Quality Control
The goal of controlling quality is referenced in the 5th edition of the PMBOK Guide by the control quality process.
According to the PMBOKGuide, the control quality process is defined as the “process of monitoring and
recording the results of executing the quality activities to assess performance and recommend necessary
changes.” In other words, quality control focuses on project results ensuring that they comply with the quality
standards defined for the project and eliminating any causes of unsatisfactory performance.
This process measures the details of the product results, such as deliverables or defects, and also of the project
management results, such as schedule. The PMBOKGuide acknowledges that often a specialized organizational
unit with specific expertise in quality control performs quality control.
Many of the techniques under the control quality process assume a working knowledge of statistical quality
control, in particular the concepts of sampling and probability. The distinctions between attribute and variable
sampling, precision and accuracy, and tolerance and control limits are fundamental components of a working
knowledge of statistical quality control:
Prevention aids in identifying and avoiding potential problems so that they never enter or impact the
process.
Inspection helps to identify and eliminate or correct errors so that they are not delivered to the
customer.
Tolerance is a range of acceptable performance or results