1. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Lessons Learned Process
Definition Lessons Learned are the historical data of a project that reflect the reasoning behind actions
chosen to correct variances.
Process Lessons learned are collected and recorded throughout the project lifecycle. Anytime a project
variance is recorded, the corrective action should also be recorded as a lessons learned.
Examples would be:
Schedule variance – the project was falling behind, so additional training was implemented
Cost variance – it was noted that project travel costs were increasing, so we made better use of
conference calls and video conferencing
Lessons learned will be review aloud at project kickoff meetings. During project status
meetings, lessons learned will be collected for review at the end of a project. As part of the
administrative close out of the project, a formal lessons learned session will be held. All
lessons learned will be documented and saved as part of the project archive
Lessons During the administrative close out of a project a formal lessons learned session will be held.
Learned It might be necessary to hold separate calls for internal Master Halco use and Customers to
Session protect proprietary information.
Format
1

2. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Step
Actio
n
1
Sche
dule
a
locati
on
for
the
lesso
ns
learn
ed
sessio
n.
This
may
be
•
•
•
•
2
Invite
the
appro
priate
atten
dees.
This
may
inclu
de
custo
mers
as
well
as
Mast
er
Halc
o
assoc
iates.
Sugg
ested
invite
es
inclu
de
•
• 2

3. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Compile the The call chair, or someone designated is responsible for compiling the meeting minutes into
document lessons learned for future use.
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4. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Step
Actio
n
1
Revie
w the
lesso
ns
learn
ed
minut
es
2
Categ
orize
the
result
s of
the
minut
es in
the
templ
ate
sectio
n
titled
“Less
ons
Learn
ed”
3
Distri
bute
the
lesso
ns
learn
ed to
the
appro
priate
indivi
duals
or
maili
ng
lists,
and
thank
the
indivi
duals
for
their
partic
ipatio
n
4

5. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Continued on next page
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6. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Notes on Project phases follow the PMI project management methodology. The following table is
project provided for reference and prompting questions during the lessons learned session.
phases
6

7. John N. Motlagh, MBA
Process Group
Initiating
Planning
Executing
Controlling
Closing
Knowledge Area
Integration
Project plan
development
Project plan
execution
Change control
Scope
Initiation
Scope planning
Scope change control
Time
Activity planning,
schedule
development
Schedule control
Cost
Resource planning,
budgeting
Cost control
Quality
Quality planning
Quality assurance
Quality control
Human Resources
Organizational
planning, staff
acquisition
Team development
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8. John N. Motlagh, MBA
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