Level 2 - Project Audit

Question 1

1. What is a project audit

Answer 1

A formal review of any aspect of a project

An audit is a systemic, independant, documented assessment using standards and set criteria

Question 2

2. What is the goal of a project audit?

Answer 2

To analyse a project audit in order to improve performance and processes for future projects.

Question 3

3. What is a lessons learnt session?

Answer 3

A lessons learn session is a review of a project or stage, in order to identify:

o What went well and should be repeated
o What worked but could be improved upon and
o What did not work and should be avoided

• For each issue the cause and effect should be identified and understood to enable recommended actions for future projects to be developed.

Question 4

4. When should a lessons learnt session take place?

Answer 4

• Reviews should take place at the end of each RIBA stage to ensure that a high standard of service is being provided to the client

Question 5

5. How would you run a lessons learnt session?

Answer 5

• I would issue an agenda to the relevant parties stating that the session will consist of:

o brainstorming session to identify and categorise issues
o then define the cause and effect of each issue
o develop recommended actions for repeating successes, improving processes and avoiding failures.

• In my agenda email I would set the tone of the session statin the intended atmosphere of the meeting is positive and for this to work we must trust that everyone did the best job they could, given what they knew at the time, their skills and abilities, the resources available, and the situation at hand.

Question 6

6. How would you run a lessons learnt session?

Answer 6

I would formulate the outcome of the session into a report which would include:

• Brief description of the project
• Client’s objectives
• Aims of audit
• Date and attendees of session
• Issues, causes and effects identified
• Recommendations for future projects.

Question 7

7. What challenges may you face when conducting a project audit?

Answer 7

• Lack of participation due to blame, appointment fees not including meeting allowance, consultants being busy with other jobs, low down the list of priorities – Make sure to include in scope of service.

Question 8

8. What are common issues in lessons learnt projects?

Answer 8

• Delay in decision making by client
• Amount of changes to design
• Services specifications not tailored to project
• ## Handover and commissioning