Perform Quality Assurance is a key process within the Quality Management Knowledge Area and belongs to the Executing Process Group. It focuses on ensuring that quality processes are effective and adhered to, helping to improve overall project quality. By auditing processes, analyzing improvements, and making recommendations, this process supports continuous quality improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of the Perform Quality Assurance process, along with practical examples to help project managers and teams implement it effectively.
Inputs to Perform Quality Assurance
- Quality Management Plan:
- Definition: A component of the project management plan that outlines how quality will be managed throughout the project.
- Purpose: Provides a framework for ensuring quality processes are followed.
- Example: The plan specifies that deliverables must undergo peer reviews before final submission.
- Process Improvement Plan:
- Definition: A document describing steps to improve project processes.
- Purpose: Identifies areas for process optimization and ensures alignment with quality goals.
- Example: A plan to streamline the approval process to reduce delays in a construction project.
- Quality Metrics:
- Definition: Standards used to measure quality.
- Purpose: Provides benchmarks for assessing whether quality processes are effective.
- Example: A metric that defines acceptable defect rates for manufactured components.
- Quality Control Measurements:
- Definition: Data collected from the quality control process.
- Purpose: Evaluates whether quality processes are achieving desired outcomes.
- Example: A report showing defect counts during production.
- Project Documents:
- Definition: Includes various documents such as issue logs, risk registers, and performance reports.
- Purpose: Provides context and additional data for assessing quality processes.
- Example: A risk register highlights potential risks impacting quality.
Tools and Techniques for Perform Quality Assurance
- Quality Management and Control Tools:
- Definition: Tools used to analyze and improve quality processes, such as cause-and-effect diagrams, flowcharts, and histograms.
- Purpose: Identifies inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Example: A Pareto chart shows that 80% of defects stem from 20% of issues.
- Quality Audits:
- Definition: Structured reviews to ensure quality processes are being followed.
- Purpose: Identifies gaps in compliance and opportunities for improvement.
- Example: A software project undergoes a quality audit to ensure adherence to coding standards.
- Process Analysis:
- Definition: A method to evaluate and improve processes by identifying root causes of inefficiencies.
- Purpose: Enhances process effectiveness and reduces waste.
- Example: Analyzing the workflow in a production line to reduce bottlenecks.
Outputs of Perform Quality Assurance
- Change Requests:
- Definition: Recommendations for modifying processes, scope, or deliverables to enhance quality.
- Purpose: Implements improvements based on quality analysis.
- Example: A change request to automate repetitive testing tasks in a software project.
- Project Management Plan Updates:
- Definition: Modifications to the quality management plan or other components based on audit findings.
- Purpose: Ensures the project plan reflects the latest quality processes.
- Example: Updating the risk management plan to include risks identified during a quality audit.
- Project Documents Updates:
- Definition: Updates to documents such as the issue log, lessons learned register, or quality reports.
- Purpose: Maintains consistency across project documentation.
- Example: Adding findings from process analysis to the lessons learned register.
- Organizational Process Assets Updates:
- Definition: Updates to organizational resources like templates, checklists, or process guidelines.
- Purpose: Enhances future projects by incorporating lessons learned.
- Example: Updating a quality audit checklist based on new compliance standards.
Practical Examples of Perform Quality Assurance
- Construction Project:
- Scenario: Building a commercial complex.
- Application:
- Conduct quality audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Use cause-and-effect diagrams to identify the root cause of material defects.
- Outputs: Change requests to enhance supplier quality checks.
- IT Project:
- Scenario: Developing a mobile application.
- Application:
- Perform process analysis to improve testing workflows.
- Conduct audits to ensure adherence to Agile practices.
- Outputs: Updated project management plan to include additional user acceptance testing.
- Event Management:
- Scenario: Organizing a corporate conference.
- Application:
- Use a flowchart to streamline the registration process for attendees.
- Conduct audits to ensure vendor contracts align with quality expectations.
- Outputs: Updated risk register to address vendor-related risks.
Recommended Steps for Implementing Perform Quality Assurance
- Prepare for Quality Audits:
- Identify the processes and standards to be reviewed.
- Gather relevant data and documents, such as quality metrics and control measurements.
- Conduct Analysis:
- Use quality management tools to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with the team to validate findings and prioritize actions.
- Document Recommendations:
- Generate change requests and document updates based on findings.
- Share recommendations with stakeholders and secure approval for changes.
- Implement Changes:
- Update the project management plan and organizational assets to reflect approved changes.
- Monitor the impact of changes on quality outcomes.
Summary Table: Perform Quality Assurance Process
Category | Details | Example |
---|---|---|
Inputs | Quality Management Plan, Process Improvement Plan, Quality Metrics, etc. | A metric defining acceptable defect rates for manufacturing |
Tools and Techniques | Quality Management Tools, Quality Audits, Process Analysis | A Pareto chart identifies key sources of defects |
Outputs | Change Requests, Project Management Plan Updates, Project Documents Updates | Change request to automate testing tasks |
Conclusion
Perform Quality Assurance is vital for ensuring that quality processes are effective and aligned with project objectives. By leveraging inputs such as the quality management plan and quality metrics, applying tools like audits and process analysis, and producing outputs such as change requests and updated documents, project managers can drive continuous improvement. This process not only enhances project outcomes but also contributes to long-term organizational success by improving quality standards and practices.
Knowledge Area
Quality Management
Process Group
Executing
Perform Quality Assurance Inputs
- Quality Management Plan
- Process Improvement Plan
- Quality Metrics
- Quality Control Measurements
- Project Documents
Perform Quality Assurance Tools and Techniques
- Quality Management and Control Tools
- Quality Audits
- Process Analysis
Perform Quality Assurance Outputs
- Change Requests
- Project Management Plan Updates
- Project Documents Updates
- Organizational Process Assets Updates