Introduction to project management/IPM103/Quality/Quality assurance

It is common for there to be some confusion between quality control and quality assurance, but the terms should not be used interchangeably.

Quality Assurance: The planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled. Quality Control: The observation techniques and activities used to fulfill requirements for quality.

Quality assurance is the process of checking the checks. It is where the processes of quality control are evaluated. It is where you ask the question, "Is our quality control working?"

There are some well recognized methods of providing quality assurance.

International standards are set for quality management by the International standards organization organisation (ISO). One of the standards that relates to quality of the ISO 9001. You can find out more about the quality management standards here

If your processes are recognised as up to the ISO 9001 your organisation will be recognised internationally as having the ability to deliver a high level of quality assurance.

WEnote

For your project, when and how will you check that your quality control is working?