Final answer:
Project close-out is established during the Program Evaluation Phase, where success is assessed, documentation is finalized, and lessons learned are developed, ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Project close-out is determined during the Program Evaluation Phase of a project. This phase is crucial as it includes the assessment of the project's success, documentation, and the finalization of any necessary deliverables. It is also the stage where the development of lessons learned is compiled to inform future projects. During this phase, it is particularly important to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders, as their feedback and acceptance are critical to a successful close-out. The Program Evaluation Phase follows other key phases such as the Preparatory Phase, Implementation, and Learning Phase, and often involves repetitive or cyclical tasks to refine the project outcomes. Communicating results effectively and obtaining stakeholder buy-in are recurring themes that underscore the importance of collaboration and change management throughout the lifecycle of a project.