Final answer:
The sponsor is responsible for setting quality policies and standards (QA), as well as monitoring and inspecting outcomes to ensure that they meet these standards (QC), encompassing both strategic and operational aspects of quality management.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of project management or product development, the sponsor plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of outcomes. The sponsor is typically responsible for Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC). For QA, they are in charge of setting overarching policies and standards that govern the project to ensure quality is built into the process. This includes establishing a quality policy, outlining expectations, and ensuring resources and trainings are available for the team to adhere to quality standards.
Regarding QC, the sponsor actively monitors outcomes to ensure that the results meet the predetermined standards. This involves reviewing reports, inspecting finished products, or testing outcomes against the quality requirements. Through both QA and QC activities, the sponsor helps to reduce risks, prevent defects, maintain quality throughout the project lifecycle, and ensure the deliverables meet or exceed stakeholder and customer expectations.