IT IS RIGHT TO CLOSE PROJECTS, IT IS NOT RIGHT TO ABANDON THEM

Understandably lots of projects are being put on hold whilst the immediate focus is on coronavirus.

However, it is important that you follow the right process when mothballing a project. Note mothballing means stop using (a piece of equipment or a building) but keep it in good condition so that it can readily be used again.

Simply abandoning projects and disbursing the team(s) is likely to create long-term problems. This is especially the case if the team(s) are not your own people but consultants, contractors, suppliers who may have different priorities in 3,6,9 months time or (in the worst case) may not be around at all.

Make sure you have a clear understanding with the people about their role and responsibilities in each of the [1] Stop, [2]Freeze, [3]Unfreeze phases. Make sure that there is adequate documentation and provision for support for each stage and necessary commercial agreements to underpin the agreed plan.

Should you return to the project in 3,6,9 months time it should be easy to unwrap, understand and resume operation and not resemble something wretched and confused that you may abandon in favour of a fresh start (and the loss of the time, money, effort knowledge and asset value)

TimHJRogers
AdaptConsultingCompany.com