The Process of Project Evaluations

PROJECT evaluations can be categorised into three, which include pre-project evaluations, mid-project evaluations and post-project evaluations.
Pre-project Evaluations
Pre-project evaluation is also called project screening, project appraisal, or feasibility studies. The important issues to examine in project appraisals include the scope definition, the financial appraisal and the technical appraisal.

Scope Definition – This defines the overall scope of the project to deliver the project intended outputs. It will include in the minimum, a listing of all the activities that will be carried out to achieve the project goals and benefits. It is important that the scope is not ambiguous. For instance, in the construction of a two buildings, It is ambiguous if the numbers of storeys, the number of rooms, specification for each room are not included in the scope. There will be challenges in the implementation because the scope is not properly and clearly defined.

Financial Appraisal – This will examine the financial implication of the project. What will it cost to implement all the project activities and what will be the return on investment. This will allow a decision to be made on whether to embark on the project or not.

Technical Appraisal – This will examine the technical capability of the organization to undertake the project at the implementation and operational phases and will examine the technological requirements necessary at each of the phases. Any training requirements to sustain the project are identified and included in the project scope.

Mid – Term Project Evaluation
This is a continuous exercise carried out during the project execution phase. These evaluations should address specific issues related to how far the plans are being deviated, if the objectives are being achieved and how fast. If the objectives are not being achieved, a corrective action is identified and implemented to put the project on track. Mid – term evaluations are similar to project monitoring and are used for the purpose of project control. The critical issues that need to be examined include the following;

Technical Evaluations – This will examine if the deliverables are achieving the set specifications.
Performance Evaluations – This will assess how the project is performing in terms of schedule, scope, and cost. How far is the project scope being varied? Is the project budget still relevant to achieve the project benefits? Based on the result of the mid – term assessment, the project management team will make judgement on what need to be done to build on strength and avoid problems. This may include redefining the project scope, alteration of the project outputs, streamlining the project to in consideration of the available resources, etc.

Post – Project Evaluations
Post – project evaluations are conducted at the completion of the project. The purpose is to document the lessons learnt on the project by reconstructing the project conditions as implemented in order to obtain valuable information to avoid or replicate similar conditions in future projects. The lessons learnt should be incorporated in the project information database for future project planning. Engr. Obumeyan is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and is presently engaged as Consultant on the Abuja Light Rail Project.