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. As a PM, the quality of the project should satisfy the customer’s needs. Quality is an internal focus and should be considered from the project’s inception. Also, the execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goal.
    PM should discuss quality issues openly to identify corrective actions. Also, team members should be enthusiastic about producing high quality outcomes.

  2. To me, a project is successful when the needs of a client is satisfied in terms of quality of quality of service delivered. I agree that;
    Quality is an internal focus.
    It should be part of the core value of a PM as this makes the PM stands out.
    Also, quality should be considered from the project’s inception as this determines the time and also cost of a particular project.
    Quality should also 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 and that is why the PM also play a vital role in monitoring and controlling all aspects of a project.

  3. For a project to be successful, it needs to meet the Stakeholders’ satisfaction in terms of quality of service delivered. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. Individuals and team members are expected to be enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. To achieve this, the team members should be closely monitored and supervised.

    -Victoria Okonkwo

  4. Based on my experiences in Construction projects, the following points are usually true;
    1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
    Quality is VERY VITAL in my profession-because the products are always solid, visible and can be seen and touched by everyone(Buildings, roads, drainages etc). So to achieve this quality we start working towards it from the Planning stage(design) & not just the execution stage(construction). Contractors/Artisans tend to want to produce quality products because it speaks well for their skills and attracts more clients/jobs for them.
    Though most contractors try to produce quality products, the PM has to ensure adequate supervision so that the various contractors products can be merged together in the correct process to ensure the final project outcome is of high quality and standard.

  5. Qualify of a product should be the focus because it gives edge above it competitors as such, it should be considered at the beginning of any project.
    You should also have your customers interest at heart so they will be loyal to you when they understand that you always deliver a quality and reliable products.

  6. Basically I strongly agree with the first Three statement;

    Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: This statement aligns with the principle of customer-centeredness, where the primary focus of quality efforts is meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

    Quality is focused internally: While internal processes and standards are important for ensuring quality, ultimately, the goal of quality management is to deliver value to the customer. Internal quality processes should align with customer requirements and expectations to ensure that the final product or service meets or exceeds customer standards.

    Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: Of course this statement reflects the concept of “quality by design,” emphasizing the importance of considering quality requirements and standards from the project’s inception. By integrating quality considerations early in the project lifecycle, teams can proactively identify and address potential issues, leading to higher-quality outcomes.

  7. Base on the above statement concerning quality,
    1 I agree with the fact that quality should prioritize customers interest
    2 Quality issues should be discussed to ensure a successful output
    3 Any company that makes the quality of it’s output a priority has a competitive advantage of it’s compatitors.

  8. “Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.”

    Let me lend my voice to the statement above. It is not just about quality, time and cost alone. The participants in the project must develop the mindset of the PM who insists on quality.

    Get people who appreciate quality onboard and engage them constantly about your expectations as the PM.

    Quality can easily be compromised without supervision and engagement.

    I agree with 1,2 3,4 6.

    1. Base on the above statement concerning quality,
      1 I agree with the fact that quality should prioritize customers interest
      2 Quality issues should be discussed to ensure a successful output
      3 Any company that makes the quality of it’s output a priority has a competitive advantage of it’s compatitors.

  9. I agree with the following
    1.Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    2.The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals
    3.Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    4..Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.

  10. I agree with the following statements about quality:
    1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    2. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    3. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
    4. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.

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