Independent Project Reviews

While every project is unique, most project failure can be attributed to a few common causes (risks). If the common causes of failure can be addressed before they become issues, the probability of project success can be greatly increased.

This philosophy is the basis of two common review types typical to major acquisitions: the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) and the Independent Project Review (IPR). IBRs can be conducted prior to a contract award, but are typically conducted shortly after the award of a contract, and is intended to provide a common understanding between the contractor and the customer, and to ensure that the scope of work is adequately planned and documented in the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB). The IBR is also an opportunity to ensure that the management control systems used by the contractor are adequate to support the complexity of the project, as well as the performance reporting requirements of the customer. IPRs are similar in scope to IBRs, but are usually conducted by an unbiased review team at significant project milestones. The goal of the IPR is to use project performance to date and the analysis of variances to improve future project performance through the identification of best practices, evaluation of risks, and the development of corrective action plans to mitigate the causes of past variances.

Although all projects are different, PM tec’s project management experts have been able to identify twenty four project attributes related to project risk and a set of associated success criteria that, when met, can significantly reduce overall project risk. The evaluation of these twenty four attributes, related to both project and project management business processes, are the foundation to PM tec’s review processes.

The 24-point Project Review™ is performed over a short period of time, usually two to three days. The review team will interview project team members; review schedules and estimates, and perform a statistically based objective analysis of the twenty-four attributes essential for project success. To close the review the team will present the findings and deliver the Project Review Report to the customer.

Whether performed as part of the baseline establishment process, in preparation of a regulatory or customer review, or as part of a mid-project performance review; the 24-point Project Review™ will help the project team to identify potential sources of project risk and improve the odds for project success.

The 24-point Project Review™ can significantly reduce project variances related to poor scope definition, estimating deficiencies, and inconsistent project structures. It can also help in ensuring compliance with established organizational directives and requirements, as well as contractual requirements and industry best practices (EVMS/ANSI 748, federal acquisition requirements and guidelines, PMI/PMBOK, etc).