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 opine that if quality is not considered from the inception of a project it’s most unlikely to deliver anything of real value. It should be very clear in the minds of the individual members of the team what a product of high quality means and how to make it a reality.
There should be regular discussions and checks out in place to ensure that at each stage of the project quality delivery is maintained. This may require close supervision and timely feedback from the clients to ensure all are on track to deliver high quality products.
If quality is compromised sometimes the whole project becomes a waste of time and resources.
The definition of Joseph Juran; best defines quality for me.
On the other hand, quality shouldn’t just be focused on customer’s needs, because it is a thing of general need for everyone.
Everyone needs quality products, be it a customer or an ordinary person, we all need good projects.
Again, quality should be considered from the beginning of the project, because the beginning justifies the end of the project.
Is always good to start something in a good way, to avoid patching things along the process which will make the project not come out the perfect way it should most of the time, or be the reason to start afresh, thereby wasting materials, and the cost of budgets.
Lastly, there’s no way quality problems can be hidden, because, people run projects and businesses in day-to-day life activities.
So quality is something everyone is aware of, and they also need it.
I agree with this statement;
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) Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
7)Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
One should prioritize customers need by
considering quality from the inception of a project.
Quality issues should be made known so as to identify corrective actions if need be.
Team members may not produce quality outputs if there’s no close supervision.
I agree with these statements;
1. Quality should be focused on customers’ needs. In every business, before making a decision on the kind of business or project you want to carry out, it’s important you find out the best quality that will best satisfy the needs of your customers and also one that is affordable.
2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. Of course, no business will want to create a bad name for themselves due to creation of low quality goods or rendering of poor services.
3. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. It’s very important to discuss issues, not just issues of quality, faced while carry out a project. Ideas that can solve the issues at hand, can come out from anywhere or anybody. Like the popular saying, ‘a problem shared is a problem half solved’.
4. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. I don’t totally agree with this statement though, but to an extent. According to Mc Gregory’s theory, he made metion of two types of employees, employees under theory x and employees under theory y. The above statement will go well with employees under theory x, who can’t carry out a task on their own without proper sepervision and threat or punishment. While in the case of employess under theory y, the above statement won’t fit in, because they are ready to and can carry out any task or project at hand, with or without any kind of supervision.
Quality is focused internally
The execution phase of a project is the critical to achieve Quality targets
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
Administrative assistant, I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs. However, I can provide a general perspective on these statements.
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: This statement is generally agreed upon. Quality should align with the expectations and needs of the customers to ensure a satisfactory experience.
2. Quality is focused internally: This statement is not widely agreed upon. While internal processes and standards contribute to quality, the ultimate focus should be on meeting customer needs and delivering value.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: This statement is widely agreed upon. Quality considerations and planning should be incorporated into the project from its inception to prevent issues later on.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieving quality targets: This statement can be subjective. While execution is certainly crucial, quality targets should be addressed throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, design, and testing phases.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: This statement is widely agreed upon. Open discussion of quality issues helps identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent similar problems in the future.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers: This statement is generally disagreed upon. Transparency with customers and managers about quality problems is important for building trust, managing expectations, and finding solutions together.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs: This statement is often agreed upon. Individuals generally strive to deliver quality work and take pride in their outputs.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision: This statement is generally disagreed upon. While supervision and guidance can be essential, individuals can produce quality outputs through empowerment, clear expectations, and a supportive work environment.
Remember, these perspectives may vary in different contexts, industries, and organizations.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions
The foregoing statements are at the core of projects and the need for a project manager
One should prioritize customers need by
considering quality from the inception of a project.
Quality issues should be made known so as to identify corrective actions if need be.
Team members may not produce quality outputs if there’s no close supervision.
1.Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
2. Quality should be considered from the project inception.
3. Quality should be openly discussed to identify corrective action.
4.Team members do not produce quality output without close supervision.