The Quality Management Approach is a fundamental component of PRINCE2 7 that defines how quality will be achieved and verified throughout a project. This approach establishes the quality standards, procedures, and responsibilities that guide the project team in delivering products that meet stakeho…The Quality Management Approach is a fundamental component of PRINCE2 7 that defines how quality will be achieved and verified throughout a project. This approach establishes the quality standards, procedures, and responsibilities that guide the project team in delivering products that meet stakeholder expectations and are fit for purpose.
The Quality Management Approach document typically includes several key elements. First, it defines the quality standards and specifications that products must conform to, often referencing corporate or programme quality management systems. Second, it outlines the quality methods and techniques to be used, such as quality reviews, testing procedures, and inspection methods.
The approach also specifies quality responsibilities, clarifying who is accountable for quality assurance and quality control activities. Quality assurance focuses on ensuring processes are followed correctly, while quality control involves checking that products meet their specified requirements through activities like testing and reviews.
Another essential aspect is defining quality records and documentation requirements. This includes how quality activities will be recorded, what evidence needs to be retained, and how quality metrics will be tracked and reported. The approach should also address how quality issues and non-conformances will be handled and escalated.
The Quality Management Approach connects closely with Product Descriptions, which contain the quality criteria and tolerance levels for individual products. It supports the creation of quality registers that track planned and actual quality activities.
During project initiation, the Project Manager develops the Quality Management Approach as part of the Project Initiation Documentation. It may be updated during stage boundaries if quality requirements or methods need adjustment. The approach ensures consistent quality standards are applied, stakeholders understand quality expectations, and the project delivers products that are truly fit for their intended purpose, ultimately contributing to successful project outcomes.
Quality Management Approach in PRINCE2 7th Edition
Why is the Quality Management Approach Important?
The Quality Management Approach is a critical document in PRINCE2 because it ensures that all products delivered by the project meet the required quality standards. It prevents costly rework, reduces the risk of delivering unsuitable products, and ensures stakeholder satisfaction. A well-defined Quality Management Approach provides confidence to the Project Board that quality is being managed effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
What is the Quality Management Approach?
The Quality Management Approach is a management product that describes how quality will be managed throughout the project. It defines the quality techniques, standards, and responsibilities that will be applied. This document is created during the Initiating a Project process and is maintained throughout the project.
The Quality Management Approach typically includes: • Quality management procedures from corporate or programme management • Quality standards and methods to be applied • Quality responsibilities for the project team • Quality tools and techniques to be used • Quality records required • Timing of quality activities • Metrics and reporting requirements
How Does it Work?
The Quality Management Approach works by establishing a clear framework for quality activities:
1. Planning: During initiation, the Project Manager creates the Quality Management Approach, incorporating any corporate or programme quality management systems.
2. Application: Throughout the project, team members follow the defined procedures for quality planning, quality control, and quality assurance.
3. Documentation: Quality activities are recorded in the Quality Register, which tracks all planned and completed quality activities.
4. Review: The approach is reviewed at stage boundaries and updated if necessary to reflect lessons learned or changing requirements.
Key Relationships: • Links to Product Descriptions which define quality criteria and tolerance • Supports the creation of the Quality Register • Aligns with corporate quality management systems • Informs stage planning and work package creation
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Quality Management Approach
Tip 1: Know When It Is Created Remember that the Quality Management Approach is created during the Initiating a Project process. Questions often test whether you know the correct timing.
Tip 2: Understand the Difference Between Quality Control and Quality Assurance Quality control focuses on checking products against their criteria. Quality assurance provides independent verification that quality processes are being followed. Both should be addressed in the Quality Management Approach.
Tip 3: Remember Corporate Integration The Quality Management Approach should align with and incorporate any existing corporate or programme quality management systems. This is a common exam topic.
Tip 4: Distinguish from Product Descriptions The Quality Management Approach defines how quality will be managed, while Product Descriptions define the specific quality criteria for individual products. Do not confuse these two.
Tip 5: Know the Contents Be familiar with what the Quality Management Approach contains: procedures, standards, responsibilities, tools, techniques, records, and timing of quality activities.
Tip 6: Link to the Quality Register The Quality Management Approach and Quality Register work together. The approach defines the framework; the register tracks actual quality activities.
Tip 7: Read Questions Carefully When faced with scenario questions, identify whether the question is asking about planning quality activities (Quality Management Approach) or recording quality results (Quality Register).
Tip 8: Ownership The Project Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining the Quality Management Approach, with input from Project Assurance who may have specific quality responsibilities.