Project Management for Quality Assurance.
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Acceptance Criteria #
Acceptance Criteria
Acceptance criteria are the conditions that a product or project must meet to be… #
These criteria are usually defined in the project requirements and are used to determine whether the final deliverable meets the agreed upon standards.
Agile #
Agile
Agile is a project management approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboratio… #
This methodology allows for changes to be made throughout the project lifecycle based on feedback and evolving requirements.
Backlog #
Backlog
A backlog is a list of tasks or requirements that have not yet been completed #
In agile project management, the backlog is often used to prioritize work and track progress.
Benchmarking #
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is a process of comparing project performance metrics, processes, o… #
This allows project managers to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.
Change Control #
Change Control
Change control is the process of managing changes to a project's scope, schedule… #
This process helps ensure that changes are properly evaluated, approved, and implemented to minimize disruptions to the project.
Continuous Improvement #
Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance project processes, produc… #
By regularly reviewing and refining processes, project teams can achieve higher quality outcomes and greater efficiency.
Cost of Quality #
Cost of Quality
The cost of quality includes both the cost of conformance (e #
g., training, inspections) and the cost of non-conformance (e.g., rework, defects). By analyzing these costs, project managers can identify opportunities to improve quality and reduce overall project expenses.
Critical Path #
Critical Path
The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible… #
Identifying the critical path helps project managers prioritize work and allocate resources effectively to meet project deadlines.
Defect #
Defect
A defect is a flaw or imperfection in a product that deviates from the specified… #
Managing defects is essential to maintaining quality and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Deliverable #
Deliverable
A deliverable is a tangible or intangible product, service, or result that is pr… #
Deliverables are typically defined in the project scope and must meet the project requirements.
Fishbone Diagram #
Fishbone Diagram
A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause #
and-effect diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the root causes of a problem. This diagram helps project teams understand the relationships between various factors contributing to an issue.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) #
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
Key performance indicators are measurable metrics used to evaluate project perfo… #
KPIs help project managers track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.
Lean #
Lean
Lean project management is a methodology that focuses on maximizing value and mi… #
By eliminating unnecessary activities and streamlining workflows, lean principles help improve efficiency and quality.
Lessons Learned #
Lessons Learned
Lessons learned are insights gained from project experiences, both positive and… #
By documenting and sharing these lessons, project teams can avoid repeating mistakes, capitalize on successes, and enhance future project performance.
Pareto Principle #
Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that roughly 80% of e… #
In project management, this principle is often used to prioritize efforts and resources on the most critical tasks or issues.
Plan #
Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
The PDCA cycle is a continuous improvement methodology consisting of four steps #
Plan (identify objectives and processes), Do (implement the plan), Check (measure results), and Act (make adjustments based on feedback). This iterative approach helps project teams refine processes and achieve better outcomes.
Project Charter #
Project Charter
A project charter is a formal document that authorizes the initiation of a proje… #
It outlines the project's objectives, scope, stakeholders, risks, and deliverables, providing a roadmap for project success.
Quality Assurance (QA) #
Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality assurance is the process of ensuring that project deliverables meet esta… #
QA activities focus on preventing defects through proper planning, processes, and controls to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Quality Control (QC) #
Quality Control (QC)
Quality control is the process of evaluating project deliverables to verify that… #
QC activities involve inspecting, testing, and reviewing products to identify and correct defects before they impact the project.
Risk Management #
Risk Management
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks t… #
By proactively managing risks, project teams can minimize threats and capitalize on opportunities to achieve project success.
Scrum #
Scrum
Scrum is an agile project management framework that emphasizes collaboration, se… #
Scrum teams work in short, fixed-length sprints to deliver incremental value and adapt to changing requirements.
Stakeholder #
Stakeholder
Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the project or ar… #
Effective stakeholder management involves identifying, engaging, and communicating with stakeholders to ensure project success.
SWOT Analysis #
SWOT Analysis
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify a project's strength… #
By assessing these factors, project teams can develop strategies to maximize strengths, address weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats.
Time Management #
Time Management
Time management is the process of planning, scheduling, and controlling project… #
Effective time management helps project teams meet deadlines, avoid delays, and optimize resource utilization.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) #
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A work breakdown structure is a hierarchical decomposition of project tasks, del… #
The WBS organizes project work into manageable components, making it easier to plan, track, and manage project activities.