Quality Governance and Performance Stability in High-Risk Projects: A Framework for Strategic Assurance

Abstract

High risk projects, particularly in the oil and gas sector, face persistent challenges in maintaining performance stability under uncertainty. This paper proposes a strategic assurance framework that integrates quality governance and risk-based management to enhance performance stability in such projects. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative governance analysis with quantitative data from publicly available high-risk project datasets, is used to develop and validate the framework. Key findings indicate that robust quality governance structures (e.g. clear accountability, standards enforcement) correlate with greater consistency in project performance metrics, even in volatile environments. The proposed framework outlines design principles, components, and interrelations that enable proactive risk identification, continuous performance monitoring, and coordinated assurance activities across organizational lines of defense. Empirical results from an offshore oil and gas projects dataset demonstrate the framework’s effectiveness in detecting performance anomalies and guiding timely interventions. The paper discusses theoretical and practical implications, including alignment with risk governance theory and improvements in policy for project assurance. Limitations and future research directions are addressed, emphasizing the need for broader validation across industries. The study contributes a novel integrative approach for sustaining performance stability through strategic quality governance in high-risk project contexts.