Chapter 10.2: Project quality management processes Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the 3 main processes in project quality management?
Quality planning – sets standards and requirements.
Quality assurance – makes sure processes meet standards.
Quality control – checks that outcomes meet the standards.
What’s the goal of quality planning?
To give confidence that everything needed to ensure quality is planned and handled. It includes:
(1) Procedures & policies for the org
(2) A quality plan for each project
(3) Responsibility assignments for reviews, verifications, validations.
What’s the function of quality assurance in a project?
QA is all about execution — making sure the planned quality activities are actually carried out to meet desired features and reduce risks.
What are the 2 types of quality assurance activities?
(1) In a specific project – making sure it follows the plan.
(2) Across projects – continuous improvement and maturity of the org’s PM processes.
What is continuous improvement in projects?
It’s about constantly learning from what went well or badly — especially during post-completion reviews — to do better next time.
What does quality control involve?
It’s the ongoing check-up of work: monitoring outcomes, spotting mistakes, and fixing them to meet quality goals (specs and requirements).
What’s the difference between scope validation and quality control?
Scope validation = customer checks if the right product was delivered.
Quality control = contractor checks if it meets specs and is acceptable.
What are waivers, deviations, and modifications?
Waiver = “It’s fine as-is, even if it doesn’t meet spec.”
Deviation = “Let’s allow this difference before production.”
Modification = “Change the spec itself for future use.”
Why can’t quality control be done in isolation?
Because it links with scope, schedule, cost, and procurement control. It must be integrated to be effective.
What is meant by “costs of quality”?
They include:
- Costs of conformance (doing it right)
– Prevention
– Appraisal and control
- Costs of nonconformance (fixing what went wrong)
3. Internal failure
4. External failure
What’s the difference between internal and external failure costs?
Internal failure: found before delivery (e.g., scrap, rework).
External failure: found after delivery (e.g., warranty claims, damaged rep).
What is a project quality management plan (QMP)?
It details the approach for managing quality, who’s involved, how the team will react to customer needs, and how compliance is verified.
What are examples of what the QMP might include?
Models and test specs
Inspections and reports
Design reviews
Audits and checklists
FMEA and control charts
Roles and responsibilities
What’s the difference between cost of conformance vs. nonconformance?
Conformance = cost to avoid failure (e.g., training, reviews).
Nonconformance = cost to fix failure (e.g., rework, returns, lawsuits).
What’s important when ensuring quality in procured items?
For standard items: check specs & inspect shipments
For custom systems: collaborate with supplier on QA/QC
Build long-term, responsible relationships with key suppliers
