Inspection

The single word term inspection refers to one of the most critical elements of the entire process that surrounds the execution and successful completion of a given project. The term inspection refers specifically to the act in which the project management team, project management team leader, or other interested and significant parties take the effort to go review the entirety of the project in meticulous detail to determine whether or not the project meets certain predetermined requirements for completion. Of particular concern is a careful review of all individual components, activities, products, and results and services that have been completed as part of the project management process. In some cases, an independent third party will conduct an inspection of a number of the final deliverables as it allows an independent arbiter to weigh in from a fresh perspective at a time when the project management team may be unable to objectively review.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.