7.7 Control Quality

7.7 Control Quality
Inputs Tools & Techniques Outputs

Replace this with term.

Purpose & When to Use

Control Quality confirms that project outputs meet specified requirements. It uses inspection, measurement, and testing to find defects, verify fixes, and provide objective evidence of conformance. Use it throughout delivery, especially when work packages complete, before handing items to customer acceptance.

Mini Flow (How It’s Done)

  • Prepare: gather quality metrics, acceptance criteria, sampling plan, and test procedures.
  • Inspect and test: perform checks, measurements, or trials on work results and deliverables.
  • Record findings: log defects, variances, and measurement data using checklists or check sheets.
  • Analyze: use basic statistics and charts to spot trends, outliers, and root causes.
  • Correct and re-test: request rework, verify fixes, and confirm compliance with metrics.
  • Output and communicate: produce verified deliverables, measurement results, change requests, and updates to plans and lessons learned.

Quality & Acceptance Checklist

  • Applicable quality metrics and tolerances are identified and current.
  • Test or inspection methods are defined, repeatable, and tools are calibrated.
  • Sampling approach and acceptance criteria are documented and followed.
  • All checks are executed; results and evidence are recorded and traceable.
  • Defects are logged with severity, location, and responsible owner.
  • Rework is completed and verified; failed items are not released.
  • Recurring or systemic issues undergo root cause analysis and actions are captured.
  • Configuration item identity matches the version tested and approved.
  • Verified deliverables and measurement summaries are prepared for customer acceptance.
  • Change requests, updates to the quality plan, and lessons learned are submitted as needed.

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

  • Mixing up Control Quality and Validate Scope: Control Quality is internal conformance checks; Validate Scope is customer or sponsor acceptance.
  • Confusing Manage Quality with Control Quality: Manage Quality improves the process and plans; Control Quality measures outputs and finds defects.
  • Relying on 100% inspection when statistical sampling would be sufficient and cost-effective.
  • Ignoring trends or special-cause variation on charts; passing items that show unstable process behavior.
  • Failing to submit change requests for preventive or corrective actions discovered during testing.
  • Not keeping objective evidence (records, logs, measurements), which weakens acceptance and audits.
  • Skipping re-verification after rework or not updating configuration status.

PMP Example Question

You completed inspections on a deliverable, logged defects, and after rework it meets all specified metrics. What should you hand off next for formal acceptance?

  1. Approved change requests.
  2. Verified deliverable and measurement results.
  3. Updated risk register.
  4. Lessons learned updates.

Correct Answer: B — Verified deliverable and measurement results.

Explanation: Control Quality produces verified deliverables and objective evidence of conformance, which are then presented in Validate Scope for formal acceptance.

Leadership for Project Managers Course

Lead with clarity, confidence, and real impact. This Leadership for Project Managers course turns day-to-day challenges—unclear priorities, tough stakeholders, and cross-functional friction—into opportunities to guide teams and deliver outcomes that matter.

You’ll learn practical leadership skills tailored to project realities: setting direction without overcontrol, creating alignment across functions, and building commitment even when authority is limited. We go beyond theory with tools you can use immediately—one-sentence visioning, stakeholder influence maps, decision framing, and feedback scripts that actually land.

Expect hands-on frameworks, real-world examples, and guided practice to prepare for tough moments—executive readouts, resistance from stakeholders, and high-stakes negotiations. Downloadable templates and checklists keep everything actionable when the pace gets intense.

Ready to influence without waiting for a bigger title? Join a community of ambitious PMs, sharpen your edge, and deliver with purpose—project after project.



Launch your career!

HK School of Management provides world-class training in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Agile Methodologies. Just for the price of a lunch you can transform your career, and reach new heights. With 30 days money-back guarantee, there is no risk.

Learn More