Value of Implementing Project Quality Management

Every project has its own set of demands and limitations. In the traditional Triple Constraint model, project managers measure the success of a project with three elements – scope, time and cost. However, experts from the Project Management Institute claim this approach is too limited to compete with modern-day demands. Instead of just three factors, they suggest a project should be measured by six constraints – time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, and risks. Let’s explore one of the crucial elements – project quality management, today. 

So, the scope does not necessarily define the quality constraint. It does not cover whether the end result meets the exact expectations of the stakeholder or customer.

Quality is a separate success metric of any project and the traditional Triple Constraint framework cannot guarantee that objectively. That’s why in the past, the scope has also been replaced with quality sometimes.  

 

 

A modern project management team has to ensure quality at all phases of the project life cycle. Consistency of quality is of utmost importance without compromising other constraints such as time, scope, risks, and so on. 

Project quality management can be defined as measuring quality throughout the project activities and processes to deliver the best desired results. Measuring quality assures the validity of requirements and further verifies them. 

Project Quality Management - Meaning

Project quality management refers to the set of processes, methods, and standards used to ensure that a project meets predefined quality requirements and objectives. It encompasses the systematic management and control of quality throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion. The primary goal of project quality management is to deliver a final product or service that meets or exceeds stakeholders' expectations and fulfils the defined quality standards.

Project Quality Management | Executing Different Phases

To understand the definition better, you should know there are three separate phases under project quality management. 

Quality Planning

This step identifies the requirements and the degree of quality. The goal becomes clear across the team and stakeholders with it. While it involves delegating tasks to respective team members, project managers also evaluate risks, predict and control tasks as and when required for reporting.

Quality Assurance 

The process is implemented to ensure stakeholders that the quality standards are maintained. It helps determine whether the processes will deliver the desired output. 

Quality Control

Sometimes, additional actions are taken when there is an incapability to maintain a standard for a particular process.

Project Quality Management | Best Practices

To implement project quality management, there are a few questions that every project manager must consider to ensure quality. These questions also justify the need for a quality quotient and why the Triple Constraint framework needs to be modified today. 

Does the Output Satisfy the Customer/Stakeholder?

Just completing a project by meeting the time, scope and cost constraints does not mean the customer or stakeholder will be happy. Understanding the requirements and informing the customer/stakeholder to assure the progress of a project are essential. 

Would You Prevent or Inspect?

Project quality management depends on the Cost of Quality which is further subdivided into two parts –  cost of conformance and cost of non-conformance. 

The cost of conformance includes activities such as auditing, reviewing, testing through training, documentation to prevent the final product from failing quality standards. 

The second is self-explanatory. It is the cost that arises from failure in maintaining quality standards after the final product is inspected as unusable or defective.  

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are determined more when project managers are preventing costs. 

How Much Improvement is Necessary to Meet the Quality Standards?

To maintain quality, continual improvement in all processes until the desired stage is reached is important. Improvements can be identified when proper monitoring and reporting standards are followed. 

Industry Examples of Project Quality Management

Manufacturing Industry

In manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies are often employed to enhance quality. A car manufacturing company, for instance, might implement quality management by using statistical tools to reduce defects in its assembly line. By applying statistical process control (SPC) methods, they can monitor and maintain quality standards at each stage of production, thereby reducing errors and enhancing the final product's quality.

Construction Sector
Within the construction industry, ensuring quality is vital. A construction company managing a large infrastructure project might employ quality management practices by conducting regular inspections, adhering to strict building codes and safety standards, and using quality materials. They might also employ techniques like Total Quality Management (TQM) to involve all stakeholders, ensuring everyone is committed to delivering high-quality outputs.

Software Development
In software development, Agile methodologies focus on continuous improvement and frequent iterations. For instance, a software development team might use Agile practices like Scrum or Kanban to manage their projects. By conducting regular sprint reviews and retrospectives, they identify areas for improvement, address issues promptly, and ensure that the final software product meets the client's quality expectations.

Healthcare Services
In healthcare, quality management is crucial for patient safety and care. Hospitals and healthcare facilities implement quality management by standardizing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing protocols such as Six Sigma or Lean methodologies. For example, a hospital might use Lean principles to streamline administrative processes, reducing waiting times for patients and enhancing overall service quality.

Service Industry (Hospitality):
A hotel chain aiming to maintain consistent service quality across its branches might employ quality management techniques. They could use customer feedback systems to gather insights, implement training programs for staff, and establish standard operating procedures to ensure a uniform and high-quality guest experience.

Start Learning Project Quality Management 

To learn project quality management and apply the best practices, you will need work experience. You can also go for courses including Capstone: Applying Project Management in the Real World on Coursera to get a hands-on experience. It teaches how you can maintain quality standards with a live included project. If you want to start at the base, check out Project Quality Management from Great Learning. 

And if you are looking for globally accepted project management certifications, become PMP -certified or get any PRINCE2 certification.