7 2 Perform Quality Assurance
7.2 Perform Quality Assurance Explained
Perform Quality Assurance is a critical process in project management that involves auditing the quality requirements and the results of quality control measurements to ensure that appropriate quality standards and operational definitions are used. This process ensures that the project outputs are consistent with the defined quality standards and that any deviations are addressed proactively. Here, we will delve into three key concepts of Perform Quality Assurance: Quality Management Plan, Quality Metrics, and Continuous Improvement.
1. Quality Management Plan
The Quality Management Plan is a subsidiary plan of the project management plan. It outlines how the project will implement the quality policy and achieve the quality objectives. This plan includes procedures for quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement. It also defines the roles and responsibilities for quality management activities.
Example: For a software development project, the quality management plan might include guidelines for code reviews, testing procedures, and documentation standards. This plan ensures that all team members understand the quality expectations and follow the defined processes to achieve them.
2. Quality Metrics
Quality Metrics are specific measurements used to assess the quality of project deliverables. These metrics provide quantitative data that helps in evaluating the performance of quality assurance activities. Common quality metrics include defect rates, test coverage, and customer satisfaction scores.
Example: In a manufacturing project, quality metrics might include the percentage of products that pass inspection without defects, the number of customer complaints, and the average time to resolve quality issues. These metrics help in monitoring the quality performance and identifying areas for improvement.
3. Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of products, services, and processes. This concept involves regularly reviewing the quality performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing changes to achieve better results. Continuous improvement is a key aspect of quality assurance, ensuring that the project consistently meets and exceeds quality standards.
Example: For a marketing campaign, continuous improvement might involve regularly analyzing campaign performance data, such as click-through rates and conversion rates. Based on this analysis, the team might adjust the campaign strategy, content, or targeting to improve results. This iterative process ensures that the campaign continuously evolves to achieve better outcomes.