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?
- Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
- Quality is an internal focus.
- Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
- The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
- 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.
Share your thoughts on these statements in the discussion section below.
Quality should be considered and taken note of from the beginning of a project to the end. Quality is all about satisfying and meeting the customer or client expectations.
Quality is very important to the successful outcome of delivery the project.
Quality is prioritizing and satisfying customers need within timeframe and their cost or budget.
Quality, can be said to be achieving set standards without compromise to the expected output of a product or service to the intended end-user. this is achieved by the collaboration of a chain of participants in the entire process of output delivery.
Quality is the satisfying customer needs and expectation within timeframe and budget.
I think quality should be base on what we are giving out so I think Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs, If we know what the customers need we can know the kind of quality we are giving out.
I agreed with the statement quality should be considered from the project’s inception and should be focused on customer’s needs because the execution stage of phase of a project is the most crucial to achieve quality targets and control.
Quality is a priority that plays an important part in the successful delivery of a project output.
I agree that:-
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Quality is focused internally.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision, although this is not applicable in all cases.
But without close supervision people tend to take the easy route.
I do not agree with the idea that Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. Because if eventually the customers who are the end users of a product or project detect that the project is below par and its output is not something they resonate with quality wise, it will be a huge failure for the team.
Customer satisfaction with the project’s product, service, or outcome is the measure of quality.
I concurred that quality should be centered on the needs of the client. The project’s objective is to produce the anticipated advantages and the highest level of client or customer satisfaction.
Additionally, as the goal of the project is to satisfy the clients or customers, quality should be taken into account right from the onset.
Members of a team cannot generate high-quality work without close supervision. To ensure that the team members meet the necessary output targets, the project manager must oversee or supervise their work.
Quality as a project manager refers to ensuring that project deliverables meet predefined standards and expectations. It involves:
1. **Meeting Requirements:** Delivering outputs that align with stakeholder needs and project specifications.
2. **Adherence to Standards:** Ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices relevant to the project domain.
3. **Attention to Detail:** Thoroughly reviewing work to identify and rectify errors or discrepancies promptly.
4. **Continuous Improvement:** Striving for ongoing enhancement by learning from past experiences and implementing best practices.
5. **Customer Satisfaction:** Prioritizing stakeholder contentment by delivering products or services that meet or exceed their expectations.
The need to produce quality products or services is very important in projects.It shouldn’t just consider the consumers alone.It shouldn’t also put into consideration the vision and what holds the company together.What gives it purpose to keep going…If you have a reason or a commitment to deliver quality products as a driving force ,one would tend to stick to that even when it becomes difficult.