Verified deliverables are a key concept in project management, specifically within the Control Quality and Validate Scope processes. These deliverables refer to project outputs that have been reviewed and confirmed for accuracy and correctness through the Control Quality process. They are then used as inputs in the Validate Scope process, where formal acceptance of the deliverables by the sponsor or customer is obtained.
This process is outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and is crucial for ensuring that project deliverables meet the required standards and satisfy stakeholder expectations.
What Are Verified Deliverables?
- Definition: Verified deliverables are outputs from the project that have been tested and confirmed to meet the defined quality standards.
- Purpose: They serve as proof that the deliverables are ready for formal acceptance.
- Key Role in Project Management: They link the quality management processes (Control Quality) with scope management processes (Validate Scope), ensuring that deliverables meet the agreed-upon requirements.
How Are Verified Deliverables Produced?
- Control Quality Process:
- This process is part of the Project Quality Management Knowledge Area and focuses on inspecting and testing deliverables to ensure they meet quality requirements.
- Outputs: Verified deliverables, quality reports, and change requests if the deliverables do not meet the standards.
- Validate Scope Process:
- Part of the Project Scope Management Knowledge Area, this process formalizes the acceptance of deliverables.
- Inputs: Verified deliverables, requirements documentation, scope baseline, and work performance data.
- Outputs: Accepted deliverables and, if necessary, change requests for incomplete or unsatisfactory deliverables.
Practical Examples of Verified Deliverables
1. Construction Project
- Scenario: A contractor completes a building’s foundation.
- Control Quality: Engineers inspect the foundation, confirming it meets design specifications and safety standards.
- Verified Deliverable: The inspected foundation becomes a verified deliverable, ready for the project owner to review and formally accept in the Validate Scope process.
2. Software Development
- Scenario: A team develops a feature for a mobile application.
- Control Quality: The feature undergoes rigorous testing to confirm it functions as intended and adheres to quality requirements.
- Verified Deliverable: The tested feature is presented to the product owner for formal validation and acceptance.
3. Marketing Campaign
- Scenario: A marketing agency creates a social media strategy for a client.
- Control Quality: The strategy is reviewed internally against the agreed-upon objectives, such as target audience alignment and branding guidelines.
- Verified Deliverable: The reviewed strategy is shared with the client for final approval.
Inputs and Outputs in Verified Deliverables
| Process | Inputs | Outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Control Quality | Deliverables, quality management plan, work performance data | Verified deliverables, quality control measurements |
| Validate Scope | Verified deliverables, requirements documentation, scope baseline, work performance data | Accepted deliverables, change requests, work performance information |
Importance of Verified Deliverables
- Ensures Quality: Confirms that deliverables meet the agreed-upon standards and requirements.
- Facilitates Acceptance: Simplifies the Validate Scope process by providing a pre-approved deliverable for formal acceptance.
- Reduces Rework: Identifies issues early, minimizing the need for costly revisions later in the project.
- Improves Stakeholder Satisfaction: Ensures the customer or sponsor receives outputs that align with their expectations.
Steps for Managing Verified Deliverables
- Define Quality Standards: Establish clear and measurable quality criteria during the planning phase.
- Inspect Deliverables: Use tools like checklists, quality audits, and testing during the Control Quality process.
- Document Findings: Record results in quality reports, highlighting any non-conformities.
- Verify Deliverables: Ensure deliverables are reviewed against requirements and are complete.
- Engage Stakeholders: Present verified deliverables to sponsors or customers during the Validate Scope process.
Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Misalignment between deliverables and requirements | Use comprehensive requirements documentation as a reference during Control Quality. |
| Incomplete or inconsistent inspections | Implement robust quality control practices and use project management software to track inspections. |
| Delays in acceptance | Schedule regular checkpoints to present verified deliverables promptly. |
Conclusion
Verified deliverables are an essential component of project management, acting as the bridge between quality control and scope validation. By ensuring deliverables meet established quality standards and stakeholder expectations, project managers can enhance efficiency, minimize rework, and improve customer satisfaction. Understanding the role of verified deliverables and managing them effectively ensures that projects are delivered successfully and meet their intended objectives.