Understanding the Concept of Project Termination in the Management of Projects

Crispin George

Abstract: Project termination is such a complex and difficult process faced by project managers and team especially when the project is failing. In essence, they must be prepared enough to handle such as when the need arises. Even though, the decision to terminate a project must come from senior management, the project manager and team has a responsibility to reduce the impact of that decision on project staff. This impact can be mitigated by clearly explaining to project personnel for them to understand the rationale for terminating the project. Once, staff are fully aware of such decision; they will be able to put themselves together for future challenges rather than surprising them. This paper looks into the most common types of project termination, reasons for the decision to terminate projects, strategies employed to choose the most appropriate termination method and the impacts of project termination on project personnel. However, the decision to terminate a project should be preceded by accurate and reliable information that will enhance project stakeholders in making the correct decision in the interest of the organization.

Keywords: Termination Manager, Parent Organization, Extinction, Integration, Addition, Starvation