The Quality Review Technique is a structured approach used in PRINCE2 to assess whether a product meets its defined quality criteria and is fit for purpose. This technique provides a systematic method for reviewing products through a collaborative process involving relevant stakeholders.
The techn…The Quality Review Technique is a structured approach used in PRINCE2 to assess whether a product meets its defined quality criteria and is fit for purpose. This technique provides a systematic method for reviewing products through a collaborative process involving relevant stakeholders.
The technique involves three distinct roles: the Chair, who facilitates the review meeting and ensures it runs effectively; the Presenter, typically the product creator who explains the product and addresses questions; and the Reviewers, who examine the product against its quality criteria and identify any errors or concerns.
The Quality Review Technique follows three main phases. First is the Preparation phase, where reviewers receive the product and its quality criteria documentation. They independently examine the product and compile a list of questions or concerns to raise during the review meeting.
The second phase is the Review Meeting itself. During this structured session, the Chair guides discussions while the Presenter walks through the product. Reviewers raise their prepared questions, and the group collectively determines whether identified issues are genuine errors requiring correction or simply matters of style preference.
The third phase is Follow-up, where actions from the meeting are tracked and completed. The Presenter addresses identified errors, and the Chair confirms that all corrections have been satisfactorily made before the product can be approved.
The technique distinguishes between different types of issues: errors that must be corrected before approval, and items that represent optional improvements or stylistic preferences. This distinction helps teams focus on genuine quality problems rather than subjective opinions.
The Quality Review Technique supports the PRINCE2 principle of managing by exception by providing clear criteria against which products are assessed. It also promotes learning and continuous improvement by involving multiple perspectives in the review process, ensuring products meet agreed standards before proceeding to subsequent project stages.
Quality Review Technique in PRINCE2 v7
Why Quality Review Technique is Important
The Quality Review Technique is a fundamental method in PRINCE2 for ensuring that products meet their defined quality criteria. It provides a structured approach to detecting defects early in the project lifecycle, which significantly reduces the cost of fixing errors later. By identifying issues before products are approved, teams can maintain high standards and deliver products that are fit for purpose.
What is the Quality Review Technique?
The Quality Review Technique is a structured procedure designed to assess whether a product meets its quality criteria as defined in the Product Description. It is a team-based approach that brings together reviewers with relevant expertise to examine products systematically. The technique focuses on finding defects rather than fixing them during the review itself.
The technique involves three key roles: • Chair - Manages the review process and ensures it runs smoothly • Presenter - Represents the producer of the product and explains it to reviewers • Reviewer - Examines the product against quality criteria and raises questions
How the Quality Review Technique Works
The technique follows three main phases:
1. Review Preparation • The product and its Product Description are distributed to reviewers • Reviewers examine the product individually before the meeting • Reviewers prepare a list of questions about potential defects
2. Review Meeting • The Chair controls the meeting agenda and timing • The Presenter walks through the product • Reviewers raise their prepared questions • Questions are categorized as errors, improvements, or clarifications • An agreed action list is produced
3. Review Follow-up • Actions are completed by relevant parties • The Chair confirms all actions have been addressed • The product is either approved or requires another review
Key Characteristics to Remember
• The purpose is to detect defects, not to correct them during the review • It is product-focused, not person-focused • The producer of the product should not also be the Chair • One person can hold multiple roles if necessary • The technique can be applied to any type of product, including documents and specialist products
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Quality Review Technique
1. Focus on roles and responsibilities - Know the distinct duties of Chair, Presenter, and Reviewer. Questions often test whether you understand who does what.
2. Remember the three phases - Preparation, Review Meeting, and Follow-up. Be clear on what activities occur in each phase.
3. Detection vs Correction - A common exam trap is suggesting that defects are fixed during the review meeting. Always remember the technique is for detection only.
4. Chair independence - The Chair should be independent from the product being reviewed. Watch for answer options that suggest the producer should chair the review.
5. Question categories - Know that questions raised are categorized into errors, improvements, or clarifications. This helps determine follow-up actions.
6. Link to Product Description - The review checks products against quality criteria defined in the Product Description. This connection is frequently tested.
7. Flexibility of roles - Remember that in smaller teams, one person may perform multiple roles, except the producer should not be the Chair.
8. Read carefully - Look for keywords in questions such as 'preparation', 'during the meeting', or 'follow-up' to identify which phase is being referenced.
When facing scenario-based questions, identify the current phase of the review and match the described activities to the correct role or phase. Eliminate options that suggest correcting defects during the meeting or having the producer chair their own review.