A project manager just completed a successful deployment and is preparing to transition the project to an operational state before starting closeout actions. What should the project manager do to ensure that the project is ready to move to an operational state?

The transition of a project to an operational state occurs during the Closing Process Group. A critical activity in this phase is to verify that all planned work is complete and all deliverables have been formally accepted. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a key component of the scope baseline, which defines the total scope of the project. Systematically reviewing the WBS with the project team is the most effective method to ensure that every deliverable has been completed as planned, thereby confirming the project's readiness for handover to operations and subsequent closure.

1. Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.).

Section 4.7

Close Project or Phase: This process involves finalizing all activities and formally completing the project or phase. A key activity is to "confirm that the defined project scope is complete." The scope baseline

which includes the WBS

is a primary input to this process

used to verify completion. (p. 123).

Section 5.5

Validate Scope: This process is about formalizing the acceptance of completed project deliverables. The WBS

as part of the scope baseline

is used to confirm that the work is finished and meets stakeholder requirements before final acceptance. (p. 163).

2. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (7th ed.).

Section 2.4

Delivery Performance Domain: This domain addresses the activities and functions associated with delivering the scope and quality that the project was undertaken to achieve. Verifying that "the project deliverables have been completed and that the project has achieved its intended business value" is a key check before closure. (p. 69).

Section 4.3

Artifacts: The Work Breakdown Structure is described as a "hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables." It serves as the definitive record of what must be delivered. (p. 188).

3. Kerzner

H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning

Scheduling

and Controlling (12th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Chapter 19

Project Termination: This chapter details the closure process

emphasizing the need for a final report that confirms "all deliverables have been made to the satisfaction of the client." The verification process relies on checking against the initial project plan and scope

for which the WBS is the foundational document. (pp. 618-620).