Project After Action Review (AAR)
Plan, conduct and assess the lessons learned from past successes and setbacks around a particular project with the goal of improving future performance
Type
Functional
Competency Area
Project Management
Levels
Understands the concept of AAR
Defines the scope of AARs ”“ definition, typologies and role in the spectrum of post-event learning
Lists four “learning culture” questions on purpose, results, causes and implications of the project
Summarises the three benefits (immediate, mid-term, long-term) from the AAR
Demonstrates knowledge of the structure/template of an AAR report
Determines the components for conducting an AAR
Distinguishes between AAR and other similar concepts such as post-mortem review, before-action, HOT WASHES, etc.
Determines the “learning culture” questions using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Study-Act ) cycle
Designs the outline of the AAR process (define objectives, selection of facilitator, type of AAR, participation tools, etc.)
Classifies information basis the elements which constitute the AAR report
Prepares the AAR report
Evaluates the time and resources needed to conduct the review (eg: informal debriefing, workshops, facilitator-led, etc.)
Coordinates internal meetings to determine the various elements of the PDCA cycle in AAR
Conducts AAR across the selected participants catering to four specific questions (What was intended?; What actually happened?; What went well, and why?; What can be improved, and how? )
Prepare the AAR report (project details, objectives, achievements, processes, lessons learnt, recommendations, etc.)
Promotes communication on AAR outcomes
Employs the review detailing the learning objectives, benchmark performance, actual performance, expected performance, desired outcomes, gaps in performance, etc.
Evaluates responses from the team members on the strengths, weaknesses and scope of improvement in project execution
Presents the summary of AAR, concluding remarks, reinforce plans and introduce the way ahead
Assesses the final AAR report based on the discussions undertaken during the AAR process
Leads in follow-up actions to the AAR
Cultivates a continuous learning culture within the organisation”“ and the desire to find and use best practices and innovative approaches.
Administers senior-level discussions on the outcomes and the next plan of action from the AAR
Publicises actionable recommendations indicating the issue to be addressed, the recommendation list and the implementation process
Institutes a follow-up mechanism(s) for the final report to prioritize and track implementation of recommendations