Post Project & Program Validation

It is important that when capital works expenditure projects are complete; they are evaluated to assess whether or not they have achieved their objectives. This key element of the process is commonly overlooked.

Project Validation

The organization should look at the way in which the individual project was managed in terms of:

• Achievement of planned time
• Achievement of established budget parameters
• Did the project match the objectives and needs identified in the planning process? Was the scope of works enhanced or expanded at the whim of the project manager or associated managers? Was the proposed scope of works was actually achieved?
• Were the anticipated benefits of the project achieved? This element may need to be reviewed again when the new facility has been operating for some time.

Program Validation

The organization should look at the way in which the entire program was managed in terms of:

• All elements listed for the individual projects above
• Project management performance and post commissioning performance
• Accountability, especially where CIP investments have been justified on the basis of cost savings in operations and maintenance. Do these items need to be removed from future operating budgets as a result of the predicted savings?

Thus, both project and program validation help ensure that:

• Predicted benefits are achieved
• The organization's knowledge and ability to predict outcomes is improved.

This becomes more relevant as organizations operate in an increasingly competitive business environment.