DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT: 2) ACTION PLAN

Now that the post mortem is completed, do not put it aside and forget all the beautiful learning from your latest achievement. Roll up your sleeves because it's time to take action plan!

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

During your post-mortem, you presented a final report with recommendations for improving the performance and quality of your future projects. Well, your plan is now to make these recommendations a reality.

WHY THE ACTION PLAN?

The web world is constantly changing and the projects are as diverse as they are unique. It is therefore imperative to capitalize on the knowledge gained in each development project without delay.

HOW TO PROCEED?

• Define, for each recommendation in the post mortem, actions and milestones that will achieve the desired result
• Categorize the actions to be implemented
• Estimate the time required for each action
• Set priorities
• Prepare a timeline
• Document every action

All this sounds interesting, but how does it play out in reality? What better way to illustrate this than a concrete example. One of the projects on which I had the chance to work was the development of a new adaptive newsletter template for a client and the subsequent management of their email campaigns. The post-mortem focused on two phases:

• The development of the template
• The operational management of email campaigns

For each of the two phases, I established separate actions.

Newsletter development:

Based on the developments made in the past and general experience, I suggested the creation of consistent production standards for future projects of this type. With the help of our production team, we defined:

• Standard specifications
• A project plan to complete these developments
• A quality control process to ensure that nothing is omitted

Then we documented and shared with the rest of the team.

Campaign Management Email:

In collaboration with the production team and the client, we put together a new management approach including the following elements:

• A project plan was developed and revised following the post mortem’s findings
• The working procedure with the client has been optimized to better meet their needs
• The internal working procedure was reviewed and clarified for a smooth and efficient production
• A shared and scalable toolbox has been established
• Management tools have been revised and improved

THE HUMAN FACTOR, A GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS!

The development of an action plan is a collective effort and requires the participation and involvement of all. It is important to keep your team informed because they are what contributes to the success of your action plan. Also, one should not hesitate to involve clients when necessary because they can also bring significant support. Finally, an action plan requires a real effort in analysis, planning, consultation and involvement which allows the company to capitalize on their learning. The post mortem is one way to stay competitive, push the boundaries of innovation and keep a positive team dynamic.