What's the best way to choose quality management methods for your project?

Should be the priority of the C-suite! Dr Deming believed 80% of organisational Quality problems originates in the Board Room.

Quality can be free- if doing things right from the beginning. Quality, Crosby emphasised, is neither intangible nor immeasurable. It is a strategic imperative that can be quantified and put back to work to improve the bottom line. Acceptable quality or defect levels and traditional quality control measures represent evidence of failure rather than assurance of success.

Encourage members to engage with the mission statement of the organization, let them show the connection between needs and interventions. Practice makes perfect.

In essence, quality in a project context pertains to the degree of excellence of the deliverable and how it aligns with defined criteria and stakeholder expectations. A high-quality project outcome not only meets its specified requirements but also ensures stakeholder satisfaction, utility, and reliability. By defining quality upfront, project managers set a benchmark against which the project's outputs and processes can be evaluated. This benchmark ensures that what is delivered is fit for purpose and serves its intended function. Properly defining quality also aids in risk management, ensuring that project objectives are achieved within scope, time, and budget while maintaining the desired standards.

Identifying quality criteria is crucial to ensure project outcomes meet expected standards. These criteria offer clarity to teams about expected outcomes and provide a foundation for performance assessment. For instance, in software projects, criteria might include functionality, performance, and user experience. In construction, it might involve material quality, safety protocols, and design fidelity. Establishing these standards early sets clear performance benchmarks. Including stakeholders in this process captures their expectations, minimising later changes and promoting buy-in. Essentially, it's about preventing issues, not just detecting them.

Selecting the right quality options is pivotal for a project's success. Start by distinguishing between quality assurance (preventing defects) and quality control (detecting and correcting defects). For example, in software projects, assurance might involve code reviews, while control could mean automated tests. Weigh the cost, time, risk, and benefit of each method. Use cost-benefit analysis to identify economical solutions, and risk assessments to understand potential pitfalls. It's essential to prioritize impactful, scalable options that suit your project's scale and stakeholders' needs. Always align choices with stakeholder expectations and industry standards.

To ensure robust quality control: Plan: Outline your quality expectations, metrics, and roles. Select Tools: Depending on your needs, utilize tools like control charts or statistical sampling. Train Team: Equip your team with necessary skills to maintain quality. Constant Monitoring: Continuously track and compare results against benchmarks. Seek Feedback: Encourage team members to share insights or raise concerns. Immediate Action: Address any quality deviations promptly. Document Processes: Maintain thorough records of quality checks and actions taken. Periodic Reviews: Continually assess and refine your approach, ensuring ongoing effectiveness.