Release Decision
A "Release Decision" is a pivotal point in a project where it's determined whether the developed solution will be released, partially released, delayed, or disapproved. The decision is typically formalized through a sign-off process, the nature of which varies depending on multiple factors like project type, product type, project life cycle, scale of release, and corporate as well as regulatory constraints.
Accountability for Sign-Off
The RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix, developed during Business Analysis Planning, indicates who holds the accountability for the solution's sign-off. This ensures that the right stakeholders are involved in making the release decision.
Factors Influencing Sign-Off Formality
Formal sign-offs are more common in scenarios where:
- Broad Impact: Projects have a line of business-wide or enterprise-wide influence.
- High-Risk Consequences: Errors or failure could result in severe repercussions like death or financial insolvency.
- Predictive Life Cycles: Organizations following a strict predictive project life cycle.
- Regulated Industries: In sectors like banking, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals where regulatory compliance is crucial.
Sign-Off Practices
Organizations should reach a consensus on the format of a sign-off document, the record-keeping practices, storage methods, and the modality of obtaining the sign-off. This could range from handwritten "wet signatures" to electronic signatures or even email confirmations.
Collaboration Point
The Project Manager and the Business Analyst collaborate, often with auditing and other project stakeholders, to decide the appropriate sign-off practices for the organization and the specific project. This collaborative effort ensures alignment with both organizational standards and project needs.
Life Cycle Consideration
In a predictive project life cycle, sign-off typically takes place at the end, either just before the release or immediately after. In contrast, for iterative or adaptive life cycles like Agile, informal sign-offs might happen at the end of each sprint or iteration, culminating in a formal sign-off before the solution is released.
The Release Decision is not just an authorization but a carefully deliberated conclusion involving various stakeholders. It's fortified by a sign-off process that aligns with the project's complexity, risk level, and organizational policies.