Output Model
Taking into account three main quality reporting metrics, which are cost, productivity and quality one needs to select the appropriate tools and techniques in order to gather the necessary data. To collect the quality metrics it’s advisable to use “Input: Process: Output” model (Goff, 2008). Inputs are the resources which were assigned to the project.
Then it’s important to light out the processes of the project, sum up the results and make necessary corrections, when it’s needed. Outputs must be carefully reviewed so the inputs and processes could be corrected. The technique of flowcharting is useful for collecting the quality metrics, as it can help the project team anticipate what and where quality problems might occur (PMBoK, 2000).In order to provide useful data on the productivity of the project one should analyze the schedule, namely variance between target date and tentative date. The measurement must be taken weekly for more convenience and accuracy. Also, on this step it’s easier to track the progress of the project implementation, evaluating the amount of work done up to the current moment and the speed of solving the issues.The cost metrics are based on the variance between planned cost of the project and expected cost. Again, in order to get the most exact data it’s better to take this metrics weekly. Standard IT project budget comprises hardware (HW), software (SW) and human resources or labor. If available HW and SW are overloaded, it will lead to budget issues for not capturing the load of the resources correctly from the very beginning.
Labor cost is tied the schedule and correlated with it, so that every change in the schedule leads to the changes in labor cost. Thus, all the metrics collected compose the quality policy of the project and in order to control if the project corresponds to its policy quality audits must be applied. A quality audit is a structured review of other quality management activities (PMBoK, 2000). By reviewing all collected data in the form of a quality review one can see the actual quality assurance of the project.
References
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOKВ® Guide). (2004) (3rd ed.).
Goff, S. (2008). Measuring and Managing Project Quality If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Retrieved from Download Full Essay Show full preview