Process: Manage Quality
Process Group: Executing
Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management
Purpose
The Manage Quality process focuses on translating the quality management plan into executable quality activities to ensure the project will satisfy the relevant quality standards. Often referred to as quality assurance, this process promotes continuous improvement and embeds quality into project processes and deliverables.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Includes the quality management plan and other relevant components (e.g., risk, scope, schedule).
- Project Documents – Lessons learned register, quality control measurements, and risk report.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Quality standards, policies, and improvement initiatives.
Tools and Techniques
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Data Gathering – Used to evaluate process performance (e.g., checklists, surveys).
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Data Analysis
- Root cause analysis
- Alternatives analysis
- Process analysis
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Decision Making – Prioritizing quality issues and selecting improvement actions.
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Data Representation
- Cause-and-effect diagrams
- Control charts
- Flowcharts
- Histograms
- Scatter diagrams
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Audits – Structured reviews to ensure quality processes are being followed and are effective.
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Design for X (DfX) – Optimizing product design for specific quality factors (e.g., reliability, cost, usability).
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Problem Solving – Systematic resolution of process or quality issues.
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Quality Improvement Methods – Includes Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement frameworks.
Outputs
- Quality Reports – Summarize findings from audits, process analysis, and improvement initiatives.
- Test and Evaluation Documents – Describe how quality will be measured and validated during control processes.
- Change Requests – Recommended updates to processes, resources, or deliverables to improve quality.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Especially to the quality management and performance measurement baselines.
- Project Document Updates – Enhancements to risk register, issue log, and lessons learned register.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- In the Executing Process Group, Manage Quality is proactive—it ensures processes are aligned with quality expectations before deliverables are completed.
- As part of Project Quality Management, it drives quality assurance and continuous improvement across all project work.
Why It Matters
- Builds Quality In – Prevents defects by improving the way work is done.
- Ensures Process Compliance – Verifies that processes align with plans and standards.
- Promotes Continuous Improvement – Uses data and feedback to refine project and organizational performance.
- Reduces Long-Term Cost – Identifies and resolves issues before they become costly defects.