How do you deal with conflicting or unrealistic quality requirements from different sources?

1 Clarify and prioritize

The first step is to clarify and prioritize the quality requirements from different sources. You need to understand the origin, rationale, and importance of each requirement, as well as the potential risks and benefits of meeting or not meeting them. You can use tools such as a quality requirements matrix, a MoSCoW analysis, or a Kano model to organize and rank the requirements based on their value, cost, and complexity. You should also communicate with the sources to verify and validate their expectations and assumptions, and to resolve any ambiguities or inconsistencies.

2 Negotiate and compromise

The second step is to negotiate and compromise with the sources to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on the quality requirements. You need to balance the trade-offs between quality, scope, time, and cost, and to explain the implications and constraints of each option. You should also seek to align the quality requirements with the project objectives, vision, and scope statement, and to avoid scope creep or gold plating. You can use techniques such as win-win negotiation, brainstorming, or prototyping to facilitate the discussion and to generate alternative solutions.

3 Document and communicate

The third step is to document and communicate the agreed quality requirements to all the relevant parties. You need to ensure that the quality requirements are clear, measurable, testable, and traceable, and that they are reflected in the project plan, the work breakdown structure, the quality management plan, and the quality metrics. You should also communicate the quality requirements to the project team, the contractors, the suppliers, and any other stakeholders who are involved in or affected by the project quality. You can use tools such as a quality register, a quality audit, or a quality report to monitor and report the progress and performance of the quality requirements.

4 Manage and control

The final step is to manage and control the quality requirements throughout the project life cycle. You need to ensure that the quality requirements are met and maintained according to the agreed standards and criteria, and that any changes or deviations are identified and addressed promptly. You should also implement quality assurance and quality control processes to verify and validate the quality of the project deliverables, processes, and results. You can use tools such as a quality checklist, a quality review, or a quality control chart to measure and improve the quality of the project.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?