Project Management : Phase 5

Phase 5 - Operate and evaluate

Have we remembered why we were doing the work in the first place ?
Have we got the resources in place to initiate / use / take advantage of the change that the work has accomplished ? What will tell us the change is working as it should ?

N.B. completing the work is not the measure of success, but whether the completed work meets the original specified objectives. Romans 8 : 28 does not excuse lack of diligence on our part.
If the project does not meet the primary objective, secondary benefits (however good) are insufficient compensation.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28

Record "lessons learnt" during the Project:-
- What went well and how can we ensure we include this in future Projects ?
- What was not good and how can we avoid it next time ?

Close down the "Project team"; they signed on for the Project, not for life ! Their purpose is finished - release them to new work.  Praise God for His accomplishment and celebrate the change

Whatever we think we have done, let's give the glory where it belongs
"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Deuteronomy 8 : 17 - 18

Acceptance of a Project bringing new and desired change goes through a "honeymoon" period. Review the Project after an appropriate time of use, e.g. three months and again six months later to ensure the Project has integrated smoothly with the rest of Church life. This review time is a good opportunity to ask what changes would enhance the new situation? Inevitably incorporation of a Project will bring opportunities not thought of at the planning stage.

Key points
Review original objectives and check for success against agreed criteria and measures
Fanfare the result ! A time for praise and celebration
Ensure all associated aspects of church life are integrating well with the change
Disband the Project team.
Review operation of the Project at an appropriate frequency
Note areas for future improvements
Look for the next Project !!

Read Nehemiah as an excellent example of Project Management.  (See our Nehemiah Bible Study)

Further help
This guide to Project management should prompt you to review your project management approach.
If you would like further specific input / guidance please feel free to contact the author,
John Seal, P.P.A. Mead Lodge, Imble Lane, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SA72 6PN, U.K.
Tel +44 (0)1646 682504  E-mail [email protected]