PMP · Question #369
A project manager is working on a software development project. A team member complains that since the project tasks are very simple, there is no reason to perform quality control. The project manager
The correct answer is B. Develop the quality management plan, as quality is as equally important as cost and schedule. The project manager must prioritize quality management regardless of perceived task simplicity or cost savings, as quality is a fundamental project constraint alongside cost and schedule.
Question
A project manager is working on a software development project. A team member complains that since the project tasks are very simple, there is no reason to perform quality control. The project manager understands that removing the quality management plan from the project will also help to save money, which is important to the customer. What should the project manager do?
Options
- ARegister starting the project without a quality management plan as a risk, and allocate the budget
- BDevelop the quality management plan, as quality is as equally important as cost and schedule
- CGet confirmation from management that the team member has enough experience to build
- DAsk the customer to order an external quality audit after accepting the project deliverable, and
How the community answered
(25 responses)- A12% (3)
- B76% (19)
- C4% (1)
- D8% (2)
Why each option
The project manager must prioritize quality management regardless of perceived task simplicity or cost savings, as quality is a fundamental project constraint alongside cost and schedule.
Registering the absence of a quality plan as a risk does not mitigate the inherent problem of lacking a structured approach to ensure quality, and allocating budget for it is insufficient without the plan itself.
Quality is one of the project management triple constraints, and sacrificing it for cost or perceived simplicity is not a best practice. A comprehensive quality management plan ensures that the project deliverables meet the specified requirements and stakeholder expectations, preventing costly rework and reputational damage later on.
Relying solely on a team member's experience without a formal quality management plan introduces significant risk, as individual experience cannot substitute for a systematic approach to quality assurance and control.
Waiting until after project acceptance for an external quality audit is reactive and too late, as defects found post-acceptance often result in expensive rework, delays, and damage to customer satisfaction.
Concept tested: Project Quality Management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/project-quality-management
Topics
Community Discussion
3
Ingrid P.Jun 23, 2026B is correct. Quality is one of the triple constraints and cannot be traded away just because tasks seem simple, so the PM must develop the quality management plan regardless of the cost pressure. Make a flashcard for the fact that quality is equally important as cost and schedule, since the exam loves testing whether you will cave to pressure to skip quality activities.
Prof. SaraJun 30, 2026B is correct, since quality is never optional to cut. Why do students think simple tasks skip QC?
Viktor S.Jul 5, 2026B is right. Quality is never optional, simple tasks just mean cheaper QC, not none.