Project evaluation and lessons learned using ISO 21500 as an adaptive framework

Abstract

Project Management and Total Quality Management methodologies have a close resemblance in fundamental areas such as leadership, customer focus and aiming for continuous improvements. Continuous improvement is considered to be the highest level of project management maturity where organizations evaluate and identify the information obtained with processes such as project evaluation and lessons learned.An investigation whether ISO 21500 can be used as an adaptive framework for systematic implementation of project evaluation and lessons learned in projects was conducted. The use and selection of informative tools and techniques in ISO certified organizations and the main perspectives on the subject were also mapped.Using a qualitative research approach, information was obtained with interviews in order to gain insight and understanding on current practices and perspectives. Results show that project evaluation, lessons learned and knowledge management processes are considered to be challenging and not as effective as could be expected in matured ISO certified organizations. Standardized processes combined with adaptive Agile processes could fit into the ISO 21500 with continuous evaluation and lessons learned iterations in each PM process providing an adaptive learning project life cycle.