In project scheduling, what is a retrospective analysis?

Retrospective analysis in project scheduling refers to the examination of project events after they have occurred, with the specific goal of understanding the causes of delays and other issues that may have arisen during the project lifecycle. This type of analysis is critical for capturing lessons learned, identifying process improvements, and applying those insights to enhance future project planning and execution. By analyzing what actually happened compared to the planned schedule, project teams can gain valuable insights into performance metrics and the factors that contributed to any deviations from the original plan. This analysis informs decision-making for subsequent projects and helps in refining methodologies, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.

The focus on events that have already occurred distinguishes retrospective analysis from other types of project analysis, which may look at planning or live projects from a forward-thinking perspective.