In PRINCE2 7 Practitioner and Applying PRINCE2 Practices, Quality is a fundamental aspect that ensures the project's deliverables meet the defined requirements and stakeholder expectations. Quality in PRINCE2 is not just about the final product but encompasses all processes and outputs throughout t…In PRINCE2 7 Practitioner and Applying PRINCE2 Practices, Quality is a fundamental aspect that ensures the project's deliverables meet the defined requirements and stakeholder expectations. Quality in PRINCE2 is not just about the final product but encompasses all processes and outputs throughout the project lifecycle. The PRINCE2 approach defines quality through a structured framework that includes quality planning, quality control, and quality assuranceQuality Planning involves identifying and defining what quality means for the project, establishing quality criteria and standards, and determining how these will be achieved. This includes creating a Quality Management Strategy and Quality Plan that outline the quality responsibilities, the methods for achieving quality, and the metrics for measuring itQuality Control is the ongoing process of monitoring and verifying that project deliverables meet the established quality standards. This involves regular inspections, testing, and reviews to identify and rectify any deviations from quality requirements. Techniques such as checkpoints and peer reviews are commonly used to maintain quality during the project's executionQuality Assurance ensures that the quality standards and processes are being followed correctly and are effective in achieving the desired level of quality. This is typically performed by an independent body or quality specialist who audits the project processes and provides feedback for improvementPRINCE2 emphasizes the importance of integrating quality management into every stage of the project. By focusing on quality from the outset, projects are more likely to deliver products that are fit for purpose, fulfill user needs, and contribute to overall business objectives. Effective quality management also helps in mitigating risks, reducing rework, and increasing stakeholder satisfaction. Ultimately, Quality in PRINCE2 is about delivering value through well-defined standards, consistent processes, and continuous improvement, ensuring that the project's outcomes align with the strategic goals and deliver the expected benefits.
PRINCE2 Quality Practice: Mastering Quality for PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
Introduction to PRINCE2 Quality Practice
Quality in PRINCE2 is a comprehensive approach focused on ensuring project deliverables meet stakeholder expectations, business requirements, and the criteria necessary for successful operation. This guide explores why quality matters, core PRINCE2 quality principles, and strategies for handling exam questions on quality.
Why Quality is Important in PRINCE2
Quality management is fundamental to PRINCE2 because:
• It ensures the end product is fit for purpose and meets business requirements
• It reduces expensive rework and prevents scope creep
• It builds stakeholder confidence and satisfaction
• It creates a shared understanding of what "good" looks like
• It aligns all project activities with delivering quality products
PRINCE2 Quality Components
1. Quality Planning Quality planning involves establishing standards and methods for achieving quality. This includes:
• Creating the Quality Management Strategy • Defining quality criteria for each product • Developing quality methods • Identifying quality responsibilities
2. Quality Control Quality control ensures products meet their quality criteria through:
• Quality reviews and inspections • Testing activities • Progress monitoring against quality expectations
3. Quality Assurance Quality assurance provides confidence that the project will meet quality requirements through:
• Independent reviews of processes • Verification that standards are being followed • Audits by the corporate/program quality assurance function
Key Quality Concepts in PRINCE2
Product Descriptions These define each product's purpose, composition, quality criteria, and quality methods. The product description is central to PRINCE2's quality approach as it forms the agreement on what will be produced.
Quality Register A log of all planned and completed quality activities, including inspections, customer reviews, and test results.
Customer Quality Expectations Documented in the Project Brief and refined in the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), these express what quality means to the customer.
Acceptance Criteria These measurable definitions of what must be done for the customer to accept the final product.
Quality Management Strategy This document defines the quality techniques and standards to be applied and the responsibilities for achieving the required quality levels.
Quality Roles and Responsibilities
• Project Board: Approves the Quality Management Strategy and provides resources for quality activities
• Project Manager: Plans quality activities, maintains the Quality Register, and ensures quality reviews take place
• Team Manager: Implements quality methods within work packages
• Project Assurance: Verifies adherence to the Quality Management Strategy
• Project Support: Assists with quality documentation and administration
The Quality Review Technique
PRINCE2 endorses three types of quality reviews:
1. Quality Inspection: Technical verification of a specialist product
2. Quality Check: Informal review, often by the creator
3. Quality Review: Formal review with roles including Chair, Presenter, Reviewer, and Administrator
The quality review follows these steps:
• Plan the review and prepare participants • Hold the review meeting to identify errors • Follow up on corrective actions • Verify product approval
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Quality
1. Understand the difference between quality criteria and acceptance criteria Quality criteria are product-specific measurable attributes, while acceptance criteria are project-wide requirements for customer acceptance.
2. Remember the quality review roles Be clear on the distinction between Chair, Presenter, Reviewer, and Administrator roles in formal quality reviews.
3. Connect quality to other themes Quality links closely with Risk (quality failures are risks), Plans (quality activities must be scheduled), and Change (changes may impact quality).
4. Focus on customer quality expectations Many exam questions test your understanding of how customer expectations translate into quality criteria and methods.
5. Know who's responsible for what Be precise about which role performs specific quality-related activities.
6. Apply quality practices to scenarios Practice identifying which quality activities would be appropriate in different project contexts.
7. Differentiate between quality planning, control, and assurance Understand when each aspect of quality management applies.
8. Remember quality is proactive, not reactive PRINCE2 emphasizes prevention over inspection – building quality in from the start.
Common Exam Question Types on Quality
• Identifying appropriate quality review methods for specific products
• Determining who should be involved in quality activities
• Selecting appropriate quality criteria for different product types
• Applying quality management to case study scenarios
• Identifying entries for the Quality Register
• Matching quality activities to project management stages
By mastering these key aspects of PRINCE2 Quality Practice, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the quality-related questions on your PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.