Sometimes referred to as continual improvement, continuous improvement is the ongoing improvement of products and services, or even processes, through incremental and breakthrough improvements. Incremental improvements occur over time, whilst breakthrough improvements occur all at once. When it comes to project quality, continuous improvement is essential to ensure efficiency, reduce errors, and deliver successful outcomes. Within project management to maintain high quality standards a structured approach is also required. This integrates planning, monitoring, and also iterative enhancements.
Here we explore the importance of continuous improvement in project quality, some key methodologies and challenges, and look at some real-world applications.
Understanding continuous improvement in project quality
Continuous improvement refers to what should be an ongoing effort designed to enhance processes, products, and services. In project management, this means refining workflows, optimising resource allocation, and also implementing any appropriate feedback loops to improve the overall quality of your project. It is important to create a sustainable system where you are continually able to evaluate and improve quality.
Key methodologies for continuous improvement
There are a number of methodologies which can be used to support continuous improvement within project quality. The most widely used tool is a four-step quality assurance method:
Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle
When it comes to continuous improvement this is one of the most commonly used frameworks.
- Plan: Look for areas where improvement can be made and then plan to make these improvements
- Do: Implement changes on a small scale
- Check: Analyse the results of the changes to see how effective they have been
- Act: If the changes you have implemented have been successful then they should be refined and applied on a broader scale. If, however, the changes did not work in their current format you should begin the PDCA cycle again until you achieve the results you are looking for.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma focus is predominantly used for reducing defects whilst improving efficiency through data-driven decision making. It uses the DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve, control) approach to enhance the quality of the project.
Lean methodology
The principles of Lean aim to eliminate waste whilst optimising workflows. Due to streamlining processes and focusing on value added activities, a project team can not only improve the quality of the project but also their own efficiency. This should result in a project completed with the desired outcome.
Challenges in achieving continuous improvement
Continuous improvement does offer significant benefits to your project. However, there are several challenges that can also hinder its implementation:
Resistance to change
It is highly likely that both employees and stakeholders may be resistant to new processes. This is not limited to the business world. Resistance to change is often due to uncertainty or even fear of disruption. It is therefore important to use effective change management strategies when a project is delivering fundamental change to the status quo. Strategies to consider include communication and training to overcoming resistance.
Resource constraints
Time constraints and limited budgets can make it difficult to implement improvement initiatives. If you want to optimise your resources, then prioritise high impact changes and leverage automation to achieve this.
Measuring success
You should ensure that you are defining clear metrics within your project for improvement. However, this can sometimes be a challenging task. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and also conducting regular assessments will ensure you have measurable progress.
Real world applications of continuous improvement in project quality
There are a number of different industries who have very successfully implemented continuous improvement strategies.
Construction industry
Within construction projects quality assurance means rigorous planning, material testing and of course an adherence to safety standards. Continuous improvement ensures that a company is fully compliant with any regulations and also enhances project durability.
Software development
Agile methodologies promote iterative development which allows project teams to refine software quality due to regular feedback and testing. Efficiency is enhanced, and defects are reduced as a result of continuous integration and deployment.
Healthcare sector
Continuous improvement is clearly very important in the healthcare sector. Both hospitals and healthcare providers use it to enhance patient care, streamline operations and also to reduce medical errors. Workflows can be optimised, and service delivery improved through the use of lean principles across all sectors of healthcare.
