Overview of Planning and Managing Quality

A comprehensive study guide for quality management in project management

Introduction to Quality Management

Quality Management in the predictive Process Groups model is represented by Plan and Manage Quality of products and deliverables, as outlined in the Examination Content Outline (ECO). When managing procurements, ensure the buyer and seller align on the quality process. Refer to the “Procurement” chapter for details.

Think About It

Quality management is influenced by other tasks, such as stakeholder engagement and communications (Domain II). For example, if team members disagree on building a deliverable, skills like conflict management and team leadership (Domain I) are critical to align on the best approach. Negotiation and team-building skills also support an effective quality management plan.

Example: Painting Limestone

A student observed someone painting limestone white and called it “not quality.” However, if the contract specified using certain paint and standards, and the painter followed them, the work meets quality requirements. The issue was with the requirements (painting vs. cleaning), not the quality of the work.

Quality Management Processes

Understanding the differences between Plan, Manage, and Control Quality in the Process Groups model is crucial for exam success.

Quality Management Processes Chart

Process Process Group High-Level Description Detailed Description
Plan Quality Management Planning What is quality? How will we ensure it?
  • Review project plans and artifacts to understand quality requirements.
  • Identify quality practices and internal/external standards (OPAs and EEFs).
  • Tailor practices and processes to the project.
Manage Quality Executing
  • Are we following the policies, procedures, and processes as planned?
  • Are the procedures and processes giving us the intended results?
  • Will we meet the quality objectives?
 Use measurements from Control Quality to confirm:
  • Policies and processes are being followed.
  • Policies, metrics, and processes are appropriate.
  • Policies and processes achieve planned quality results.
Control Quality Monitoring and Controlling
  • Are the results of our work meeting the standards and required metrics?
  • Is the variance within acceptable limits, or do we need to take action?
  • Inspect and measure deliverable quality to ensure requirements are met.
  • Use the PMIS to track deviations from planned quality.
  • Identify needs for quality improvements (corrective/preventive action, defect repair).

Exam Tip: In the Process Groups model, “Manage Quality” focuses on processes and standards, while “Control Quality” focuses on deliverable quality. Agile questions may not emphasize this distinction, but it’s key for predictive questions.

Desired Outcomes from Quality Management

Assume quality is properly planned and managed unless an exam question suggests otherwise. Successful quality management should yield:

  • Completed quality processes, procedures, and inspections.
  • Team self-inspection to ensure deliverables meet requirements (in Manage and Control Quality).
  • Product quality changes before customer validation (in Validate Scope).
  • Continuous updates to quality processes for optimal results.
  • Few quality issues due to careful planning, execution, and control (except in R&D projects where trial and error is expected).
  • High-quality stakeholder engagement and communications to minimize misunderstandings.
  • Projects achieving goals and delivering customer value, advancing organizational objectives.