10.27.1 Purpose
The purpose of the lessons learned process is to compile and document successes, opportunities for improvement, failures, and recommendations for improving the performance of future projects or project phases.
10.27.2 Description
A lessons learned session (also known as a retrospective) helps identify either changes to business analysis processes and deliverables or successes that can be incorporated into future work. These techniques can also be beneficial at the close of any milestone within the effort.
Lessons learned sessions can include any format or venue that is acceptable to the key stakeholders and can be either formal facilitated meetings with set agendas and meeting roles or informal working sessions. If there are noteworthy successes, a celebration may be included in a lessons learned session.
10.27.3 Elements
Sessions can include a review of:
- business analysis activities or deliverables,
- the final solution, service, or product,
- automation or technology that was introduced or eliminated,
- impact to organizational processes,
- performance expectations and results,
- positive or negative variances,
- root causes impacting performance results, and
- recommendations for behavioral approaches.
10.27.4 Usage Considerations
.1 Strengths
- Useful in identifying opportunities or areas of improvement.
- Assists in building team morale after a difficult period.
- Reinforces positive experiences and successes.
- Reduces risks for future actions.
- Provides tangible value or metrics as a result of the effort.
- Recognizes strengths or shortcomings with the project structure, methodology, or tools that were used.
.2 Limitations
- Honest discussion may not occur if participants try to assign blame during these sessions.
- Participants may be reluctant to document and discuss problems.
- Proactive facilitation may be required to ensure that the discussions remain focused on solutions and improvement opportunities.
