Project closure is critical and last phase in the project management lifecycle. During project closure, the team reviews the deliverables, then compares and tests its quality to the intended project outcome. Then they share the deliverables with the project’s client. Project closure defines a project’s success.

If a project is not closed properly, the project management team and the project team's efforts, time, and credibility may be negatively perceived for matters that are not their fault or responsibility.

Project closure process ensures that:

• All work has been completed according to the project plan and scope.
• All project management processes have been executed.
• You have received final sign-off and approval from all parties.

The project closure process also ensures the project is formally completed and is no longer considered a project, allowing you to hand the reins over to the correct team in charge of managing and maintaining the project’s outputs.

By officially closing a project, you minimize risks, increase client satisfaction.

Different steps to closing a project:

• Formally transfer all deliverables: The first step to closing out the project is to finalize and transfer the project deliverables to the client.

• Confirm project completion: To confirm the project’s completion, you will need to obtain approvals for the project deliverables with official sign-offs from the project stakeholders.

• Review all contracts and documentation: All the project documentation should be reviewed to ensure all parties have been paid for the work and there are no outstanding invoices.

• Release resources: Project manager should release resources from the project, including suppliers, contractors, team members, and any other partners.

• Conduct a project review: Project review is one of the most valuable steps of the project closure process. In project review project’s performance is calculated in terms of cost, schedule, and quality.