Skip to main content

Project Success Framework (PSF)

The Project Success Framework (PSF) is a tool to help individuals and organizations plan projects to increase the likelihood of successful implementation.

Introduction

History of the PSF

In our project experiences, we've seen varying success levels. As a team, we delved into literature on change management, implementation science, and project management. Our goal: identify key factors for successful implementation. Using these insights, we've collaborated with clients to guide discussions about current status. We also devise strategies for successful project implementation. The outcome?

How to Use the PSF

Before we learn how to use the PSF, there are a few things to remember.

  • The PSF is designed to guide implementation and support plans, not as decision-making tools for starting a project.
  • The PSF can uncover opportunities for proactive discussions, support, and planning beyond the originally planned stages.
  • Exploration of the PSF is valuable throughout the entire project, helping adapt to changes or the need for additional support and adjustments to achieve the goal.

 

There are three ways to use the PSF:

Understand

Click on any element to discover its vital role, assess your status, document it, and leverage the insights to shape your project plan. Explore now!

Reflect

Supercharge your project's success with our rating scale reflection! Are you where you want to be? If not, let's plot a course across the continuum. Grab our self-assessment worksheets for each element or download all 9! Are you feeling a bit lost? Don't worry - we have packed our resource library with tools to guide you.

Act

Pinpoint opportunities for improvement and add them to your project plan. Regularly review to monitor project's likelihood for success. Check if your element ratings have improved and witness your project soar. Ready for success? Let's roll!

Kristin Nafziger

"The PSF is informed by research and designed to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. We use this tool to help clients assess readiness for project implementation and co-design projects that strategically improve outcomes for educators, students and families."

Kristin Nafziger, Region 14 Comprehensive Center Director

Explore the Project Success Framework

Click on each card below to dive deep into one of the nine PSF elements. Get a detailed explanation, guidance on assessing your project's status, and actionable steps for successful implementation. Download individual self-assessment worksheets or scroll down for a complete overview of all nine PSF elements in one download.

  • Buy-in from Collaborators

    Explicit and active engagement from all collaborators ensures the project has maximum support and access to necessary resources.
    Buy-in from Collaborators
  • Continuous Improvement

    A clearly defined plan to capture, analyze, and act on quality data related to implementation and outcome attainment promotes continuous improvement.
    Continuous Improvement icon
  • Driving Forces

    Driving forces are identified and maximized to address the need and support project implementation.
    Driving Forces
  • Resource Commitment

    Adequate resources (e.g., human, organizational, resource, policy) are identified and will be committed to implementing solutions to improve outcomes.
    Resource Commitment
  • Root Cause Identification

    The root cause(s) of the high-leverage problem is determined, and the project plan includes specific actions to address the root causes(s).
    Root Cause Identification

Ready to dive in?

Tap into the full potential of the PSF self-assessment to evaluate your project's standing in each element. Gain valuable insights on the necessary steps to propel your project even closer to achieving successful outcomes.

Download the full self-assessment worksheet