Five steps for conducting an effective deliverable walkthrough

Overview:

A deliverable walkthrough can help ensure that a project is completed according to accepted standards, guidelines, and practices. Here are the steps for planning and conducting a successful walkthrough.

Deliverables that require human knowledge and creativity--such as a business requirements report, program code, marketing campaigns, and research papers--can benefit from the review process known as a walkthrough. By getting outside opinions on the overall quality of the deliverable before it is completed, you can ensure that the deliverable is created using organization standards, guidelines, and accepted practices. Project management expert Tom Mochal has listed the steps for collecting input that will help you produce an acceptable deliverable the first time around. He also offers several pointers for keeping the process on track:

• When feedback is given, validate whether the comment reflects an error that should be addressed or is a suggestion that might be followed.
• Make sure that the review comments don't become personal. The review is of the product, not the person who developed the product.
• Try to complete the review in one hour or less to maintain focus.

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