Managing the Quality of Consulting Engagement

Flor Danielle O. Malingin

ACCTG 121B 9:30 - 10:30 am

Work Plan
defines:
A. What tasks are to be performed
B. When the tasks are to be performed
C. Who will perform those tasks

Project Evaluation and Controls

Specific Objectives
 To provide assurance that the project is on schedule and within budget.
 To communicate the exact project status of all concerned personnel.
 To ensure that a quality product will be implemented.

Techniques
 Administrative Controls
 Time Reporting and
 Analysis Procedures
 Independent Quality Assurance Reviews

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Administrative Framework

 Includes individuals who have direct interest in the quality of the final product
 Should be established in accordance with the size of the project and the client

The administrative framework would normally consist of:

 one or more client management committees, with representatives from the user areas the
top (executive) management, and
 the information processing services department

Project Steering Committee

 Maintain direct conrol over the project
 More closely involved with projects
 Should be comprised of senior management from each area of the client organization

Management Advisory Committee

 Coordinate the activities of the information processing services department

Specific functions of the committee are:

 Exercise control over all costs and benefits pertaining to the development and operation
of the system
 Monitors project activities
 Holds regularly scheduled status meetings

TIME REPORTING AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURES

Objectives
 to provide project management with information necessary for planning, administering
and controlling the project
 to prepare and control the project work program updates
 to assist the project leader in preparing management status reports
 to account for all time used on the project by the team members
Time reports of all team members showing:
 Project hours
 Actual time incurred on the project
 Estimated time to complete each task

INDEPENDENT QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEWS

 The system satisfies all user requirements and is operable on a day-to-day basis without
assistance.
 The system is being developed within the time frame and cost estimates originally agreed
upon.
 The system employs satisfactory methods and techniques that are within the sphere of
competence of the majority of client personnel.
 The presentation and format of all procedures, documentations and coding are neat, well
organized and in conformance with established client standards.

A quality assurance program includes the following components:

 Independent Reviews
 Quality Assurance Checklist

Types of Controls
 Preventive Controls
- these controls establish benchmarks of expected performance.

 Feedback Controls
- These are generated by measuring actual performance and comparing it with the expected
performance.

To ensure the maintenance of sound controls over competence and quality of services of the
consulting firm, the following steps may be taken:
 Service Review
 Appointment of a practice director and service coordinator
 Engagement Analysis
 Staff evaluation