How do project managers typically evaluate the results of a project?

Project managers evaluate the results of a project primarily by comparing project standards with actual performance. This approach involves establishing specific benchmarks and criteria during the planning phase of the project, which serve as a reference for measuring success. By analyzing the degree to which the project's outcomes align with these predetermined standards, project managers can assess variances and identify areas of success or those requiring improvement. This method provides a quantitative measurement of the project's effectiveness in achieving its goals, enabling more informed decision-making for future projects and identifying lessons learned.

While assessing team satisfaction, reviewing the project timeline, and analyzing customer feedback may provide valuable insights, they are often supplementary to the fundamental evaluation process of comparing actual performance against set standards, which is crucial for comprehensive project assessment.