Process: Control Quality
Process Group: Monitoring and Controlling
Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management
Purpose
The Control Quality process involves monitoring and recording results of quality activities to assess performance and ensure that project outputs meet the stated quality requirements. This process focuses on verifying deliverables, identifying defects, and recommending corrective actions.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Especially the quality management plan and performance measurement baseline.
- Project Documents – Includes lessons learned register, quality metrics, test and evaluation documents, and deliverables.
- Approved Change Requests – Modifications that must be verified for quality compliance.
- Work Performance Data – Information on task completion, technical performance, and measurements.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Checklists, defect tracking systems, and quality standards.
Tools and Techniques
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Data Gathering – Includes checklists and statistical sampling.
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Data Analysis
- Root cause analysis
- Performance reviews
- Trend and variance analysis
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Inspection – Manual or automated reviews of deliverables to detect compliance issues.
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Testing/Product Evaluations – Execution of test cases to verify performance, functionality, or specifications.
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Data Representation
- Control charts
- Histograms
- Scatter diagrams
- Pareto diagrams
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Meetings – Used to review quality results, discuss defects, and determine resolution strategies.
Outputs
- Quality Control Measurements – Documented results from quality activities compared to expectations.
- Verified Deliverables – Outputs that meet quality standards and are ready for formal acceptance.
- Work Performance Information – Aggregated quality data used to inform project status and future actions.
- Change Requests – Recommendations to correct product or process issues.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Adjustments to quality standards, control thresholds, or response plans.
- Project Document Updates – Revisions to lessons learned, test records, and issue logs.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- Within the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group, Control Quality ensures the final product matches defined standards and requirements.
- In Project Quality Management, it provides the formal validation that outputs are complete, correct, and acceptable.
Why It Matters
- Confirms Deliverable Quality – Ensures outputs meet specifications before stakeholder review.
- Supports Defect Prevention – Uses data to understand causes and drive corrective actions.
- Improves Stakeholder Confidence – Demonstrates rigorous validation before handoff.
- Feeds Continuous Improvement – Contributes to organizational knowledge through measurement and analysis.