Organizations need robust quality program in order to succeed and stay at the top. Many Quality Assurance firms have developed a variety of different programs, and they range from those that have simple step-by-step processes, to programs which are highly complex, with software and advanced charts. Some quality programs have become wildly popular in recent years, but they all function in basically the same manner.
No matter what name you use for your quality assurance program, or the methodology which is associated with it, it is important to create a solid implementation plan prior to the initiation of program development. You will also want to take this step before making the decision to hire a consultant.
Quality Assurance Insures Project Success
The very first step towards maximizing quality assurance is to take the time to ensure that the management buys in. One thing that you have to understand is that quality is a top down issue, and though it will be led from the top, it will be necessary for it to prioritize and designate the quality culture. If you’re working with a chief executive who isn’t already interested in the issue of project quality, then the first step you must take is to develop, educate, and obtain proper support. This is a task which isn’t easy. It requires you to have a fundamental understanding for the concepts of quality, and you will also need to be capable of using your persuasion abilities.
One way in which you can draw attention for the quality program is to outline the many problems that the organization faces on a daily basis. You will want to focus on any defects or complaints which are made by customers, and you will want to do high end mathematical statistics to determine the savings you will obtain through lowering these problems, while trying to manage the frustration of the employees at the same time. One of the best ways to do this is to make use of an object called the project charter. The project charter is useful because it will allow you to keep your thoughts organized as you collect the data. The next thing you will want to do is take the time to study your organization.
Analyze Your Organization
Quality Assurance team should now understand the importance of implementing quality into the business. They must understand that there are a number of methodologies which are customer focused, and they are useful solve problems successfully. In addition to this, they have agreed to set aside the necessary resources to make sure the quality is implemented within the very culture of the organization. The next thing you will need to do is decide the best manner for implementing quality into the firm. Every organization has a specific culture, and no two are alike, even within the same industry.
The culture of any given organization will often result from the values and beliefs which are held by the employees. If the company has been in existence for many years, the culture may be tough to change, especially when the employees are not used to it. Having said that, it is crucial to focus on the fit that exists among the culture along with the quality, and it will be necessary to determine the best manner for implementing quality inside the organization. The end result must always place a heavy emphasis on the recommendations, as well as the steps and an extensive plan for the implementation. Once this is done, the next thing you will need to do is create a mission for the company.
Creating a Mission
A mission can only be initiated once you’ve gained the support of management. You will also need to have come up with an efficient way of implementing quality within the organization. The creation of a mission could be thought of as the final step. The mission statement is responsible for creating both the direction as well as the priority for the implementation for the quality plan. It will plainly show the structure of commitment to the quality, and must be connected to the actual operations of the firm.