Defect
A flaw or shortcoming in a project component or deliverable that fails to satisfy its stated requirements or specifications, requiring correction through repair or replacement.
Key Points
- Represents nonconformance to documented requirements, specs, or tolerances.
- Typically detected through inspections, testing, reviews, or walkthroughs.
- Must be addressed by rework, repair, or replacement and may generate a change request.
- Should be logged, prioritized by severity and impact, and tracked to verified closure.
Example
During a quality inspection, core samples from a concrete slab show compressive strength below the specified rating. The affected section is classified as a defect and must be removed and re-poured to meet the requirement.
PMP Example Question
During Control Quality, the team finds that several delivered cables do not meet the fire-resistance rating specified in the design. What is this finding best described as?
- Risk event
- Issue
- Defect
- Scope creep
Correct Answer: C — Defect
Explanation: The items fail to meet stated specifications, which constitutes a defect that requires repair or replacement.
