Quality metrics

Quality metrics provide specific detailed measurements about a project or product attribute, and how it should be measured to verify compliance. Metrics are consulted in the manage quality process to ensure that the processes used will meet the metric. The deliverables or processes are measured in the control quality phase and compared to the metric to determine if the result is acceptable or if corrective action or rework is required.

Quality metrics can receive information from:

• Project management plan
• Requirements documentation
• Stakeholder register

Quality metrics are an output from process 8.1 Plan Quality Management in the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition. They are generally determined as the requirements are developed. If requirements are stable, they will be developed once. If requirements are evolving or changing, they will evolve and change as well.

Tailoring tips

Consider the following tips to help tailor the quality metrics to meet your needs:

• On smaller projects quality metrics, requirements, and specifications are considered the same Different industries may use the term “specifications” rather than “metrics.”
• In many industries there are specific standards that include These must be adhered to in your project. Your quality management plan may reference these by citing specific regulations, or they may be integrated into organizational policies and procedures.

Alignment

The quality metrics should be aligned and consistent with the following documents:

• Requirements documentation
• Quality management plan