Which type of indicator reflects actual success after project completion?

Lagging indicators are metrics that reflect the outcomes or impacts of a project after it has been completed. They provide insights into what has been achieved, demonstrating whether the project met its objectives and how it has performed relative to established goals. Examples of lagging indicators include metrics like the actual return on investment (ROI), project completion time, and the quality of deliverables.

In contrast, leading indicators provide predictive insights and focus on aspects that can influence future performance yet do not reflect completed results. SMART objectives and objectives and key results are frameworks for setting and measuring project goals but do not inherently convey success after project completion. Therefore, lagging indicators are critical for assessing overall project success based on results achieved after all activities have taken place.