6 Tools And Techniques For Control Quality For Projects
In my previous articles, I have talked about some of the inputs for control quality for projects. In this article, I will be looking at some of the tools and techniques for control quality for projects. Follow as will be looking at this together in this article.
#1 Data gathering
Data gathering techniques that are a part of this process include:
Checklists:
Checklist as a tool helps in managing the control quality activities in a structured manner.
Check sheets: Check sheets are also known as Tally sheets and are used to organise facts in a manner that will facilitate the effective collection of useful data about a potential quality problem.
They are especially useful for gathering attributes data while performing inspections to identify defects; for example, data about the frequencies or consequences of defects collected.
Statistical sampling: Statistical sampling involves choosing part of a population of interest for inspection. The sample is taken to measure controls and verify quality. Sample frequency and sizes should be determined during the Plan Quality Management process.
Questionnaire and Surveys: Surveys may be used to gather data about customer satisfaction after the deployment of the products and services. The cost regarding defects identified in the surveys may be considered external failure costs in the COQ model and can have extensive cost implications for the organization.
#2 Data Analysis
Data Analysis techniques that can be used for this process include:
Performance reviews: Performance reviews measures, compare, and analyse the quality metrics defined by the Plan Quality Management process against the actual results.
Root Cause Analysis: Root Cause Analysis is caused to identify the source of defects in project deliverables.
#3 Inspection
An inspection is an examination of a work product to determine if it conforms to documented standards. The result of inspections generally include measurements and may be conducted at any level.
The result of a single activity can be inspected, or the final product of the project can be inspected. Inspections may be called reviews, peer reviews audits, or walkthroughs. In some applications, these terms have narrow and specific meanings.
Inspections are also used to verify defect repairs.
4 Testing/Product Evaluations
Testing is organised and constructed investigation conducted to provide objective information about the quality of the product or service under test in accordance with project requirements. The intent of testing is to find errors, defects, bugs, or other non-conformance problems in the products or services. The type amount and extent of tests needed to evaluate each requirement as part of the project quality plan and depend on the nature of the project, time budget and other constraints.
A test can be performed throughout the project as different components of the project become and helps reduce the cost of fixing the non-conforming components.
Different applications areas require different tests
For example, software testing may include unit testing, integration testing, black-box, white-box, interface testing, regression testing, Alpha testing e.t.c. In a construction project, testing may include cement strength, concrete workability test, nondestructive tests at construction sites for testing the quality of hardened concrete structures, and soil tests. In hardware development, testing may include environmental stress screening, burn-in tests, system testing and more.
#5 Data Representation
Data representation techniques that can be used for this process include:
Cause and Effect Diagrams: Cause and effect diagrams are used to identify the possible effects of quality defects and errors.
Control charts: Control charts are used to determine whether or not a process is stable or has predictable performance. Upper and lower application limits are based on the requirements and reflect the maximum and minimum are values allowed.
Upper and lower control limits are different from specification limits. The control limits are determined using standard statistical calculations and principles to ultimately establish the natural capability for a stable process.
The project manager and appropriate stakeholders may use the statistically calculated control limits to identify the points at which corrective actions will be taken to prevent performance that remains outside the control limits.
Control charts can be used to monitor various types of output variables. Although used most frequently to track repetitive activities required for producing manufacturing lots, control charts may also be used to monitor cost and schedule variances, volume, frequency of scope changes, or other management results to help determine if the project management processes are in control.
Histogram: Histogram can demonstrate the number of defects by source or by components.
Scatter diagrams: Scatter diagrams can show the planned performance on one axis and the actual performance on the second axis.
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