Section 1.1 Planning a Lessons Learned Program Ten Basics Steps

Lessons Learned Handbook:

DOE-HDBK-7502-95

Section 1.1

Planning a Lessons Learned Program

Ten Basics Steps

This section provides ten steps that can be helpful in getting started with development

of a lessons learned program. The order in which they are presented provides a

logical sequence. However, it is not critical that the steps always be conducted in this

order or that they be conducted consecutively (most steps can be conducted in

parallel).

Incorporate Lessons Learned into Corporate Policies and Strategies

Ensure that the lessons learned program is endorsed by senior management and

written into corporate policies. This may require nothing more than a one sentence

endorsement in organizational policy documentation simply to communicate

commitment to the program.

Write a Program Description

A Program Description provides a clear understanding of what the Lessons Learned

program is designed to accomplish and how the program's objectives will be achieved.

The Program Description should include a statement of the program's purpose and

objectives and describe how the objectives will be achieved. This explanation may

include a discussion of the intended approach for achieving the objectives of the

program and a description of the specific activities that will be conducted. (See

Volume II, Appendix I for an example of a Program Description.) It may also discuss

how the lessons learned program objectives will support corporate policies and

strategies. The Program Description does not provide specific details. Rather, it

provides an overview of how the program will function. It may also be helpful to

develop a graphical display of the program. One option is to develop a flow chart

that identifies program inputs, activities and outputs (See Volume II, Appendix II for an

example).

Write a Management Plan

The Management Plan provides a strategy for implementing the lessons learned

program. It may need to be updated yearly based on self-assessment activities and

other program input. The Management Plan describes the tasks that will be

completed, the responsible party, and the timing of these tasks. The Management

Plan may include a table of principal project milestones that includes the milestone

title, date and participants; relationship of the program to other projects or initiatives;

and an explanation of how the project team responsible for program development will

interact with other DOE or external organizations. The Management Plan may also

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