How do you test quality in a waterfall project?

1 Define quality criteria

The first step to test quality in a waterfall project is to define the quality criteria for each deliverable and phase of the project. Quality criteria are the specific requirements and expectations that the project stakeholders have for the quality of the project outcome. They should be aligned with the project scope, objectives, and constraints, and documented in the project plan or quality management plan. Quality criteria can include functional, performance, usability, reliability, security, and compliance aspects of the project deliverables.

2 Plan quality tests

The second step to test quality in a waterfall project is to plan how to conduct the quality tests for each deliverable and phase of the project. Quality tests are the methods and tools used to measure and verify the quality of the project deliverables against the quality criteria. They should be planned in advance, based on the project schedule, budget, and resources, and documented in the project plan or quality management plan. Quality tests can include inspections, reviews, audits, checklists, tests, and evaluations.

3 Execute quality tests

The third step to test quality in a waterfall project is to execute the quality tests for each deliverable and phase of the project. Quality tests are executed according to the planned procedures and standards, and the results are recorded and reported. Quality tests can be done by the project team, the project manager, the project sponsor, the customer, or an independent third party, depending on the project context and complexity. Quality tests can be done at different levels of detail and frequency, depending on the project risks and issues.

4 Control quality results

The fourth step to test quality in a waterfall project is to control the quality results for each deliverable and phase of the project. Quality control is the process of monitoring and comparing the quality results with the quality criteria, and identifying and correcting any deviations or defects. Quality control can involve corrective actions, preventive actions, rework, or changes to the project plan or quality management plan. Quality control can also involve quality assurance, which is the process of ensuring that the quality processes and standards are followed and improved throughout the project.

5 Manage quality expectations

The fifth step to test quality in a waterfall project is to manage the quality expectations of the project stakeholders. Quality expectations are the perceptions and opinions that the project stakeholders have about the quality of the project outcome. They can be influenced by various factors, such as communication, feedback, satisfaction, trust, and value. Quality expectations can be managed by ensuring that the quality criteria are clear, realistic, and agreed upon by all stakeholders, and that the quality results are communicated and demonstrated effectively and timely.

6 Learn from quality lessons

The sixth and final step to test quality in a waterfall project is to learn from the quality lessons of the project. Quality lessons are the insights and knowledge gained from the quality testing process, such as best practices, success factors, challenges, risks, issues, and improvement opportunities. Quality lessons can be learned by conducting quality reviews, audits, surveys, or retrospectives at the end of each phase or at the end of the project. Quality lessons can be used to improve the quality performance and processes of the current or future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?