APM Project Management Training

APM PMQ (BoK7) Quality - Planning, Assurance and Control Video

APM Project Management Training

Show Notes

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast Paul and Jan discuss quality control, quality management and quality assurance. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain what is meant by quality planning Differentiate between quality control and quality assurance This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

Here is a summary of the different aspects of quality within a project management environment: Quality Planning A project manager will always need to create a quality plan detailing how the project will produce products of the required quality. Included in the quality plan will be the following: Roles and Responsibilities related to quality issues The processes to be followed for both production and testing procedures A description of how continual improvement will performed Details of quality assurance such as supplier vetting Details of quality control techniques such as Pareto Analysis How to establish and manage interactions with other project processes such as configuration management Quality Assurance Quality assurance demonstrates how the necessary quality will be achieved and in doing so instils confidence in stakeholders regarding quality levels of the final outcome.

The typical components of quality assurance are: Training Are members of the project team competent and fully trained to complete the work assigned to them. Audit A formal, external audit of processes provides reassurance that the project will be carried out as expected. Supplier Accreditation When goods and materials are supplied to be used in creating the products that will form the project deliverables then those goods or materials must be assessed to be of the required quality. Lessons Learned Lessons should be learned throughout the project and effectively communicated so that any problems are resolved at the point they are being made. This ensures the root of the problem is identified rather than issues recurring again and again.

Quality Control Quality control measures will vary widely depending on the type of project and the type of project deliverable. The key similarity, however, will be a comparison of the final deliverable with the original specification. Some of the quality control techniques that might be used in a project management environment include: Pareto analysis Walk-throughs Process control charts Visual inspection and measurement Continuous improvement

And here is a transcript of this podcast:

Introduction Welcome to a parallel project training APM project management qualification podcast based on the APM body of knowledge seventh edition, you should be using this in conjunction with our elearning podcasts, and potentially a tutor led course. For more information, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com

Paul Hello, welcome to another Parallel Project Training podcast today we're doing quality podcasts with Jan. Hello, Jan

Jan Hi there.

Paul Very good. Very good. So this is based on the seventh edition of the body of knowledge with PMQ. So the learning so the assessment criteria in this question section are explained what is meant by quality management and differentiate between quality control and quality assurance?

Jan Right? That's a mouthful

Paul Explain what is meant by Quality Management, I suspect we have two definition of what quality is first.

Jan Okay, so it's going for the body of knowledge. It says qualities assessment of a product's fitness of purpose. While the definition appears to be limited the products that the project will produce. It also implies not only to these products is the process and procedures deployed in managing the project iself.

Paul So th

More from APM Project Management Training

Oct 14, 2026

What does it take to move from project manager to project leader? In this episode, Matt and Ruth at Parallel Project Training explores the shift from managing plans and processes to leading people, influencing others and making decisions under pressure. We discuss why the transition can be challenging, the habits that hold us back and how to build confidence as a leader. We also introduce our new Applied Project Leadership Programme, designed to help experienced project managers put leadership into practice now. To find out more about our leadership programme contact us at [email protected] or call on 0118 321 5030.

Mar 9, 2026

In this episode of the Parallel Project Training Podcast, host Ruth Phillips is joined by Becky Willmott, Senior Training Consultant, to discuss their career journeys in project management in recognition of International Women's Day and its theme, "Give to Gain." Becky shares how she entered project management through public procurement in the NHS, later moving into logistics and eventually becoming Head of a Project Management Office (PMO). The conversation highlights the wide variety of roles within project management, particularly the often-misunderstood role of the PMO. Rather than being purely administrative, PMOs provide vital support through governance, reporting, data analysis, and specialist expertise that enable project managers to deliver successful outcomes. Ruth and Becky also explore the different career paths within the profession, from project coordination through to programme and portfolio management. They emphasise that project management offers a dynamic, flexible and highly transferable career, with opportunities across many industries. The episode concludes with practical advice for anyone interested in starting or developing a career in project management, including gaining experience through workplace projects, exploring training and professional qualifications such as the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, and taking advantage of networking opportunities within the profession. Finally, the discussion looks ahead to the future of project management, considering how AI may reduce administrative workload and allow project professionals to focus more on leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change—while also creating opportunities for greater diversity in the profession.

Nov 3, 2024

15. Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism - This podcast discusses the ability to work consistently in a moral, legal and socially responsible manner, and covers: a) The importance of continuing professional development, which should cover both knowledge, skills and behaviours, and the individual's role in identifying and addressing their own competence gaps. b) Knowledge of the sources of specialist advice and standards that need to be adhered to. c) The impact of the legal and regulatory landscape on projects (such as the impact on working conditions, risk management, governance and sustainability).

Nov 3, 2024

14. Diversity and Inclusion - This podcast discusses the ability to build and maintain an inclusive environment that embraces a diverse culture, and covers: a) Knowledge of diversity, including characteristics which may cause a person to be treated less favourably, such as: age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. b) Why incorporating diversity into all parts of a project, from team members to customers, is a factor in creating a positive working environment and the importance of embracing diverse thinking in teams as a means of generating innovative solutions. c) How conscious and unconscious bias can affect actions and how to treat people fairly, including adapting behaviours to support individuals' needs and facilitate their contributions.

See all episodes →