Quality Assurance (QA) in PRINCE2 7 is a systematic process that provides confidence to stakeholders that products and project management practices meet required standards and are fit for purpose. It operates as an independent check that sits outside the project team, typically performed by corpora…Quality Assurance (QA) in PRINCE2 7 is a systematic process that provides confidence to stakeholders that products and project management practices meet required standards and are fit for purpose. It operates as an independent check that sits outside the project team, typically performed by corporate or programme quality functions.
QA focuses on two key areas: first, ensuring that the project is being managed correctly according to organizational standards, policies, and the chosen project management method; second, verifying that appropriate quality management processes are in place and being followed throughout the project lifecycle.
The primary purpose of Quality Assurance is to provide an objective assessment that gives senior management and stakeholders confidence in the project. This differs from Quality Control, which involves the operational activities performed by the project team to verify that products meet their specified requirements.
In PRINCE2 7, Quality Assurance maintains independence from the Project Manager and project team to ensure objectivity. The Project Board, particularly through the Senior Supplier and Senior User roles, has responsibility for ensuring QA activities occur. They may delegate this function to external reviewers or corporate quality teams who can provide unbiased evaluations.
Key QA activities include reviewing project documentation, auditing processes, checking compliance with standards, and assessing whether the project follows its defined approaches. QA personnel examine evidence that quality planning has been adequate, quality control activities are being performed correctly, and that lessons from previous projects have been incorporated.
The benefits of effective Quality Assurance include early identification of potential issues, reduced risk of project failure, improved stakeholder confidence, and better alignment with organizational objectives. QA reports typically feed back to the Project Board and corporate management, enabling informed decision-making about project continuation and resource allocation throughout the project journey.
Quality Assurance in PRINCE2 7th Edition: A Complete Guide
Introduction to Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance (QA) is a fundamental component of the PRINCE2 quality practice that ensures the project is being managed correctly and that appropriate standards and processes are being followed. Understanding QA is essential for passing your PRINCE2 Foundation exam and for practical project management success.
What is Quality Assurance?
Quality Assurance is an independent check that confirms the project is being directed and managed appropriately. It provides confidence to stakeholders, particularly corporate or programme management, that:
• The project is being conducted in accordance with relevant standards • The project management approach is suitable and being followed • Any tailoring of PRINCE2 is appropriate for the project • Proper controls are in place
The key word here is independent - QA must be performed by people who are not part of the project management team to maintain objectivity.
Why is Quality Assurance Important?
Quality Assurance serves several critical purposes:
1. Stakeholder Confidence: It provides assurance to those funding or sponsoring the project that their investment is being managed properly.
2. Early Problem Detection: QA activities can identify issues with project management practices before they cause significant problems.
3. Compliance Verification: It confirms that corporate standards, policies, and governance requirements are being met.
4. Continuous Improvement: QA findings contribute to lessons learned and organizational improvement.
5. Risk Reduction: By verifying proper processes are followed, QA helps reduce the risk of project failure.
How Quality Assurance Works
QA operates through the following mechanisms:
Independence: QA is conducted by individuals or groups external to the project team. This might include: • Corporate quality assurance functions • Programme assurance (if the project is part of a programme) • External auditors • Independent review teams
Project Assurance vs Quality Assurance: It is crucial to understand the distinction:
Project Assurance is a project board responsibility that monitors project progress on behalf of the board. It can be delegated but remains accountable to the board.
Quality Assurance is completely independent of the project and reports to corporate or programme management, not the project board.
Activities: QA typically involves: • Reviewing project documentation and plans • Auditing project processes and controls • Checking compliance with organizational standards • Assessing the effectiveness of project governance • Verifying that tailoring decisions are appropriate
Quality Assurance vs Quality Control
Another important distinction for exams:
Quality Assurance: Checks that proper processes and standards are being used (focuses on how work is done)
Quality Control: Checks that products meet their quality criteria (focuses on what is produced)
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Quality Assurance
1. Look for the word 'independent': When a question asks about QA, the correct answer will typically emphasize independence from the project management team.
2. Remember the reporting line: QA reports to corporate or programme management, NOT to the project board or project manager.
3. Distinguish from Project Assurance: If a question mentions monitoring on behalf of the project board, this is Project Assurance, not Quality Assurance.
4. Focus on process, not product: QA is about checking management processes and standards, not about testing deliverables - that would be Quality Control.
5. Think governance: QA questions often relate to organizational governance, compliance, and assurance to senior management.
6. Common trap answers: Be wary of options that suggest QA is performed by the project manager or project team members - this contradicts the independence principle.
7. Key phrases to identify: Look for terms like 'independent review', 'external to the project', 'corporate assurance', and 'compliance with standards' as indicators pointing toward QA.
8. Responsibility: Remember that QA is the responsibility of corporate or programme management, not the project itself. The project must accommodate QA activities but does not control them.
Summary
Quality Assurance provides independent verification that a project is being managed correctly. It is separate from Project Assurance and Quality Control, operates externally to the project, and reports to corporate or programme management. For exam success, always remember the three key characteristics: independent, external, and process-focused.