7 1 Plan Quality Management
7.1 Plan Quality Management Explained
Plan Quality Management is a critical process in project management that involves creating a quality management plan. This plan outlines how the project will ensure that it meets the specified quality standards and stakeholder expectations. Here, we will delve into three key concepts of Plan Quality Management: Quality Management Plan, Quality Metrics, and Quality Audits.
1. Quality Management Plan
The Quality Management Plan is a subsidiary plan of the project management plan. It provides detailed guidance on how to manage quality throughout the project lifecycle. This plan includes procedures for quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement. It also defines the quality standards, roles, and responsibilities for quality management.
Example: For a software development project, the quality management plan might include guidelines for code reviews, testing procedures, and user acceptance testing. It would also outline the roles of the quality assurance team and developers in ensuring that the software meets the required quality standards.
2. Quality Metrics
Quality Metrics are specific measurements used to assess the quality of project deliverables. These metrics help in quantifying the quality standards and provide a basis for evaluating performance. 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, the number of defects per million units, and the average time to repair a defect. These metrics help in monitoring and improving the quality of the manufactured products.
3. Quality Audits
Quality Audits are systematic and independent examinations to determine whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable for achieving objectives. Quality audits help in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that quality standards are maintained.
Example: For a construction project, a quality audit might involve inspecting the materials used, reviewing the construction processes, and verifying that all work complies with the project's quality standards. The audit results would be used to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the final construction meets the required quality levels.