International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of conducting a post-project evaluation?

1. To determine if the project met its objectives

2. To test the product-of-the-project

3. To obtain acceptance of the result from the sponsor

4. To measure the performance of the project management team

The correct answer is: To determine if the project met its objectives

The primary goal of conducting a post-project evaluation is to assess whether the project met its established objectives. This evaluation is crucial because it allows stakeholders to analyze the effectiveness of the project implementation, identify successes, and pinpoint areas for improvement. By reviewing the objectives set at the outset—such as deliverables, timelines, and budget compliance—the evaluation offers insights into how well the project aligned with these targets and whether any necessary adjustments were made during execution. This reflective process not only helps in understanding the current project's success but also serves as a valuable learning tool for future projects. It informs project managers and teams about best practices, potential pitfalls, and the overall impact of their methodologies, allowing for improved planning and execution in subsequent initiatives. While testing the product and obtaining acceptance from sponsors are important activities in their own right, they are more about validation and stakeholder confirmations rather than a holistic evaluation of how the project has performed against its initial goals. Similarly, measuring the performance of the project management team, while relevant, is a narrower focus that doesn't encapsulate the full breadth of what a post-project evaluation aims to achieve in relation to project objectives.