At what stage is the quality plan created in the project lifecycle?

The quality plan is created during the definition stage of the project lifecycle. This is the phase where project scope, objectives, and requirements are established, and it is crucial to determine how quality will be achieved and maintained throughout the project. By developing the quality plan at this early stage, the project manager can set clear standards and metrics for quality, identify quality assurance processes, and align stakeholders' expectations regarding quality deliverables. This proactive approach ensures that quality considerations are integrated into the project from the outset, allowing for a structured approach to managing quality as the project progresses through its execution and closure stages.

The other stages, such as execution or closure, may involve implementing or reviewing the quality plan, but the actual creation of the plan itself occurs during the definition stage, ensuring that quality is an integral part of the project planning process.