{"id":36937,"date":"2023-08-21T10:01:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T10:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.proprofs.com\/c\/?p=36937"},"modified":"2026-02-02T07:51:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T07:51:20","slug":"project-quality-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Project Quality Management: A Project Manager\u2019s Guide in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I have seen plenty of projects \u201csucceed\u201d on paper. The timeline looks great. The budget is clean. The status reports are all green. And then the project goes live, and everything changes. A small bug turns into a big customer complaint. A missing checklist item becomes a compliance issue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is when you realize something important: Delivery is not the finish line. Quality is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is why Project quality management is one of the first things I lock in, even before the project picks up speed. It is how I make sure we are not just shipping work, but shipping the highest-quality work, at the right standard and with fewer surprises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I will break down project quality management in a way you can actually use. You will learn the three pillars (planning, assurance, control), how to measure quality with practical metrics, and real examples and checklists you can apply to your next project, whether you manage software, operations, marketing, or client delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#What_Is_Project_Quality_Management\" title=\" Project Quality Management\"> Project Quality Management<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#The_3_Pillars_of_Project_Quality_Management\" title=\" 3 Pillars of PQM\"> 3 Pillars of PQM<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#Why_Is_Project_Quality_Management_Important\" title=\" Why Is It Important?\"> Why Is It Important?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#What_Are_Some_of_the_Best_Visual_Charts_for_Project_Quality_Management\" title=\" Best Tools\"> Best Tools<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#Templates_and_Checklists\" title=\"Templates and Checklists&nbsp;\">Templates and Checklists&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#Steer_Your_Way_to_Project_Excellence_With_ProProfs_Project\" title=\" Conclusion\"> Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\" Frequently Asked Questions \"> Frequently Asked Questions <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Project_Quality_Management\"><\/span>What Is Project Quality Management?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Is Project Management? How to Manage Projects Online With ProProfs Project\" width=\"1120\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hCXIif5dCV8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Project quality management (PQM) is the systematic process of ensuring that your project deliverables meet (and ideally exceed) stakeholder expectations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not about achieving perfection (which, let\u2019s be honest, is often an elusive goal).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s rather about proactively defining what \u2018quality\u2019 means for your specific project, putting processes in place to achieve it, and continuously monitoring progress to ensure you stay on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But then\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isn\u2019t \u2018quality\u2019 a relative term?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, that is true. Defining quality can have several perspectives \u2013 of the team\u2019s, customers\u2019, comparison with other projects, etc. So, what\u2019s acceptable for one client may not work for another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what\u2019s the need for quality management, anyway? Well, for that, you need to know about the three key pillars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_3_Pillars_of_Project_Quality_Management\"><\/span><strong>The 3 Pillars of Project Quality Management<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<video style=\"max-width: 100%;\" preload=\"auto\" autoplay=\"\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\">\n<source src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/home-image\/banner-animation.mp4\">\nYour browser does not support the video tag.\n<\/video>\n\n\n\n<p>Most project quality frameworks are built around three core processes: quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control. Think of them like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Planning<\/strong> decides what \u201cgood\u201d looks like and how you will measure it.<\/li><li><strong>Assurance<\/strong> makes sure your team is following the right process to build \u201cgood\u201d consistently.<\/li><li><strong>Control<\/strong> checks the actual output and catches gaps before customers do.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these pillars help you avoid a common trap in quality management in project management: relying only on last-minute testing and hoping everything turns out fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>1) Quality Planning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you define what quality means for <em>this<\/em> project, not quality in general. If you skip this step, your team will still do \u201cquality work,\u201d but everyone will have a different idea of what quality is. That is where rework starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/planning-software-1-1024x562.png\" alt=\"Quality Planning\" class=\"wp-image-48789\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What quality planning usually includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Stakeholder expectations (what \u201cdone\u201d should look like)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Start by capturing what different stakeholders care about. A client might care about usability. A compliance team might care about documentation. Your leadership might care about the launch date and risk. Quality planning brings these expectations into one clear view so nobody is guessing later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Quality standards (internal benchmarks, industry rules, regulatory needs)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This is the \u201crules of the road.\u201d It could be internal standards (coding guidelines, brand rules, SOPs), industry best practices, or formal regulations. The point is simple: your team needs a shared reference for what acceptable quality looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Acceptance criteria (the minimum bar for approving deliverables)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Acceptance criteria make quality measurable. Instead of \u201clooks good,\u201d you get statements like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\u201cPage loads in under 2 seconds on mobile.\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cAll high-severity bugs are fixed before release.\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cTraining module includes 5 scenario-based questions and passes internal review.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When acceptance criteria are clear, reviews become faster and approvals become fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Quality metrics + thresholds (how you will measure and what counts as \u201coff-track\u201d)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Metrics tell you whether you are staying on track while the project is still in motion. Thresholds tell you when to intervene. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\u201cEscaped defects must stay under X per release.\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cFirst-pass approval rate should be at least Y%.\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cRework should not exceed Z% of total effort.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where your project management quality becomes trackable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Quality checklists (repeatable checks your team can actually follow)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Checklists keep quality consistent across people and teams. They also reduce the \u201cI forgot to verify that\u201d moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick example checklist for a deliverable might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Acceptance criteria reviewed<\/li><li>Required tests completed<\/li><li>Stakeholder sign-off captured<\/li><li>Documentation updated<\/li><li>Risks and open issues logged<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What this pillar prevents:<\/strong> unclear expectations, subjective reviews, and quality surprises near the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>2) Quality Assurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Quality assurance is about improving and auditing the <em>process<\/em> so defects do not happen in the first place. It is proactive, not reactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If quality planning is \u201cwhat good means,\u201d QA is \u201care we working in a way that produces good outcomes consistently?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good QA habits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Peer reviews (requirements, designs, code, content, test cases)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Reviews are one of the cheapest ways to prevent defects. A 30-minute review can save days of rework later. The key is consistency: use a checklist and do it at the same stage each time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Process audits at key milestones<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Audits sound formal, but they can be simple. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\u201cDid we follow the definition of done for this sprint?\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cDid we run the agreed test suite before marking items complete?\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cDid we document decisions and changes?\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Audits are how you spot process drift early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Quality gates (you do not move forward until the quality bar is met)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Quality gates prevent \u201cwe will fix it later\u201d from becoming the plan. Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You cannot start development until requirements have acceptance criteria.<\/li><li>You cannot go to launch until critical tests pass.<\/li><li>You cannot close the project until handover docs are complete.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Team norms that make it safe to flag issues early<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>In many teams, people stay quiet because they do not want to look negative or slow things down. A strong QA culture flips that. You treat early issue-spotting as a strength, not an inconvenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What this pillar prevents:<\/strong> repeated mistakes, inconsistent execution, and teams rushing without guardrails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>3) Quality Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Quality control is where you inspect actual outputs and compare results against your standards and acceptance criteria. This is the \u201cprove it\u201d stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If QA is about process confidence, QC is about deliverable proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>QC can include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Testing and inspections<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This can be software testing, document reviews, content QA, physical inspections, or sampling. The point is to confirm the output meets the defined criteria, not just that it feels right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Tracking quality metrics over time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Wrike-Reports-SS_Wrike-1024x745.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46873\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>QC is not only a final check. It is an ongoing measurement. Trends matter more than one-off numbers. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Are defects increasing sprint after sprint?<\/li><li>Is rework creeping up?<\/li><li>Are approvals taking longer than before?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Those are early warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Logging issues and rework<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>If issues are not logged, they do not exist in your reporting. Good logging helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>spot recurring problems<\/li><li>understand impact and severity<\/li><li>prioritize what to fix first<\/li><li>estimate effort realistically<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Root cause analysis (so problems do not repeat)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Fixing a bug is not the same as fixing the reason it happened. Root cause analysis helps you answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Why did this slip through?<\/li><li>Which step failed or was missing?<\/li><li>What change prevents it next time?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Corrective actions when thresholds are crossed<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This is where your thresholds become useful. If your defect rate crosses the agreed limit, you pause and act. Actions might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>adding a review step<\/li><li>improving test coverage<\/li><li>clarifying acceptance criteria<\/li><li>rebalancing workload or scope<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What this pillar prevents:<\/strong> quality issues reaching customers, late-stage chaos, and repeat defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_Project_Quality_Management_Important\"><\/span>Why Is Project Quality Management Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/project-management-workflow-2-1024x767.png\" alt=\"Proejct Management\" class=\"wp-image-48791\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Project quality management is about meeting specifications, delivering value, and ensuring that the project\u2019s outcomes align with the business objectives and customer needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let\u2019s talk about its importance below \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Increased Customer Satisfaction: <\/strong>When you deliver high-quality projects that exceed expectations, you build trust, foster long-term relationships, and generate positive word-of-mouth referrals. This can lead to repeat business, increased customer lifetime value, and a stronger competitive advantage.<\/li><li><strong>Reduced Rework:<\/strong> You save time and resources by identifying and addressing issues early on. Without quality management, that would otherwise be wasted on fixing problems later in the development cycle.<\/li><li><strong>Improved Team Morale:<\/strong> Working on a project that consistently produces quality results motivates teams and fosters a sense of accomplishment.<\/li><li><strong>Enhanced Profitability: <\/strong>Reduced rework, increased client satisfaction, and improved project efficiency all contribute to a healthier bottom line.<\/li><li><strong>Mitigated Risk:<\/strong> Identifying and addressing potential quality issues early helps avoid project delays, cost overruns, and reputational damage.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Some_of_the_Best_Visual_Charts_for_Project_Quality_Management\"><\/span>What Are Some of the Best Visual Charts for Project Quality Management?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s look at the most popular project quality management tools that can help you assess the quality of your project and improve it when you still have time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>1. Gantt Charts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/solutions\/gantt-chart-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gantt charts<\/a> can be considered a valuable tool in project quality management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Is Gantt Chart? Why Do You Need a Gantt Chart Tool for Project Management?\" width=\"1120\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zieyLUCKOck?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Gantt charts are primarily used for scheduling and tracking project timelines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the fact that it provides a visual representation of the project schedule \u2013 showing when each activity should start and finish, how long it will take, and where activities overlap with one another \u2013 helps project managers ensure that tasks are completed on time and that the project stays on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>2. Affinity Diagrams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Affinity Diagrams are used to organize a large number of ideas into logical groups. This tool is particularly useful during brainstorming sessions when the project team needs to sift through complex information and categorize it in a way that facilitates understanding and action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"548\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Affinity-Diagrams-compressed-1024x548.jpg\" alt=\"Affinity Diagrams:\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-45610\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>3. Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The PDPC is a tool that helps you anticipate potential problems and plan countermeasures. By identifying what could go wrong in a plan, you can develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure that quality objectives are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/V-fgmxzD7Iw0zisf_0QHEgXjSenHrRR7VrByV9C4WhfmzPwUqY5EUXhQ3UbohbWpHnNCzctARdDNj3lzjyQn-Rcih5SIZ0-K1yGqpOF24DJSfBz88Jw2qQ5fZD_S5UUUHLgrrh0WrLeeLAriqCTaQrc\" alt=\"Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC):\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>4. Interrelationship Diagrams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These diagrams identify and analyze the cause-and-effect relationships among various project components. Understanding these interrelationships is crucial for determining the root causes of quality issues and addressing them effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/effectively-compressed-1024x585.jpg\" alt=\"Interrelationship Diagrams:\" class=\"wp-image-45613\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>5. Prioritization Matrices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioritization Matrices enable project teams to focus on the most critical quality issues. Teams can allocate resources more efficiently by evaluating and ranking problems based on their severity and potential impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>6. Network Diagrams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Network Diagrams are visual representations of a project\u2019s activities and their dependencies. They are instrumental in planning and scheduling project work, ensuring that quality tasks are integrated into the project timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/timeline-compressed-1024x585.jpg\" alt=\"Network Diagrams:\" class=\"wp-image-45614\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>7. Matrix Diagrams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Matrix Diagrams are used to display the relationship between different sets of data. They can help compare and contrast factors affecting quality, such as the alignment between project objectives and quality standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the different types of Matrix Diagrams \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"866\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Diagrams-compressed-866x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Matrix Diagrams:\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-45612\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Templates_and_Checklists\"><\/span><strong>Templates and Checklists&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where project quality management becomes practical. Templates and checklists remove guesswork, reduce back-and-forth, and help teams apply project management quality consistently across projects. You do not need complex documents. A few clear, repeatable templates are usually enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are simple, field-tested formats you can copy and adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Template 1: Project Quality Management Plan (1-Page)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this at the start of the project or during kickoff. Keep it short and visible to the entire team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project Quality Management Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project name:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Project owner:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Key stakeholders:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Quality definition (plain language)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>What does \u201chigh quality\u201d mean for this project?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Stakeholder expectations<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>List what each major stakeholder cares about most (speed, accuracy, compliance, usability, cost, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Quality standards to follow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Internal standards<\/li><li>Industry best practices<\/li><li>Regulatory or compliance requirements<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Acceptance criteria (summary)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>What must be true for deliverables to be approved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Quality metrics and thresholds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-174\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-174 tablepress-responsive\">\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Metric<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">How it\u2019s measured<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Target<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Threshold<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Owner<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Frequency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-174 from cache -->\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. Quality gates<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Key checkpoints where quality must be reviewed before moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. Quality assurance activities<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Reviews, audits, training, or process checks that prevent defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Quality control activities<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Testing, inspections, sampling, and final validations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Issue handling and escalation<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>How quality issues are logged, prioritized, fixed, and reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. Reporting and visibility<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Who receives quality reports and how often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Template 2: Acceptance Criteria Template (Per Deliverable)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this for every major deliverable to avoid subjective approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deliverable name:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>What problem does this deliverable solve?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Acceptance criteria:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pass or Fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Performance requirements:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Response time, accuracy, reliability, or tolerance levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Compliance or standards:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Brand rules, security guidelines, legal or industry requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Validation method:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Test, inspection, review, or demo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Approval owner:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Who signs off?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evidence required:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Screenshots, test reports, recordings, or documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clear acceptance criteria are one of the strongest ways to protect project quality management outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Checklist 1: Requirements Quality Checklist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this before development or execution begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Requirements are clear and unambiguous<br><\/li><li>Each requirement is testable<br><\/li><li>Acceptance criteria exist for key items<br><\/li><li>Assumptions and constraints are documented<br><\/li><li>Dependencies are identified<br><\/li><li>\u201cOut of scope\u201d items are clearly listed<br><\/li><li>Stakeholders have reviewed and approved<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Checklist 2: Pre-Execution Quality Checklist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Run this before starting a major phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Quality standards are documented and shared<br><\/li><li>Roles and responsibilities are clear<br><\/li><li>Quality metrics and thresholds are agreed upon<br><\/li><li>Quality gates are defined in the timeline<br><\/li><li>Review and audit schedules are planned<br><\/li><li>Risk areas affecting quality are identified<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Checklist 3: Pre-Launch or Pre-Handover Quality Checklist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this before delivery, launch, or final handover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>All acceptance criteria are met<br><\/li><li>Critical tests or inspections are complete<br><\/li><li>High-severity issues are resolved or formally accepted<br><\/li><li>Rework items are closed or documented<br><\/li><li>Supporting documentation is complete<br><\/li><li>Stakeholder approvals are recorded<br><\/li><li>Post-launch monitoring plan is in place<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Checklist 4: Post-Delivery Quality Review<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this after delivery to improve future projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Were quality metrics met consistently?<br><\/li><li>Where did defects or rework occur most often?<br><\/li><li>Which processes worked well?<br><\/li><li>Which steps caused delays or confusion?<br><\/li><li>What should be changed for the next project?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Documenting these insights helps improve the importance of quality in project management over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steer_Your_Way_to_Project_Excellence_With_ProProfs_Project\"><\/span>Steer Your Way to Project Excellence With ProProfs Project<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Project quality management is not something you \u201cset and forget.\u201d It works best when quality is planned early, reviewed often, and measured consistently throughout the project. When teams take the time to define clear standards, track the right metrics, and learn from issues as they arise, projects tend to run more smoothly and deliver results that stakeholders actually value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, managing quality manually can get overwhelming, especially as projects grow in size or complexity. You are juggling quality goals, reviews, checkpoints, metrics, and documentation, all while trying to keep timelines and teams aligned. Without a structured system, quality checks can easily get delayed or skipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where a simple project management tool can help keep quality visible and organized. Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ProProfs Project<\/a> make it easier to plan work using Gantt charts, track tasks tied to quality objectives, and review outcomes through clear reports. It does not replace good quality practices, but it does support them by giving teams one place to plan, monitor, and improve how work gets done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>#sp-ea-48794 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-48794{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-48794 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-48794{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}.eap_section_title_48794 { color: #444 !important; margin-bottom:  30px !important; }#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon.fa { float: right; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}#sp-ea-48794.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon.fa {margin-right: 0;}<\/style><h2 class=\"eap_section_title eap_section_title_48794\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span> Frequently Asked Questions <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"sp-ea-48794\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ex-icon=\"fa-angle-up\" data-col-icon=\"fa-angle-down\"  data-ea-active=\"ea-click\"  data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-48794\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=#collapse487940 href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  aria-expanded=\"true\"><i class=\"ea-expand-icon fa fa-angle-up\"><\/i> What is project quality management in simple terms?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse487940\" data-parent=#sp-ea-48794><div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Project quality management is how you plan, monitor, and check work so project results meet agreed expectations. It focuses on defining quality early, following the right processes during execution, and reviewing outputs to make sure they meet customer and stakeholder requirements before delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=#collapse487941 href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  aria-expanded=\"false\"><i class=\"ea-expand-icon fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse487941\" data-parent=#sp-ea-48794><div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quality assurance focuses on improving processes to prevent errors before work is completed. Quality control focuses on inspecting deliverables after or during execution to identify defects and fix them. In short, assurance is process-focused, while control is output-focused.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=#collapse487942 href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  aria-expanded=\"false\"><i class=\"ea-expand-icon fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> What is a good project quality management example?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse487942\" data-parent=#sp-ea-48794><div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common example is a software release where teams define clear acceptance criteria, review code regularly, track defect density and escaped bugs, apply quality gates before launch, and gather customer feedback at milestones to confirm the product meets stakeholder expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=#collapse487943 href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  aria-expanded=\"false\"><i class=\"ea-expand-icon fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> How do I choose the right quality metrics?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse487943\" data-parent=#sp-ea-48794><div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by understanding what stakeholders care about most. Choose 6 to 10 metrics tied directly to acceptance criteria and project goals. Set clear targets and thresholds for each metric, review them regularly, and focus on trends rather than one-time results.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\"> { \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is project quality management in simple terms?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Project quality management is how you plan, monitor, and check work so project results meet agreed expectations. 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A missing checklist item becomes a compliance issue.&nbsp; That is when you realize something&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":45616,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[19],"tags":[4],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Project Quality Management: A Project Manager\u2019s Guide in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn Project Quality Management in 2026. Understand quality planning, and control to reduce rework and deliver quality projects.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Project Quality Management: A Project Manager\u2019s Guide in 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ProProfs Project Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-21T10:01:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T07:51:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Feature.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"810\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"David Miller\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Project Quality Management: A Project Manager\u2019s Guide in 2026","description":"Learn Project Quality Management in 2026. 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Understand quality planning, and control to reduce rework and deliver quality projects.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/project-quality-management\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Is Project Quality Management: A Project Manager\u2019s Guide in 2026"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d7e40aa7f7c752e6b56e13837eae4bbe","name":"David Miller","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.proprofsproject.com\/blog\/#personlogo","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dae1a2b22ca946c7335bba9b6f7b532a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dae1a2b22ca946c7335bba9b6f7b532a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"David Miller"},"description":"David Miller, an Expert Writer at ProProfs, has over 12 years of experience as a consultant and business strategist. 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