What is quality [PM Course discussion]

Various definitions of the concept of quality have been put forward.

One generic definition (Pass, 2006b) is as follows:

The overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfill the requirements of customers in terms of quality.

This definition aligns with the viewpoint of Joseph Juran, who, in the 1950s, defined quality as ‘fitness for use’ (as quoted in ASQ, 2019).

This definition is largely consistent with the definition of quality provided by APM (2019, p. 214):

The suitability for the intended purpose and the degree to which the output of a process or the process itself conforms to the requirements.

Now take a moment to consider the following statements about quality. Which ones do you agree with?

  1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
  2. Quality is an internal focus.
  3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
  4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
  5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
  6. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
  7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
  8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

Share your thoughts on these statements in the discussion section below.

What is quality [PM Course discussion]

2,156 thoughts on “What is quality [PM Course discussion]

  1. quality is an internal focus.
    And should be considered from the project’s inception.
    I also agree that the execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals and issues realted should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
    Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

  2. Prioritizing quality is beyond about compliance, it entails unlocking the full potential of your team and delivering exceptional results. And I believe that quality should be considered from the beginning of any project.

  3. Ola Olatonade – Cohort 13 Team 1
    CORRECT COMMENT
    Quality — plays an important part of the project especially the outputs, it should be priority.
    I agree that:-
    – Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    – Quality is an internal focus.
    – Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    – Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    – Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
    – Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision, though not in all case.

    I do not agree that:-
    – Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers, as this could result in trust and convince issues.

  4. Ola Olatonade – Cohort 13 Team 1
    Quality — plays an important part of the project especially the outputs, it should be priority.
    I agree that:-
    – Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    – Quality is an internal focus.
    – Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    – Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    – Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
    – Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
    – Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision, though not in all case.

  5. I Agree with the below points 1- 5 …also while I disagree with the last 3 point but I also believe that for quality to be sustain quality assurance should be design into the process which will enable correction even before the final output.,

  6. I agree with points 1 to 5 because quality is the bed rock of any organisation but disagree with points 6,7 and 8. Is not a good idea yo conceal quality problem from consumers in order yo get feed back.

  7. 3. Agree: Quality should be considered from the beginning of a project. By integrating quality into the planning and design phases, it becomes easier to achieve and maintain throughout the project lifecycle.

    7. Agree: People are motivated to produce quality outputs, especially when they understand the importance of their work and its impact on stakeholders.

  8. I believe that quality should be prioritized and considered from the beginning of any project. prioritizing quality isn’t just about compliance, it’s about unlocking the full potential of your team and delivering exceptional results.

    Project quality management involves defining quality standards for project deliverables and implementing measures to ensure those standards are met.
    Quality, in this context, is meeting the customer or stakeholder needs through project outcomes.

  9. Quality in any project must be priorities, as a matter of fact a project that comprises quality has failed. Quality is good better or best standard of product or satisfaction. The quality of of a managed project would give birth to another.

    1. A project that is managed adequately with a top notch output is because quality was put into consideration.
      Quality cannot be over emphasized in any project. That’s what most customers look out for. From start to finish of any project we should carry quality along because it goes a long way.

  10. Absolutely, the concept that “quality should be focused on the customer’s needs” is fundamental in the field of quality management. This principle is often associated with the customer-centric approach to quality, and it aligns with the broader philosophy of Total Quality Management (TQM) and customer satisfaction.
    Involving customers or end-users in the project planning and decision-making processes ensures that their perspectives are considered. Regular feedback loops throughout the project lifecycle help in adjusting deliverables to meet evolving needs.
    The quality of project deliverables should be assessed based on how well they satisfy customer requirements. This includes adherence to specifications, functionality, and the overall user experience.
    Placing the customer at the center of quality initiatives means understanding and meeting their expectations and requirements. This customer-centric philosophy is key to building long-term relationships and loyalty.
    Quality, from the customer’s perspective, is the ability of a product or service to meet or exceed their expectations. By understanding those expectations, organizations can tailor their processes to consistently deliver what customers value.
    Team that consistently deliver quality aligned with customer needs gain a competitive advantage. Meeting or surpassing customer expectations can lead to positive word-of-mouth, repeat business, and a strong market position.

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