While projects by definition are finite, their impact should continue after they have been completed. If not, one may question what the point of the project was in the first place. Many projects roll themselves into operations. The company should now be using the information or system that resulted from the project. A transitional period will often take team members directly from the project into their roles in the daily operations of the company.

Now that the project is deemed complete, it's important to determine:

• Who will maintain it once it becomes operational?

• When will upgrades be made?

• Who will handle troubleshooting?

Setting up the system was the project; using the system is the operational process that follows. Often, people from the core project team are the perfect fit for these positions. In fact, some may have been borrowed from similar positions to work on the project. If you used the services of an expert or outside consultant during the project, you may need to continue using that person on an ongoing basis after the project ends, at least until someone else has been trained to take over.

Regular corporate operations may also change because of the project. You have to look at how the project affects the manner in which business is run, including corporate communications, cultural implications, and so on. A successful project should have an impact, and when the project is drawing to a close, that potential impact needs to be addressed. For example, what will the flow of company information be now that lower-level managers have access to the same information as the top executives? The technical staff can often train upper management and senior VPs on processes and procedures for the system. As the knowledge base shifts, what new procedures will have to be addressed?

It's worth noting that almost every project has a carryover effect. Rarely does a project end without any discernable trace. Even a small-scale school fundraising project will result in that money being spent on something — and that purchase will hopefully be educational or helpful for the children who attend the school.

The effects of a single project can also be widespread. Projects in small businesses or large corporations frequently result in new and efficient methods of assimilating and storing data or enhancing production, communication, or marketing efforts. Projects from a wide range of places, including laboratories, may result in the discoveries of new medications or create new and useful products.

From personal growth to expanding global technologies, projects differ in numerous respects and can impact one person or millions. Whether it is keeping the weight off after your two-week project to lose ten pounds or maintaining communication with the space station after your project was to supervise its building and launch, the steps necessary for making the transition from project into actual operations are vital. It is this transition that can ultimately make all of your hard work worthwhile. After all, if the project was to build the space station, it's worth your effort to make sure it is operational and that the team is trained how to use it efficiently.