Perform quality assurance

Introduction

Simply it is all about 2 aspects

Doing the right things according to quality management plan

Doing things better

 
 

From PMBOK the quality assurance definition is

Auditing quality requirements, and results from QC measurements (actual) to

Ensure appropriate quality standards and metrics (Operational decisions) are used - so we proofed doing the things right according to plan

 
 

Providing an umbrella for continuous process improvement, which is an iterative means for improving the quality of all processes - so we proofed doing things better

 
 

Continuous improvement

Reduces waste

Eliminates activities that don't add value

 
 

This allows processes to operate at increased levels of efficiency (doing the right things) and effectiveness (doing the right things)

 
 

QA department, or similar organization, often oversees QA activities, regardless of the unit's title QA support, may be provided to

PM team

The management of the performing organization

The customer or sponsor

Other stakeholders not actively involved in the work of the project

 
 

Why the quality assurance process of the executing process group?

As the executing process group consists of the processes performed to complete the work defined in the PM plan to satisfy the project specifications, so the QA process is part of it.

 
 

Inputs

1. Project management plan
   
   1. Quality management plan; how quality assurance will be performed.
      
   2. Process improvement plan; what are the steps of analyzing the processes to identify activities which enhance their value
      
2. Quality metrics
   
3. Quality control measurements; the results of QC activities, which used to analyze and evaluate the quality standards and processes of the performing organization
   
4. Work performance information; which routinely collected as the project progress. Performance results may support the audit like
   
   1. Technical performance measures
      
   2. Project deliverable status
      
   3. Schedule progress
      
   4. Cost incurred
      

 
 

Tools and techniques

• Plan quality and perform QC tools & techniques can be used in QA activities
  
• Quality audits;
  
  • We have the project activities = A versus organizational and project policies, standards and procedures = B
    
  • Quality audit is structured, independent review to determine whether A comply with B
    
  • Quality audit objectives
    
    • Identify good/best practices being implemented
      
    • Identify all the gaps/shortcomings
      
    • Share good practices being introduced or implemented in similar project in the organization and/or industry
      
    • Help the team raise productivity, by proactively offer assistance in positive manner to improve implementation of the processes
      
    • Highlight contributions of each audit in lesson learned repository.
      
  • The subsequent effort to correct any deficiencies should result in
    
    • Reduce cost of quality
      
    • Increase in customer/sponsor acceptance of the project's product
      
  • Quality audit may be scheduled or random
    
  • Quality audit may be conducted by internal or external auditors.
    
  • Quality audit can confirm the implementation of approved change requests
    
    • Corrective actions
      
    • Defect repair
      
    • Preventive actions
      

       
       

• Process analysis;
  
  • Process analysis follows the outlined steps in the process improvement plan to identify needed improvement.
    
  • Process analysis examines problems experienced, constraints experienced and non-value-added activities identified during process operation
    
  • Process analysis includes root cause analysis technique
    
    • Root cause analysis is a specific technique to
      
      • Identify a problem
        
      • Discover the underlying causes that lead to the problem
        
      • Develop a preventive actions
        

 
 

Outputs

1. OPA updates
   
2. Change request
   
3. PM plan updates
   
   1. Quality management plan
      
   2. Schedule management plan
      
   3. Cost management plan
      
4. Project document updates
   
   1. Quality audit reports
      
   2. Training plans
      
   3. Process documentation