What should be done when a project exceeds its completion date?

When a project exceeds its completion date, closing the project can often be a reasonable course of action, especially if the delay impacts its overall viability or if the objectives can no longer be met effectively. Closing the project allows the team to formally acknowledge the situation, assess the contributing factors to the delay, and document lessons learned for future projects. It also provides an opportunity to shift resources to other projects that are on track or to revisit the project's scope and objectives if necessary.

Closing a project that has exceeded its timeline does not preclude the possibility of a review or audit, but it signifies a decision that the current path is no longer feasible. On the other hand, simply requesting an extension or conducting a detailed audit may lead to further delays without a concrete resolution, while considering a project review might be more about evaluating progress rather than addressing the immediate issue of an overdue completion.