When Is a Project Closed?
Just as views differ about the project life cycle in IBM, different opinions exist about when a project comes to closure. For example, in the Brands business area, a project is considered finished when the product is withdrawn from the market. In the Services business area, a project is considered finished when all contractual commitments have been met, the sponsor has accepted the delivered system, and the agreements with the sponsor and the suppliers have been closed.
Sometimes, closing the project can be quick and straightforward. Other times, it can be a long, extended process. In many Services projects, the sponsor is reluctant to let IBM close the project because the sponsor has concerns about running the system. Sponsors typically want to retain the IBM delivery team and the suppliers for as long as possible.