At some time during your management experience, you’ve probably had that web site project that just won’t end.  The project scope changed about a dozen times throughout the project and although completed and launched, just can’t quite get to the final project sign off.  What do you do?

Good customer service practice says you keep at it until the customer is satisfied. But are you and the customer really putting the necessary effort into the project at this stage?

As a project manager from either side of the spectrum (vendor or client), you always want the project completed to everyone’s satisfaction. This was the goal from the start and something that everyone has tried to accomplish.  But there are instances where due to project scope changes, personnel changes and/or other factors, it is best to realize the stage where you are and admit, that perhaps it’s time to stop and regroup.

Is it time to get someone else involved in the project to shed some light on the next steps?  Is it time to have a meeting to review where the project is and why it is at the current stage then put a plan into place to complete the outstanding items? Is it time to perhaps stop all together and admit that based upon current requirements and/or changes in direction, perhaps it’s best to sign off on what’s completed and go separate ways?

It’s always difficult to come to these decisions, but in the long run it may be the best course of action for a project that just doesn’t seem to have a light at the end of the tunnel.  Trying to continue without clear definition isn’t doing anyone any good, not the vendor or client. Sometimes embracing the situation and going to the next stage is the best course of action.

Both sides, client and vendor, would appreciate the honesty and the fact that a strategy/plan has been put into place, whether ending or continuing.  There is a light, you just need to realize it and take the next step.