Quality Management is an integral part of Project Management as it ensures that a project is successfully completed through its four phases - concept, development, execution, and finish - without deviating from the predetermined project requirements. To do this, a supportive atmosphere must be created, with an emphasis on high-quality policies, plans, processes, programme, and specifications.
The industry relies on the seven essential quality tools, often known as the 7QC Tools, to efficiently solve quality-related issues within the context of the PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act).1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram: Also referred to as a Fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram, shows the many inputs into a process or product, making it easier to see potential problems by pinpointing the sources of such defects.
2. Control Charts: These graphical representations compare data over time to predetermined control limits, with a center line to identify patterns of plotted values edging closer to control limits, maintaining process stability.
3. Flowcharting: Using a diagram format, flowcharts show the inputs, actions taken during the process, and results of one or more processes inside a system, making it easier to comprehend how a process works.
4. Histogram: A bar chart used to show how variables have changed over time, allowing for a clear grasp of the frequency distribution of the data.
5. Pareto Chart: An ordered bar chart that shows the frequency of occurrence for several categories can be used to pinpoint the key causes of a problem or outcome.
6. Run charts: It uses a line graph to plot data over time, making it possible to see trends in process variation, which is useful for efforts to optimize processes.
7. Scatter Diagrams: These graphical depictions highlight the relationship between two variables using Cartesian coordinates, enabling quantitative analysis based on mathematical statistics.
Projects can proactively address quality concerns, improve performance, and increase project success rates by combining these 7QC Tools with the PDCA Cycle.