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.
I agreed that
1. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
2. Quality should be focused internally.
3. Quality should be discussed openly to find corrective actions for improvement.
4. The execution phase of a project is most critical to achieve Quality targets.
5. Quality should be focused on the customers needs who is ultimately the end user.
6. Team members do not produce quality output without close supervision via quality control monitoring.
I believe quality should commence from the inception of the project and cut across throughout the project not just at the execution stage. Also, quality should prioritize customers need as the most important is producing a desirable deliverables. By prioritizing quality over need, you have indirectly satisfied the curiosity and wishes of your clients.
I agree wih the following statements;
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. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
I agree with nos 1,2,3,4,5 and 7 as they are the pillars on which quality assurance and control stands.
I disagree with the others because they are a sure recipe for disaster in the long run.
I believe quality should be quality should first a matter of ethical value of integrity and excellence. To that end, quality should ring through every phase of the project processes, from ideation to execution to delivery. I agree that quality should be part of the plan from the start.
In my view, prioritizing quality from the project’s inception is crucial. It helps in establishing clear expectations, reducing rework and cost overruns, improving stakeholder satisfaction, ensuring suitability for the intended purpose, managing risks, and fostering continuous improvement. By emphasizing quality throughout the project lifecycle, teams enhance the prospects of delivering successful outcomes that align with or surpass stakeholder expectations.
I agree with this statement:
-Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project because it enables the project manager and the team to consider this aspect whenever they produce deliverables.
-Quality should prioritize customer’s needs.
-The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
The first five points is the hall mark of a good and quality project resultung in quality delieverables.A project manager should supervise the others inorder to always get quality output and input.
I agree with the first five points. As for the sixth, I do not agree with that. This is because, every quality issue has to be discuss with the customer as they have the right to go for better options (this is actually the fifth point).
The seventh point depends on the customer’s business vision and personal values.
Some team members could produce quality products with supervision, if allowed.
As a Project Manager, when an opportunity is given to you to deliver a job, the most important that will be in your mind is the satisfaction of your client when delivering such project.
Quality of the project will be the first thing that will come to your mind. How do I give this job all my eat to deliver quality job for my client/clients?
This dose not take away delivering on the delevry date and time.
Quality of work as a good Project Manager is what will be your priority to your project and your client.
Onwuanyi Jude Tochukwu
Cohort 13
Team 10