---
reference_type: Principle
reference_id: P8-03
name: Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
edition: PMBOK8
pmbok8_source: "PMBOK8 Standard §3.5 — Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables"
authority: PMI-derived
file_path: "reference/principles/pmbok8/P8-03-embed-quality.md"
last_updated: "2026-06-07"
---

# P8-03 — Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables
**Type:** Principle  
**Edition:** PMBOK 8th Edition (2025)  
**PMBOK 8 Source:** PMBOK8 Standard §3.5 — Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables  
**Version:** 1.0.0  

## Definition
The **Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables** principle focuses on meeting or exceeding the project's target objectives by satisfying customer and stakeholder needs (Standard §3.5). Quality must be designed and built into both the processes (workflows) and the final deliverables (outputs), using acceptance criteria, definition of done (DoD), and continuous improvement to minimize waste and rework.

## Key Characteristics
- **Fit for Purpose:** Focuses on meeting product requirements, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations (§3.5).
- **Process and Product Quality:** Dual focus on ensuring the deliverables are correct and the processes used to produce them are as effective and efficient as possible (§3.5).
- **Continuous Improvement:** Adopts a mindset of ongoing optimization and waste elimination (lean workflows) to boost efficiency and organizational maturity (§3.5).
- **Multi-Dimensional Quality:** Quality spans performance, conformity, reliability, resilience, satisfaction, uniformity, efficiency, sustainability, and compliance (§3.5).
- **Shift-Left Approach:** Prioritizes quality activities (preventing defects) as early in the project life cycle as possible to avoid late-stage rework (§3.5.3).

## Relationship to Other Principles
| Principle | Relationship |
|---|---|
| P8-02 — Focus on Value | Embedding quality maximizes the probability of attaining desired outcomes and delivering value, rather than wasting resources on scrap or rework (§3.5.1). |
| P8-04 — Accountable Leader | Leaders set the expectations for quality thresholds and own the processes and audits that enforce them (§3.5.3). |
| P8-05 — Integrate Sustainability | Quality processes reduce environmental impact by avoiding waste, scrap, and unnecessary material consumption (§3.5.1). |

## Artifact Connections
| Artifact | Connection |
|---|---|
| A08 — Scope and Requirements Backlog | Defines the detailed requirements, specifications, and initial acceptance criteria that establish quality thresholds. |
| A09 — Quality Management Plan | Specifies the quality standards, metrics, assurance reviews, and control processes to be applied. |
| A18 — Issue, Impediment, and Action Log | Captures quality defects, deviations, and corrective actions identified during process audits or product testing. |

## Skill Connections
| Skill ID | Skill Name | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| SKL-03-19 | Plan Quality Management | Establishes the quality metrics, standards, and control processes for the project. |
| SKL-05-09 | Manage Quality Control | Measures deliverables against defined acceptance criteria and ensures compliance before release. |

## Questions to Ask in Practice
1. Are quality expectations and acceptance criteria (including the Definition of Done) clearly defined and understood by the team?
2. Are we focusing on preventing defects early in our processes, or are we relying on testing and inspection at the end?
3. How are we identifying and eliminating operational waste (scrap, delays, over-processing) in our project workflows?
4. What feedback loops do we have in place to drive continuous improvement in how our team works?

*Authority: PMBOK8 Standard §3.5 — Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables · Source type: PMI-derived*
*Repository: https://github.com/fakhruldeen/PMOSkills*
