How do you manage PQA risks and issues across multiple projects and programs?

1 Define the PQA scope and objectives

The first step in managing PQA risks and issues is to define the scope and objectives of the PQA function for each project and program. This means identifying the quality requirements, criteria, and metrics that will be used to measure and evaluate the deliverables. It also means clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the PQA team and the other stakeholders involved in the quality assurance process. By defining the PQA scope and objectives, you can establish a clear and common understanding of what constitutes quality and how it will be achieved and verified.

2 Conduct regular PQA audits and reviews

The second step in managing PQA risks and issues is to conduct regular PQA audits and reviews throughout the program lifecycle. PQA audits and reviews are systematic and independent assessments of the quality performance and compliance of the projects and programs. They help to identify and document any gaps, deviations, or non-conformities that may affect the quality of the deliverables or the program objectives. They also provide feedback and recommendations for improvement and corrective actions. By conducting regular PQA audits and reviews, you can monitor and control the quality status and progress of the projects and programs and ensure that they meet the quality standards and expectations.

3 Implement a PQA risk and issue management process

The third step in managing PQA risks and issues is to implement a PQA risk and issue management process that is aligned with the program risk and issue management process. A PQA risk and issue management process is a structured and proactive approach to identifying, analyzing, prioritizing, mitigating, and resolving the risks and issues that may affect the quality of the projects and programs. It involves defining the PQA risk and issue categories, sources, impacts, and thresholds, as well as the PQA risk and issue register, log, and report. It also involves establishing the PQA risk and issue escalation and communication protocols and procedures. By implementing a PQA risk and issue management process, you can prevent or minimize the negative effects of the quality-related risks and issues on the program outcomes and benefits.

4 Communicate and collaborate with the stakeholders

The fourth step in managing PQA risks and issues is to communicate and collaborate with the stakeholders involved in the quality assurance process. The stakeholders include the program sponsor, the program manager, the project managers, the PQA team, the quality assurance managers, the quality control managers, the quality assurance specialists, the quality control specialists, and the end-users or customers. Communication and collaboration are essential for ensuring that the PQA scope and objectives, the PQA audits and reviews, and the PQA risk and issue management process are aligned and integrated with the program scope and objectives, the program governance and reporting, and the program risk and issue management process. They are also essential for ensuring that the PQA risks and issues are identified, reported, escalated, and resolved in a timely and effective manner.

5 Learn and improve from the PQA lessons learned

The fifth step in managing PQA risks and issues is to learn and improve from the PQA lessons learned. PQA lessons learned are the knowledge and insights gained from the PQA audits and reviews, the PQA risk and issue management process, and the PQA feedback and evaluation. They help to identify and document the best practices, the success factors, the challenges, and the opportunities for improvement and innovation in the quality assurance process. They also help to transfer and apply the PQA lessons learned to the current and future projects and programs. By learning and improving from the PQA lessons learned, you can enhance the quality performance and maturity of the projects and programs and increase the value and satisfaction of the stakeholders.

6 Summary

Managing PQA risks and issues across multiple projects and programs is a challenging but rewarding task that requires a systematic and proactive approach. By following the five steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that the quality of the deliverables and the program outcomes are achieved and maintained according to the quality standards and expectations. You can also contribute to the continuous improvement and innovation of the quality assurance process and the program management practice.