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 focused on right from the beginning of the project. Meaning Quality should be prioritize at the first stage of the project during execution. Failure to do so will result in waste of resources and unfit for use deliverable
The following aligns with my understanding of quality:
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.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
Quality should be focused on meeting customer needs and requirements efficiently.
The notion that quality should be considered from the project’s inception emphasizes the importance of integrating quality management practices into every stage of the project lifecycle. By prioritizing quality from the outset, project teams can identify potential risks, establish clear quality objectives, and implement processes to ensure that deliverables meet or exceed stakeholders’ expectations. This approach helps prevent quality problems from arising later in the project and minimizes the need for costly rework or revisions.
Furthermore, advocating for open discussion of quality issues encourages transparency and collaboration within the project team. When quality concerns are openly addressed and discussed, team members can collectively identify root causes, analyze potential impacts, and collaboratively develop corrective actions. This proactive approach not only helps resolve immediate quality issues but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where lessons learned from past mistakes can inform future decision-making and enhance overall project quality.
Quality of the project outputs or outcomes should be factored into the project delivery right from conception.
Quality issues should be openly discussed and addressed within the team and iwhere necessary such concerns can be shared with the sponsor and client.
Team members should produce quality outputs with or without supervisions. This is the core value of every organisation – producing quality products and services that is fit for use by the customers.
Quality should be considered a priority from project inception.
Quality can be achieved through internal focus on outputs.
Quality should be prioritize during execution phase.
Quality should prioritize customer/stakeholders/user needs using their feedback and requirement to better position plans.
1. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
2. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions
3. Quality should be focused on the customer’s need.
4.Quality is an internal focus.
I agree with the following statements:
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Josiah Ramsey Okeleye
Cohort 13 group 8
While most of the above comments regarding quality are through I think some of the sentiments are incorrect especially with regards to project management for instance the number sixth statement that says “ Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.” is absolutely incorrect, I am of the opinion that transparency with the issue of quality should be considered and equally addressed to all stakeholders as a professional PM.
While most of the above comments regarding quality are through I think some of the sentiments are incorrect especially with regards to project management for instance the number sixth statement that says “ Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.” is absolutely incorrect, I am of the opinion that transparency with the issue of quality should be considered and equally addressed to all stakeholders as a professional PM.