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 should be considered from the beginning of the project. Quality is more important than time and cost because if the quality of the project established is poor, it means time and cost are wasted

  2. I believe quality should be included from the inception of the project, for every project to achieve it objective, the planning stage of that project should have all the variables needed for the success of that project.

    Project plan is as important as every other aspect of the project if not more, if quality is inculcated at the planning stage, then it will serve as a framework or a guide throughout the project. It will ensure that both the PM and the team members carries out their tasks well and present an excellent job to the client.

  3. I agree with the fact that quality should be focus on the customers because only the customer know what and exactly how they want a project to be carried out and it necessity an important.

  4. My take is that from the outset of allotting responsibilities in a Team, a member should be designated to function as a Quality control person. However kindly note that quality like safety should generally be every ones responsibility.
    Also it is best to see Quality from the prism of the Customers generally hence continuous feedback from all stakeholders especially from customers is key to remain competitive as customers perception is everything.
    From the list above I go with No. 1,3,5 and 8

  5. I agree with the statement that says “quality should prioritize customer needs” and then“quality should be considered from the inception of the project “ because only the customer knows what and exactly how they want a project and it’s importance. Also from the inception of the project quality plan and development process should be incorporated in order to achieve a sustainable result .

  6. I agree with the statements about quality.
    They all bother around the fact that anything worth doing at all is worth doing fine, therefore employing every strategy to do it fine.

  7. i agree with the fact that quality should focus on the customers and also be discussed internally, as this will help boost the business and affirm commitment to providing good service.

  8. I agree with the following statements about quality:

    1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: It is essential to prioritize the customer’s needs and expectations when defining and measuring quality. Ultimately, the customer’s satisfaction and perception of quality are key factors in determining the success of a product or service.

    2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: Quality should be a fundamental consideration from the project’s inception to ensure that it is integrated into every stage of the project lifecycle. By addressing quality early on, potential issues can be identified and addressed proactively, leading to a higher-quality end result.

    3. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: Open communication and transparency are crucial when addressing quality issues. By openly discussing problems and collaborating on finding solutions, teams can effectively identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

    4. People are keen on producing quality outputs: I believe that individuals are generally motivated to produce high-quality work and take pride in their contributions. By fostering a culture that values quality and provides the necessary support and resources, team members are more likely to be committed to delivering quality output

  9. Quality is part of the project plan in my organization. It’s crucial from the inception when the project idea is conceived to define quality as an integral part of the project itself and not just at the execution stage. Customer satisfactions is a major project objective and a cardinal point of ISO 9001 quality management system. However ,quality should be driven by internal forces of the organization and not just the external force (Client needs) . From my experience individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes when they are given the opportunity to take ownership of the job.. Quality is a core value ,part and parcel of the business to delivery the right product/service and to do it right the first time. Quality issues should not be concealed but should be discussed openly and corrective actions taken for continuous improvement,

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