Answer:
Yes, If not more important than the internal post-project meetings.
Explanation:
The end of the execution phase of a project is not actually the completion of a project because there must be verification by both the executioner company and the customer or sponsor who awarded the project.
The verification of whether the execution of the project was done according to pre-execution standards set in the project planning phase in terms of 'project scope' 'project time' and 'project cost' will have to be done by the company as a way of self-assessment but ultimately by the sponsor. It is arguable that the sponsor is the stronger voice in the project execution assessment stage because 'he who pays the piper dictates the tune'.
The reasons why such post-project evaluation meeting with the customer is important is that:
1. Project Scope: The customer has to certify that the benefits to be delivered by the project are actually been delivered, which is the reason why the project was awarded in the first instance.
2. Project Time: The customer will have to agree that the project has been carried out within the agreed time-frame, and there will be no penalties for delay in execution of the project. Penalties for time-delay in project execution could carry significant consequences as the customer could trigger the liquidated damages clause in the contract.
Project Cost: Another point of consideration is whether or not the project has been done within budget.
All of these considerations have to be made between both parties before a successful project handover.
