TOPIC: Importance of Figure 8-2 on PMBoK guide.

This question relates to the Figure 8-2 on PMBoK 5 guide.

Figure 8-2. Fundamental Relationships of Quality Assurance and Control Quality to the IPECC, PDCA, Cost of Quality Models and Project Management Process Groups.

This explains the fundamental relationships of comparing processes with other methodologies. I would like to understand its importance and how they would help in answering some specific questions? With the PDCA model we understand Plan as in Planning, Do as in Executing, Check and Act as in Monitoring and Controlling. Similarly, any references to the others? Would they be widely applied?

Ashwin,

Take a look at section "X1.16 - Section 8" on page 476 of the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition. Here the authors explain that this figure was added to "illustrate the fundamental relationships" between these various models and concepts.

So as you are preparing for the PMP Exam you can use this figure to help you see how these relate to each other (like "Do" = "Execute" as you described). All of these models are widely used in project (quality) management and you should be aware of how they work and what they do - for example: If you inspect a deliverable, this action happens in both execution and M&C. So a general awareness is what you are shooting for.