Project Management ToolBox: Tools and Techniques for the Practicing Project Manager

8

Quality Planning

The best is the enemy of the good.

Voltaire

This chapter focuses on the following tools:

• Project Quality Program
• Flowchart
• Affinity Diagram

Figure 8.1 The role of quality planning tools in standardized project management process.

The purpose of these tools is to help build predictability into PM processes. Quality planning begins by establishing quality goals, policies, and standards related to the project scope. It continues with the identification and design of PM processes, actions, and responsibilities needed to accomplish the goals and standards. In this effort, the role of the quality planning tools is crucial (see Figure 8.1). They make the planning possible, turning all this information into outcomes such as quality plans and PM processes. As these outcomes are pursued, quality planning needs to be synchronized with the core processes of scope, schedule, and cost planning, as well as the facilitating processes of risk, team, and procurement planning. This chapter aims at helping practicing and prospective project managers acquire the following skills:

• Learn how to use various quality planning tools.
• Choose quality planning tools that are appropriate for their project situation.
• Customize the tools of their choice.

These skills are critical in project planning and building a standardized PM process.

Project Quality Program

What Is a Project Quality ...