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.
My thoughts are as follows:
1- Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs
a client/customer’s need should be highly prioritized when delivering projects for them,because the customer will not be pleased if the job is delivered below quality.
2- Quality is an internal focus
The project manager should ensure that the team delivers at best quality on whatever kind of project they are embarking on. It should be their main focus.
3- Quality should be considered from the projects inception: From the initiation stage of a project quality should be considered, it will help get a good plan and draft for the cost,scope an time because if you’re to deliver good quality and you make plans with a lower quality it will not deliver as same.
4-The execution phase of the project is crucial for achieving quality goals
At this phase is where quality assurance takes place the quality of input is checkmated here
5- Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions
The project manager should be transparent with the stakeholders and the team about quality, to avoid being blamed. Assumption when it comes to quality is a very bad idea.
6- Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers
No, this should not be so, telling your customers or manager about the quality problem will help resolve it earlier than when it can no longer be managed.
7- Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes
Most individuals are not enthusiastic about delivering high quality outcomes, some just want to get the work done and move on to the next project.
8- Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision
Some team members will always like to deliver poorly when they see the project manager is not there to supervise , for example a building site, if the manager is not closely supervising they may not make the blocks well or plaster well or mix the right quantity of sand an cement to get the desired result.
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.
– Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes
– Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
However, I disagree with the rest of the statements not stated above because often times, the need to conserve time and resources overshadows the need for quality products.
What is the essence of a project? Is it to to flex the technical know how of the PM? Or to boost his career? No. Its essence lies in the outcome. Therefore quality cannot be overemphasized. The testimony of the end users should be boost the ‘ego’ of team members at the completion of the project. Quality should therefore be one of the objectives of the project so as to guide them in each process and step taken to the actualization of the project.
Team members should also be carried along from the onset on the need of quality and they should also prioritize quality; except where we have saboteurs as team members who are being bought over by competitors, sponsors who are quantity oriented and not quality savvy.
From the provided statements about quality, I support the following:
1-Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs:
Prioritizing the customer’s needs in quality is crucial.Ensuring that the final product or service not only meets but surpasses customer expectations is vital for delivering value and cultivating customer satisfaction.
2-Quality should be considered from the project’s:
Considering quality from the outset of the project is essential.Early attention to quality aspects in the project lifecycle aids in averting later issues and guarantees that quality permeates every phase of the project.
3-The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
The execution phase plays a pivotal role in attaining quality objectives: While quality considerations should be present throughout the project, the execution phase stands out as crucial for enacting quality control measures and guaranteeing that the final outcomes align with specified standards.
4-Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.Openly discussing quality issues is essential for identifying corrective actions: Transparent communication regarding quality concerns enables teams to promptly address issues, pinpoint root causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
-5 Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
Team members exhibit enthusiasm for achieving high-quality outcomes: Their passion for delivering top-notch work serves as a catalyst for motivation, engagement, and a steadfast commitment to excellence within the team.
I disagree with the following statement:
1-Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
2-Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
Am Nwaocha Chibuchi Emmanuel, I really agree that:
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs: this will help the organisation to be at the customers top list for transactions because they’ll be sure of getting the best quality.
2. Quality is an internal focus: For standard of any company, output quality is taken serious as they make sure what they put out to customer is the internal best.
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception: Quality is considered most priority from project plan to avoid waste of time and funds.
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals: this is planed right from the project design, it enables the execution be the expectation.
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions: this very important that all stakeholders and project teams should know the quality of materials involved.
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers: If there’s any problems along the project, the PM should call for a lunch meeting to tackle such issues and keep the project going.
The quality of a project should be the priority and should be considered at the early stage of every project
I agree with the following statements:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: Prioritizing customer satisfaction ensures that the end product or service meets their expectations and delivers value.
2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: Incorporating quality considerations from the project’s inception helps prevent issues from arising later and ensures that quality is ingrained in every aspect of the project.
3. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: Open communication about quality issues enables teams to address them promptly and effectively, leading to continuous improvement and better project outcomes.
4. People are keen on producing quality outputs: In general, individuals strive to deliver quality work, as it reflects positively on their professionalism and contributes to the success of the project.
Regarding the statement “Quality is focused internally,” it could be interpreted in different ways. Quality should indeed be monitored and managed internally within the project team to ensure adherence to standards and processes. However, it should ultimately be aligned with customer needs and expectations.
Regarding the statements “The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets” and “Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision,” I disagree. Quality should be maintained throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and team members should be empowered and trusted to deliver quality work independently, with supervision provided as needed but not necessarily constant.
My reflection on the statement about quality in PM
1. Quality should prioritize meeting customer needs.
2. It involves both internal processes and external customer requirements.
3. Considering quality from the project’s outset is crucial.
4. While the execution phase is important, quality management should span the entire project lifecycle.
5. Open discussion of quality issues is necessary for effective resolution.
6. Hiding quality problems is counterproductive and erodes trust.
7. People generally strive to produce quality outputs.
8. Team members are capable of producing quality work independently, though supervision may be necessary at times.
I believed that quality should be considered in early stage of a project
Quality of a project should be considered at all times.
It’s the quality of your work that will tell if you will be called for the next job.so, be sure to deliver quality at all times.