You are closing a project phase. Which THREE activities should be performed during the project closure process?

Evaluate team member performance and provide feedback.

Update the risk register with residual risks.

Process — Managing Technical Aspects — PMP Practice Question Answer Explained

Correct answer & explanation

✓

Conduct a lessons learned session with the team.

Project closure includes obtaining formal acceptance, archiving documents, and conducting lessons learned. Updating the risk register is done throughout the project, and team performance appraisals may be done separately.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
Conduct a lessons learned session with the team.
Why this is correct
Conducting a lessons learned session is a critical activity within the "Close Project or Phase" process. This involves systematically identifying, documenting, and analyzing the successes, failures, and challenges encountered throughout the project or phase. The insights gained become valuable Organizational Process Assets (OPAs), informing and improving future projects by preventing recurrence of issues and replicating effective strategies, thereby enhancing organizational learning and project management maturity.
✓
Obtain formal acceptance of the deliverables from the customer.
Why this is correct
Obtaining formal acceptance of deliverables from the customer or sponsor is an essential step in closing a project phase. This formal sign-off confirms that the verified deliverables meet the agreed-upon requirements and are complete, signifying the successful validation of the phase's scope. This acceptance is crucial for transitioning the deliverables, releasing the project team from further obligation for that specific phase, and officially concluding the contractual or internal agreement for the work performed.
✓
Archive project documents and records.
Why this is correct
Archiving project documents and records is a mandatory administrative closure activity that ensures all historical information is systematically organized and stored. This includes project plans, reports, contracts, correspondence, and all other relevant documentation. Proper archiving maintains a comprehensive record for future reference, audits, legal requirements, and as a foundational component of the organization's knowledge base, supporting future project planning and execution.
✗
Evaluate team member performance and provide feedback.
Why it's wrong here
While providing feedback to team members is an ongoing responsibility of the project manager and performance appraisals are vital for professional development, formal evaluation of individual team member performance and providing feedback is typically an organizational human resources (HR) function. It is not a direct, mandatory activity within the "Close Project or Phase" process itself, although project managers contribute input to these HR processes.
✗
Update the risk register with residual risks.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the risk register, including identifying and documenting residual risks (risks remaining after risk responses have been implemented), is an ongoing activity performed throughout the project lifecycle, primarily within the "Monitor Risks" process. It is not a specific, standalone activity performed only at project or phase closure. At closure, the *final* status and outcomes of risks would be documented as part of the lessons learned and final reports, but the active updating of the register concludes with the execution phase.

PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

Related to this question