When should the Project Implementation Review ideally take place?

The ideal timing for the Project Implementation Review is soon after the implementation phase has been completed. This timing is critical because it allows for an assessment of how the project performed against its objectives, capturing lessons learned while the experience is still fresh for the project team and stakeholders. Conducting the review at this point enables the organization to identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement in a timely manner, which can inform future projects or phases.

If the review is conducted immediately after implementation, it also provides the opportunity to evaluate the initial effectiveness of the project outputs, ensuring that any immediate issues or areas of concern are addressed quickly. This proactive approach supports continuous improvement within the organization and helps to solidify the knowledge gained during the project.

Conducting the review before the project starts would not be beneficial, as there wouldn't be any actual implementation outcomes to assess. Similarly, reviewing at the halfway point might lead to premature conclusions without the full context of the project's completion. Lastly, waiting until after the final project report could delay the feedback loop, making it less effective in influencing future project planning and execution.