of potential vulnerabilities. 4️⃣ Control Analysis – Evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of current and planned controls. 🔹 Output: Control inventory with performance assessment. 5️⃣ Likelihood Determination – Assess the probability that a given threat will exploit a specific vulnerability, considering existing mitigations. 🔹 Output: Likelihood rating. 6️⃣ Impact Analysis – Quantify potential losses in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. 🔹 Output: Impact rating. 7️⃣ Risk Determination – Integrate likelihood and impact to determine inherent and residual risk levels. 🔹 Output: Ranked risk register. 8️⃣ Control Recommendations – Prioritize security enhancements to reduce risk to acceptable levels. 🔹 Output: Targeted control recommendations. 9️⃣ Results Documentation – Compile the process, findings, and mitigation actions in a formal risk assessment report for governance and audit traceability. 🔹 Output: Comprehensive risk assessment report. When executed properly, this process transforms IT threat data into strategic business intelligence, enabling leaders to make informed, risk-based decisions that safeguard the organization’s assets and reputation. 👉 Bottom line: An organization’s resilience isn’t built on tools — it’s built on a disciplined, repeatable approach to understanding and managing risk. #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #GRC #InformationSecurity #ISO27001 #NIST #Infosec #RiskAssessment #Governance

Unified QA/QC Document Matrix🚧 Quality is not created during inspection. It is built through structured documentation across every project stage. A well-defined QA/QC document flow ensures: ✔ Traceability ✔ Compliance ✔ Risk control ✔ Client confidence ✔ Smooth project handover Below is a simplified stage-wise QA/QC document matrix used in fabrication and construction environments. 📌 Project Planning & Kick-off Quality Plan (QMP) – Defines quality scope and objectives. Inspection & Test Schedule (ITS) – Defines inspection stages and acceptance criteria. Work Procedure (SWP) – Standard operational practices. Method of Execution (MOE) – Execution methodology description. Risk & HSE Assessment – Hazard identification and control planning. Document Register (DR) – Submission and approval tracking. 📌 Material Management Material Purchase Request (MPR) – Material sourcing and specifications. Mill Test Certificate (MTC) – Material compliance confirmation. Material Inspection Report (RMIR) – Incoming material verification. Material Traceability Log (MTL) – Heat and lot traceability. Identification Log – Tagging and marking control. Storage Record – Preservation and storage monitoring. 📌 Welding & Fabrication WPS – Defines welding parameters. PQR – Qualification test results summary. Welder Qualification Log (WQL) – Welder competency tracking. Fit-up Report – Joint preparation verification. Weld Inspection Report – Visual welding inspection. Dimensional Report – Tolerance verification. Consumable Record – Electrode and filler traceability. 📌 NDT & Examination VT Report – Visual surface inspection. PT Report – Surface crack detection. MT Report – Near-surface flaw identification. UT Report – Internal defect detection. RT Report – Radiographic weld integrity verification. PMI Report – Alloy and material grade confirmation. 📌 Surface Preparation & Coating Surface Preparation Report – Cleaning and profile verification. Environmental Log – Humidity and dew point monitoring. Coating Report – Application details and system records. DFT Report – Coating thickness measurement. Batch Register – Paint batch and expiry control. Holiday Test – Coating continuity verification. 📌 Testing & Final Verification Hydro / Pneumatic Test – Pressure and leak integrity verification. Load Test – Functional performance validation. Final Inspection Summary – Readiness confirmation. Repair / Touch-up Log – Rework tracking. Packing Record – Preservation before dispatch. 📌 Calibration, Audit & Handover Calibration Certificates – Instrument accuracy confirmation. Calibration Register – Validity tracking. Audit Report – System compliance evaluation. NCR – Non-conformance recording. CAPA – Corrective and preventive action tracking. As-Built Report – Final dimensional record. Material Utilization Report – Issue vs usage reconciliation. QA/QC Dossier – Final compiled quality records. Dispatch Note – Shipment approval.

Risk Assessment. Risk assessment is “The process of quantifying the probability of a risk occurring and its likely impact on the project”. It is often undertaken, at least initially, on a qualitative basis by which I mean the use of a subjective method of assessment rather than a numerical or stochastic (probablistic) method. Such methods seek to assess risk to determine severity or exposure, recording the results in a probability and impact grid or ‘risk assessment matrix'. The infographic provides one example which usefully visually communicates the assessment to the project team and interested parties. Probability may be assessed using labels such as: Rare, unlikely, possible, likely and almost certain; whilst impact considered using labels: Insignificant, minor, medium, major and severe. Each label is assigned a ‘scale value’ or score with the values chosen to align with the risk appetite of the project and sponsoring organisation. The product of the scale values (i.e. probability x impact) resulting in a ranking index for each risk. Thresholds should be established early in the life cycle of the project for risk acceptance and risk escalation to aid decision-making and establish effetive governance principles. Risk assessment matrices are useful in the initial assessment of risk, providing a quick prioritisation of the project’s risk environment. It does not, however, give a full analysis of risk exposure that would be accomplished by quantitative risk analysis methods. Quantitative risk analysis may be defined as: “The estimation of numerical values of the probability and impact of risks on a project usually using actual or estimated values, known relationships between values, modelling, arithmetical and/or statistical techniques”. Quantitative methods assign a numerical value (e.g. 60%) to the probability of the risk occurring, where possible based on a verifiable data source. Impact is considered by means of more than one deterministic value (using at least 3-point estimation techniques) applying a distribution (uniform, normal or skewed) across the impact values. Quantitative risk methods provide a means of understanding how risk and uncertainty affect a project’s objectives and a view of its full risk exposure. It can also provide an assessment of the probability of achieving the planned schedule and cost estimate as well as a range of possible out-turns, helping to inform the provision of contingency reserves and time buffers. #projectmanagement #businesschange #roadmap

In the intricate world of performance monitoring, the success of programs hinges on the integrity and precision of the data collected. This document delves deeply into the methods and tools essential for effective data collection, tailored for professionals working in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). It provides a comprehensive exploration of strategies to gather both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that every piece of information supports accountability, adaptive management, and evidence-based decision-making. By distinguishing between primary and secondary data sources, the guide equips readers with the ability to select appropriate methodologies, from focus group discussions to electronic data harvesting. It further emphasizes the importance of aligning data collection efforts with ethical standards, local contexts, and USAID’s rigorous data quality principles, ensuring the reliability, validity, and relevance of information across projects. For humanitarian and development practitioners, this resource is indispensable. It not only bridges theoretical concepts with actionable steps but also addresses the challenges of data collection in complex and resource-constrained environments. Dive into this document to unlock the tools and insights needed to elevate your performance monitoring practices and drive transformative impact.

There ya have it folks... Proper risk assessment not completed... Before anyone goes up, pause and assess: Roof condition: slope, surface (wet/icy/brittle), load capacity Fall protection: guardrails, anchors, lifelines, harnesses in good condition Access & egress: ladders secured, safe tie-off points identified Weather: wind, rain, heat, lightning risk Overhead & below hazards: powerlines, skylights, people working underneath Rescue plan: how you’ll get someone down if something goes wrong A few minutes of assessment can prevent a lifetime injury. If it’s not safe—don’t climb.

UK - Russia Sanctions - The recently published 29 page UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Threat Assessment focusses on compliance with the U.K.s Russian sanctions but how should a Bank translate this government speak into sanction programme speak. A Banks’ risk assessment should be reviewed and risk categories for customers, products and services including channels, countries and transactions should be updated based on this report. The most important sanctions risk factors identified in the report should then feed into a Banks’ CDD/CRA (Customer Due Diligence/Customer Risk Assessments), TM, Screening and other control upgrades as appropriate. The Threat assessment is useful because it is based on what OFSI is seeing through reporting and investigations and enforcement but goes further and presents its findings through a likelihood lens which suggests activities that range from having a remote chance (0-5%) to being almost certain (95-100%) and therefore the higher the likelihood the greater importance for U.K. FI’s which helps support a risk based approach. For a summary see the chart below.