How do you handle R&D QA expectations?

1 Define the scope and goals

Before you start any R&D project, you need to define the scope and goals of your QA activities. What are the requirements, criteria, and metrics that you will use to evaluate your outputs? Who are the end-users, customers, or beneficiaries of your project? How will you communicate and collaborate with them throughout the process? By clarifying these aspects, you can align your QA expectations with your project objectives and stakeholders' needs.

2 Plan and document your QA process

Once you have defined the scope and goals of your QA, you need to plan and document your QA process. How will you conduct your QA activities, such as testing, validation, verification, review, or audit? What tools, methods, and standards will you use? Who will be responsible for each QA task and how will you assign roles and responsibilities? How will you document your QA results, feedback, and actions? By planning and documenting your QA process, you can ensure its consistency, transparency, and traceability.

3 Adapt and improve your QA process

As you execute your R&D project, you may encounter changes, challenges, or opportunities that require you to adapt and improve your QA process. How will you monitor and measure your QA performance and outcomes? How will you identify and address any gaps, issues, or risks that arise? How will you incorporate any new learnings, insights, or feedback into your QA process? By adapting and improving your QA process, you can enhance its effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance.

4 Collaborate and communicate with your QA team

QA in R&D is not a solo activity. It involves working with a team of people who have different skills, perspectives, and expectations. How will you collaborate and communicate with your QA team members and other stakeholders? How will you establish trust, respect, and rapport among them? How will you resolve any conflicts, disagreements, or misunderstandings that may occur? How will you celebrate your successes and learn from your failures? By collaborating and communicating with your QA team, you can foster a positive, productive, and supportive QA culture.

5 Learn and innovate from your QA experience

QA in R&D is not a static activity. It is a dynamic and iterative process that allows you to learn and innovate from your experience. How will you reflect on your QA process and outcomes? How will you capture and share your knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned? How will you apply your learning to improve your future R&D projects and QA activities? How will you leverage your QA experience to generate new ideas, solutions, or opportunities? By learning and innovating from your QA experience, you can advance your R&D capabilities and competitiveness.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?