Quality Management and Testing

Abstract

It is no use having a project management methodology and a systems development life cycle in place without giving some thought to the quality of their deliverables. Quality management can be defined as a program of planned and systematic activities. These determine, achieve and maintain required deliverable quality. As in ISO 8402, ‘Quality is defined as the Quality characteristics of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy an implied need’. What is needed therefore is ‘conformance to requirements’. In innumerable instances quality may be given a low priority or even overlooked within the development process. A quality program is needed in the processes of development, maintenance and planning and will transcend organizational boundaries. For example, before proceeding with any implementation it should be required that all participants sign-off on the project plan to demonstrate their commitment and the duly signed document filed in the project workbook.