The topic of 'quality' has been written about and discussed in countless forums, so much so that it has almost lost its relevance. When we describe an item as being of high quality, we are describing a feeling or reaction as much as anything.

For many of us, 'Quality' evokes an image of something well crafted.  Every aspect  is superior, and it inspires appreciation, even awe.   We witness quality in every field possible, from craft, art, sport and hobbies to business. There are features of quality outcomes that are universal. They include:

In terms of IM&T projects,  quality is evident when the expected outcomes or objectives are delivered:

Ease of use, and acceptance by the stakeholders are also good indicators.  To achieve this, the administration of the project itself needs to be subject to quality processes. This is the area on which we concentrate.

Project Quality

Projects - particularly today's information management and technology projects - are often large and complex undertakings. Many interrelated tasks are performed by increasingly large teams of specialists. As with all fields, quality is not something 'bolted on' to a project. It is not a separate task, but is intrinsic to every individual activity within the project.

But while it is not a separate task, there are many specific things which can be done to boost the potential for a high quality result. This includes such things as:

• Conducting a thorough cost / benefits analysis before committing to the project

• Ensuring  genuine management support, and appointing a committed project owner / sponsor

• Setting up an appropriate project governance structure

• Selecting an appropriately skilled and experienced project manager

• Appointing suitably knowledgeable staff to the project

• Ensuring the project has sufficient funding

• Having a solid project management methodology

• Undertaking proper risk management techniques

• Enforcing standards

• Thorough reporting and control mechanisms

• Having regular project health checks

• Communicating effectively with all stakeholders

This is not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination.  Most of these activities are routinely undertaken in many projects. You might think most of these are so patently obvious, they hardly rate mentioning. Yet more than 50% of projects fail to meet their objectives in terms of their budget, time allowed, or functionality. And we believe that in most cases, failure could be traced to the lack of attention to one or more of the activities in this list.

Why?  Sometimes because the project was undertaken by an inexperienced project manager who did not know the ropes. More often because something happens in the course of the project which diverts resources and energy from these activities, beginning a downward spiral from which only the most skilled project manager can recover.

Further information on key activities which help assure quality processes:-

• The Project Office
• The Project Quality / Health Check
• Should Project Managers come from the business, or from IT?