After Action Reviews
An After Action Review is a point in time analysis of actions taken where there is opportunity for learning.
The objective of an After Action review is to ensure time is taken to learn from previous actions, especially where mistakes have been made, and to produce an After Action Report for the benefit of team reference, and stakeholder communication.
Performing After Action Reviews¶
This procedure can occur during any AMPFlow zone where there is perceived value in learning, but is required after any major milestones such as releases.
Note
After Action Reviews are synonymous with "Wash Ups", "Mop Ups", "Post Mortems". After Action Review avoids terminology that assumes failure or damage.
After Action Reports¶
After Action Reports (report) are artefacts produced by the delivery team, and consist of an analysis of any action(s) where opportunity for learning is identified. It will typically include a summary of the After Action Report event, a list of outcomes, identified improvements, and actions.
Responsibilities¶
| Owner | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Delivery Owner | The Delivery Owner is accountable for ensuring that reviews occur at appropriate times and that reports are produced and effectively communicated |
| Delivery Team | The whole Delivery team is collectively responsible for performing reviews and involving appropriate stakeholders, and for producing reports |
Note
Actions determined during the review process must be assigned owners, who are responsible for performing or coordinating that action.
Triggers¶
The team responsible for a problem will need to determine and document when After Action Reviews should occur. This will typically be after an action(s) where an opportunity for learning is identified and should be pro-actively planned where possible
Communication Plan¶
The team responsible for a problem will need to determine and document an After Action Reviews and After Action Reports communication plan, typically consisting of an approach to communicating with, and defining clear expectations for engagement with colleagues and stakeholders.