How do you match project quality to strategic goals?

1 Define quality criteria

The first step to match project quality to strategic goals is to define the quality criteria that will measure the performance and outcome of your project. Quality criteria are the specific attributes, features, or characteristics that your project must have or meet to be considered successful. You can use various sources to identify and prioritize the quality criteria, such as the project charter, the business case, the stakeholder analysis, the requirements document, and the strategic plan. You should also involve your project team, sponsors, customers, and other key stakeholders in defining and agreeing on the quality criteria, as they may have different perspectives and expectations.

3 Execute quality assurance

The third step is to execute the quality assurance activities that will ensure that your project meets the quality standards and criteria that you have defined and planned. Quality assurance is the process of verifying that your project processes are following the best practices and guidelines of your organization and stakeholders, and that they are producing the desired results. You should conduct regular quality audits and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your project processes, and identify any gaps, issues, or risks that may affect the quality of your project. You should also implement continuous improvement methods, such as the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, to enhance the quality of your project processes and deliverables.

4 Perform quality control

The fourth step is to perform the quality control activities that will measure and validate the quality of your project deliverables and outputs. Quality control is the process of checking that your project deliverables and outputs meet the quality criteria and standards that you have defined and planned, and that they satisfy the needs and expectations of your stakeholders. You should use various quality tools and techniques to inspect, test, and evaluate your project deliverables and outputs, and record and report any defects, errors, or deviations. You should also implement corrective and preventive actions to fix any quality problems and prevent them from recurring.

5 Manage quality changes

The fifth step is to manage any changes that may affect the quality of your project. Changes are inevitable in any project, and they may have positive or negative impacts on the quality of your project deliverables, processes, or outcomes. You should follow a change management process that allows you to assess, approve, implement, and communicate any changes that may affect the quality of your project, and ensure that they are aligned with the strategic goals of your project and organization. You should also update your quality management plan, quality criteria, and quality baselines accordingly, and monitor and control the effects of the changes on the quality of your project.

6 Communicate quality results

The sixth and final step is to communicate the quality results of your project to your stakeholders. Communication is essential for ensuring that your stakeholders are aware of the quality performance and outcome of your project, and that they are satisfied with the value and benefits that your project delivers. You should use various communication tools and techniques to share the quality information and data of your project, such as the quality metrics, reports, dashboards, feedback, lessons learned, and best practices. You should also solicit and address any feedback, concerns, or suggestions that your stakeholders may have regarding the quality of your project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?