Quality Assurance (QA)

Quality is the degree to which a product or service conforms to valid customer's requirements (including laws, rules, procedures, policies and standards).

Quality Assurance (QA) is defined as planned and systematic activities of providing fact-based evidence that quality products and services are being delivered. Essentially QA describes the process of enforcing quality control protocols.

Quality Control (QC) is defined as the activities of implementing, monitoring and continuously improving processes to ensure delivery of quality products, services, and information. QC includes such activities as providing clear decisions and directions, constant supervision by experienced individuals, immediate review of completed activities for accuracy and completeness, and accurate documentation of all decisions, assumptions, and recommendations.

Quality Control Plan (QCP) is a written set of procedures and activities aimed at delivering products that meet quality objectives for a project as stated in contract documents and other procedures, manuals, and guidance. A quality control plan will identify the organization or individuals responsible for quality control and the specific procedures used to ensure delivery of a quality product. A quality control plan will also detail quality assurance measures and the method of accountability and required documentation.