PM World Book Review - Project Management Lessons Learned: A Continuous Process Improvement Framework

Sep 12, 2026

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PM World Book Review summarizes Project Management Lessons Learned: A Continuous Process Improvement Framework by Mel Bost, reviewed by William H. Doernbach (PMP) in September 2022. The review explains the Lessons Learned concept using the PMBOK definition and frames it as an end-to-end, ongoing process that supports project success. It outlines the book’s structure across PMO, documentation timing, leverage, reflection, and multiple frameworks, then emphasizes organizational benefits, leadership impact, risk and knowledge management, and systems thinking applications through practical templates and appendices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Overview of Book’s Structure

Chapters 1-24 and Appendices

Highlights

PM WORLD BOOK REVIEW Book Title: Project Management Lessons Learned: A Continuous Process Improvement Framework Author: Mel Bost Publisher: Taylor & Francis / Auerbach Publications List Price: $84.95 Format: Hardcover, 236 pages Publication Date: June 2018 ISBN: 1498747779 Reviewer: William H. Doernbach, PMP Review Date: September 2022 Introduction As the author says in his introduction, this is a book about process, project, and lessons learned. He describes in the introduction how project managers can use this book successfully. This is a deep dive into the Lessons Learned process and provides a template for a continuous improvement framework. PMI’s sixth edition of the PMBOK defines Lessons Learned as “The knowledge gained during a project which shows how project events were addressed or should be addressed in the future for the purpose of improving future performance”. Read this book and you will fully comprehend the magnitude of that one sentence. Overview of Book’s Structure The book is 207 pages and made up of the following contents, which will give you a good idea of the material covered: List of Figures List of Tables Preface Acknowledgements Author Chapter 1: Introduction to Processes and Projects as Key Facilitators of Modern Life Chapter 2: Understanding and Empowering the Program Management Office (PMO) and Its Influence on Project Lessons Learned Chapter 3: What Do I Do If My PMO Can’t Execute? Chapter 4: Avoiding Disruption of the PMO by Accidental Adversaries Chapter 5: Identifying and Applying Lessons Learned Chapter 6: What is “Leverage” and How Can Project Managers Use It to Their Advantage Chapter 7: The Importance of Reflection and Changing Attitudes in Lessons Learned Chapter 8: The Best Time to Document Project Lessons Learned Chapter 9: The Actual Cost to Your PMO for Not Capturing and Sharing Project Lessons Learned Chapter 10: Applying Project Lessons Learned as a Best Practice for Your Organization Chapter 11 : Understanding and Using the New Project Framework Chapter 12: Recognizing and Using Different Perspectives Chapter 13: Dilemmas and Choices Faced by Project Managers Chapter 14: Identifying Valuable Candidates for Project Lessons Learned Chapter 15: Using the Project Framework to the Benefit of Enterprise Risk Management Chapter 16: The Tremendous Impact of Role Models on Project Management Leadership Chapter 17: Facilitating a Closer Connection: Lessons Learned, Risk Management, and Knowledge Management Chapter 18: Using the Project Framework to Facilitate Technology Development in Projects Chapter 19: Using Facilitation and Reframing toward Project Process Improvement Chapter 20: Avoiding Traps Where Structure Influences Behavior Chapter 21: Lessons Learned from the Application of Organizational Dynamics to the Business Continuation and Emergency Response Environment Chapter 22: The Sustainability Imperative Chapter 23: Conclusions Chapter 24: Summary Appendix 1: Project Lessons Learned Template Appendix 2: A Layman’s Guide to Reinforcing and Balancing Loop Behavior and the Resulting Systems Archetypes Appendix 3: Systems Thinking and Organizational Dynamics Example-Teen Drivers Appendix 4: Project Lessons Learned from the Panama Canal Experiences Appendix 5: Capability Maturity Model Background and Levels of Maturity Appendix 6: Research as a Major Process Appendix 7: Scenarios Where Lessons Learned Can Positively Impact Performance and Outcomes Epilogue Glossary References Author Index Subject Index Highlights One highlight for me was the author Mel Bost’s quote from Confucius. Who would imagine a quote from Confucius in a project management book. By three methods, we may learn wisdom: - First, by reflection, which is noblest; - Second , by imitation, which is the easiest; and - Third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius I am quite sure most project managers can relate to the third

FAQs

What does the review say Lessons Learned should be used for in project management?

Lessons Learned is presented as a way to improve project success by enhancing processes and quality, reducing mistakes, and capturing both setbacks and wins for future performance.

According to the review, how should Lessons Learned be practiced over a project lifecycle?

It should be an ongoing process across phases, not only a checklist activity at the end during closing.

What topics does the book cover in relation to the Program Management Office (PMO)?

The structure highlights PMO influence on Lessons Learned, guidance for situations when the PMO can’t execute, and avoiding disruption from internal adversaries.

Sep 12, 2026

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