What term refers to the implementation of proactive processes that aim to prevent defects?

• A. Quality Assurance (QA)
• B. Quality Control (QC)
• C. Quality Management Strategy (QMS)
• D. Project Closeout (PCO)

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of the difference between proactive quality processes and defect detection. The term that refers to implementing proactive processes to prevent defects is Quality Assurance. QA focuses on how work is done—establishing standards, defining procedures, training, audits, and continuous process improvement—to prevent defects from occurring in the first place. It’s a preventative, process-oriented approach that builds quality into the work from the start.

Quality Control, by contrast, is about evaluating the finished product to identify defects after production, so it’s reactive rather than preventative. The Quality Management System is the overall framework for quality governance, which includes QA and QC, but the specific proactive set of processes described here is QA. Project Closeout isn’t related to preventing defects in the production process.