Quality Management Tools for the PMP Exam

Quality Management Tools

The PMP exam frequently tests your knowledge of quality tools and when to use them.

Seven Basic Quality Tools

1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Fishbone/Ishikawa) — Identifies potential causes of a problem. Categories: Methods, Machines, Materials, Manpower, Measurement, Mother Nature.
2. Flowchart — Maps a process to identify inefficiencies, decision points, and improvement opportunities.
3. Check Sheet — A structured form for systematic data collection.
4. Pareto Chart — Bar chart showing defects in order of frequency. Based on the 80/20 rule.
5. Histogram — Shows frequency distribution of data. Helps identify patterns.
6. Control Chart — Monitors process stability over time. Shows Upper Control Limit (UCL) and Lower Control Limit (LCL).
7. Scatter Diagram — Shows relationship between two variables. Helps identify correlation.

Additional Quality Concepts

• Benchmarking — Comparing practices to those of similar organizations
• Design of Experiments (DOE) — Statistical method for identifying factors that influence outcomes
• Statistical Sampling — Inspecting a subset to draw conclusions about the whole
• Six Sigma — Data-driven approach to eliminate defects (3.4 per million opportunities)

Related Study Resources

• Quality Management Cheat Sheet
• Process Domain Study Guide