Retrospective vs. Review
What's the Difference?
Retrospective and review are both methods used to reflect on past events or actions, but they differ in their focus and purpose. A retrospective is typically used in a project management context to evaluate the team's performance and identify areas for improvement in future projects. On the other hand, a review is a more general term that can refer to any type of assessment or examination of past events, such as a performance review or a product review. While both retrospective and review involve looking back on past events, a retrospective is more focused on learning and continuous improvement, while a review may have a broader scope and purpose.
Comparison
Attribute | Retrospective | Review |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Reflect on past events and identify areas for improvement | Evaluate the quality of a product or process |
Participants | Team members involved in the project | Stakeholders, quality assurance team, project managers |
Frequency | Usually conducted at the end of a project iteration | Can be conducted at various stages of a project |
Focus | Process improvement and team dynamics | Product quality and project performance |
Further Detail
Definition
Retrospective and review are two terms commonly used in the context of project management and software development. A retrospective is a meeting held at the end of a project or iteration to reflect on what went well, what could be improved, and how to make changes for future projects. It is a time for the team to come together and discuss their experiences openly and honestly. On the other hand, a review is a formal assessment of a project's progress and outcomes. It typically involves stakeholders and focuses on evaluating the project against its objectives and deliverables.
Purpose
The purpose of a retrospective is to foster continuous improvement within a team or organization. By reflecting on past experiences and identifying areas for improvement, teams can learn from their mistakes and build on their successes. The goal is to create a culture of learning and collaboration that leads to better outcomes in future projects. In contrast, the purpose of a review is to evaluate the success of a project against its original goals and objectives. It is a more formal process that aims to assess the project's performance and identify any gaps or areas for improvement.
Participants
In a retrospective, the participants typically include team members who were directly involved in the project or iteration. This can include developers, designers, product owners, and other stakeholders. The focus is on gathering feedback from those who were on the front lines of the project to gain insights into what worked well and what could be improved. On the other hand, a review usually involves a broader range of participants, including project sponsors, executives, and other key stakeholders. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the project's performance from multiple perspectives.
Format
A retrospective is usually conducted in a more informal setting, such as a team meeting or workshop. The format can vary depending on the team's preferences, but common approaches include using a timeline to review key events, conducting a "plus/delta" exercise to identify positives and areas for improvement, or using a fishbone diagram to analyze root causes of issues. The focus is on open and honest communication to facilitate learning and collaboration. In contrast, a review is typically a more structured process that follows a predefined agenda. It may involve presentations, reports, and formal documentation to assess the project's performance against its objectives.
Outcomes
The outcomes of a retrospective are typically action items and recommendations for how to improve processes, communication, and teamwork in future projects. These can include changes to project management practices, adjustments to team dynamics, or new tools and technologies to support collaboration. The goal is to implement these improvements in the next iteration or project to drive better outcomes. On the other hand, the outcomes of a review are usually a formal assessment report that highlights the project's successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. This report may be used to inform future projects, allocate resources, or make strategic decisions.
Frequency
Retrospectives are typically held at the end of each project iteration, which can range from weekly sprints in agile development to longer cycles in traditional project management. The frequency of retrospectives allows teams to continuously learn and adapt based on their experiences. In contrast, reviews are usually conducted at key milestones in a project, such as at the end of a phase or at project completion. The timing of reviews is often predetermined and may be required as part of a formal project management process.
Benefits
Both retrospectives and reviews offer valuable benefits to teams and organizations. Retrospectives help teams to learn from their experiences, improve collaboration, and drive continuous improvement. By reflecting on past projects and making changes for the future, teams can become more efficient and effective in their work. Reviews, on the other hand, provide a formal assessment of a project's performance and outcomes. They help stakeholders to evaluate the success of a project, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions for future projects.
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