Introduction:

Project closure refers to the process of formally ending a particular project from continuation. It
is the act of terminating various activities related to a project. According to Wysocki, the Closing
Process Group includes all the processes related to the completion date of the project
(Wysocki, 2009, p. 30).Projects are usually terminated after the intended goals and objectives
have been fully met or achieved, when the management of the project realizes that the set goals
or objectives may not be achieved or due to a change in strategies of the organization (Pinto
2010).

Additionally, other reasons as to why projects may be terminated include increased costs or
additional expenses incurred during execution of project activities, withdrawal of donors who
provide funds to the project due to economical reasons, and misappropriation of projects funds.
Kerzner asserts that termination of the project is equally important as its start (2009). This is
because projects that are terminated after successfully meeting their objectives are considered
successful, whereas those projects that are pre-maturely closed are often considered failed
projects.

Differences between closing a project that has met its objectives and premature
termination:
For projects that are terminated after completing their objectives, there is always post
implementation review. This usually involves evaluating and monitoring the continuation of the
project after it has been finished. Post implementation review usually examines the ability of the
project to continue delivering the intended benefits to the stakeholders. However, projects that
are terminated prematurely do not have post implementation reviews.

When a project is closed after meeting its objectives, the total costs incurred are calculated,
summed up and compared to the budgeted or forecasted costs. This is referred to financial
auditing of the project. In contrast, projects that are terminated prematurely due to changes in
organizational strategies may not require comparison of total costs incurred and projected costs.
This is because the change in objectives is the main reason for termination and not misuse of
project funds.

Badiru (2009) asserts that projects that are terminated prematurely due to financial or economic
constraints may require further funding and intervention in future. Such projects will remain
dependant until they are fully finished. On the other hand, projects that are closed after
successful completion often become independent and may not require further funding from
external sources.

Moreover, projects that are closed successfully may require minimal administrative assistance
from the project management team after its completion (Berkun 2011). The operational team
may continue providing managerial advice and assistance to the client on proper management
of the completed project. However, projects that are closed prematurely do not require
continued administrative assistance or support from former operational team members.

Finally, projects completed successfully often require post implementation audits to analyze the
various aspects of the project lifecycle, for example, the total time taken, efficient execution of
various project activities, efficient management of project resources during its implementation
stages as well as effectiveness in strategic planning of the project (PMI, 2008). On the other
hand, projects that are closed early before their completion may be audited or evaluated to
identify or find out the various reasons that might have led to its failure or termination. The
findings can then be used for re-planning and improving the project. Such evaluations often give
suggestions on appropriate measures to be taken after the premature termination of the project.
I had the experience of working in a project which was terminated prematurely. The reason of
this termination was insufficient funds. In 2009 and during the economical crises, the client
decided to terminate the project and put it on hold. However, we had to go through the closing
procedure and hand over the works to the client.

Conclusion:
In my opinion, regardless of whether a project is closed after achieving its set goals and
objectives or it is terminated prematurely, it is important for the project manager to communicate
to the project stakeholders the reasons or factors behind the project closure. This entails
preparation of the project closure report. For projects that are terminated after meeting their
objectives, the project closure report must have all the necessary documentations such as
operation manuals, project deliverables as well as contractor details and sources of resources
that the project would require in future. On the other hand, project closure reports for projects
that are terminated prematurely must contained detailed explanation of the reasons as to why
the project was terminated, the various challenges encountered during execution of project
activities and recommendations or suggestions for possible measures that may be taken in
future to manage or tackle such challenges and problems. In addition to that, in both cas
scenarios, all contractual obligations must be met, for example, all outstanding debts to
suppliers of materials used must be paid.

Regards,
AAhmad

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