QA and QC for a successful project

Quality assurance (QA) is the process-oriented activity of auditing quality requirements and the results of quality control measures, to ensure appropriate standards and operational definitions are used. Quality control (QC) is the product-oriented activity of monitoring and recording results of executing the quality activities to assess performance and recommend changes. Together they make sure the project delivers a product that meets requirements.

Implementation across the project

Plan Quality -> Perform QA -> Control Quality
(standards)     (process)     (product tests)
        <-- feedback and improvement -->

1. Plan quality
   • Identify quality requirements and standards (ISO 9001, CMMI, IEEE).
   • Prepare the quality management plan, metrics and checklists.
2. Quality assurance (during execution)
   • Audits of processes, reviews and walkthroughs.
   • Process analysis and continuous improvement (PDCA).
   • Training and use of defined standards.
   • Ensures that we are "doing the right things in the right way".
3. Quality control (monitoring)
   • Inspections, testing (unit, integration, system, UAT).
   • Statistical tools: control charts, Pareto, histogram, cause-and-effect diagram.
   • Defect tracking and corrective action.
   • Verified deliverables go to customer acceptance.

Contribution to a successful project

• Fewer defects and rework, lower cost of quality.
• Meets customer requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Reduces risk and schedule delays.
• Gives confidence to stakeholders and builds reputation.

Example: For a banking app, QA ensures coding standards and reviews are followed; QC runs functional tests and security tests before release; defects found feed back to improve the process.