In Project Quality Management, which of the following combinations correctly identifies a typical input, a tool or technique, and a primary output of the Perform Quality Control process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Introduction / Context:
Perform Quality Control is the monitoring and controlling process in Project Quality Management that involves observing and recording results of executing the quality activities in order to assess performance and recommend necessary changes. It focuses on specific project results, comparing them with relevant quality standards to determine whether they comply. Recognising the ITTOs for this process helps distinguish it from quality planning and quality assurance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Quality Management.
• The process under discussion is Perform Quality Control.
• We want one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• Quality metrics have been defined in the quality management plan.
• Data from inspections and tests are available for analysis.

Concept / Approach:
Perform Quality Control uses inputs such as quality management plan, quality metrics, quality checklists, work performance data, and approved change requests. Tools and techniques include inspection, control charts, cause and effect diagrams, Pareto charts, histograms, flowcharting, run charts, and statistical sampling. A key output is quality control measurements, which document the results of control activities and are used for quality assurance and further analysis. Additional outputs include verified deliverables, change requests, and updates to project documents and organizational process assets.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a suitable input. Quality metrics are essential because they define what will be measured and how results will be interpreted. Step 2: Select a commonly associated tool or technique. Control charts are a classic quality control tool used to monitor process stability and detect trends or out of control conditions. Step 3: Determine a primary output. Quality control measurements record the data produced by inspections and tests and show how performance compares to quality metrics. Step 4: Compare the options and choose the combination quality metrics, control charts, and quality control measurements. Step 5: Confirm that other options represent different processes such as scope verification, cost control, scope control, or human resource management rather than quality control.

Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK style content for Perform Quality Control lists quality management plan, quality metrics, quality checklists, work performance data, and approved change requests as inputs. Tools and techniques include inspection, control charts, Pareto diagrams, statistical sampling, and cause and effect diagrams. Outputs include quality control measurements, validated changes, verified deliverables, and change requests. This validates the combination used in the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B comes close but emphasises accepted deliverables, which are more closely tied to scope verification or validate scope rather than pure quality control. Option C focuses on cost control, not quality. Option D belongs to control scope. Option E deals with acquiring project team members, unrelated to quality control activities.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse verified deliverables and accepted deliverables; verified deliverables result from quality control, while accepted deliverables result from scope verification. Another pitfall is assuming that quality control only uses inspection and forgetting about control charts and other statistical tools. For the PMP exam, remember that Perform Quality Control uses quality metrics as inputs, applies tools like control charts and inspection, and produces quality control measurements and verified deliverables as key outputs.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Perform Quality Control is quality metrics; control charts; quality control measurements.