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.
From the generic definition (Pass, 2006b) that define quality as
The totality of the attributes of a good or service which meet the requirements of buyers’ or customers’ quality, I agree quality should be focused on customer’s needs and that it be considered from the onset. Also quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions and the execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
I disagree with the fact that quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. The expectation even is that ,the project manager and the stakeholders should have it at their mind that quality should not be compromised ,however within the available budget ,
I do agree that quality should be focused on customers needs, and it should be considered from the beginning of the project.
I also agree that the execution stage is the most critical to achieving quality targets. I also agree that quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
I don’t agree that quality problems should be hidden from customers or possibly managers because their input is vital to the achievement of desired result.
People are not keen on producing quality outputs, they must be closely supervised to avoid any pitfalls.
📌Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs: The customer is the one for whom the work is being done and so their preferences should be considered at all times.
📌Quality is an internal focus: Not completely. Quality involves all stakeholders, i.e the team, the client, the end user etc. Quality involves fitness for purpose, meaning that a product may be qualitative for the internal team and yet not meet its purpose. So quality is double edged not just internally focused.
📌Quality should be considered from the project’s inception: Yes, failure to do so will leave the project team with unclear expectations.
📌The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals: Every phase is crucial to achieving quality goals. However, in the execution phase, the goals come to life.
📌Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions: All parties should be carried along in order to clarify goals and expectations.
📌Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers: No issues in the course of a project should be concealed. All stakeholders must be in the know in the case of eventualities.
📌Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes: Generally, people want quality things.
📌Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision: This can be true of some teams. However, people generally do better when they’re not being micromanaged.
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs (Agreed and at all times)
Quality is focused internally (Agreed and at all times)
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project (Agreed and it is very important)
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets( Agreed)
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions (Agreed as this breeds transparency)
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers (Disagreed as this can mar the project’s objectives)
People are keen on producing quality outputs (Agreed as this helps build their brands)
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision (Disagreed as this can make them lose confidence in their selves and the manager)
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.(Agree
Quality is focused internal.(Agree
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.(Agree
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.(Agree
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.(Agree
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers(disagree
People are keen on producing quality outputs.(Agree
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.(Disagree
I resonate more with the definition of quality as fitness for use. However, there could be cases where the output of a project is fit for use but not according to the customer’s requirement. E.g. a fashion designer could make a beautiful dress, that fits the customer’s body but not his/ her chosen style.
Referencing this example, I would say that as much quality means a long-lasting fitness for use, it should also include prioritizing the customer’s needs. Hence, quality should be planned, focused internally, and considered from the project’s inception.
Mary Ayo
Quality is a distinctive attribute of a product or service that meets the requirement of a customer. I believe that;
* Quality should be focused on customer needs
*Quality is focused internally.
* Quality should be considered from the beginning of a project.
*Quality problems should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
Disagree:
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
*Quality problems should be hidden from customers and also possibly managers.
These are my thoughts in the discussion:
Quality is a doublefaced concept that has been defined in various ways, like it is said in the class but ultimately, it revolves around meeting our customer needs and requirements. I agree with the following statements:
Customer -centric approach- Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Proactive Approach- Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Transparent and collaborative- Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
I disagree with the following statements:
– Quality is focused internally. (Quality should be customer-focused, it shouldn’t be internal only).
– The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. And also quality should be considered throughout the project lifecycle.
– Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
– Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision, that’s why they need to be empowered and be trusted to do that which has been committed into their hands.
I believe that quality is about meeting customer requirements and exceeding their expectations. It’s essential to consider quality from the outset of a project and maintain a customer-centric approach. Open communication and collaboration are vital for addressing quality issues and finding corrective actions. Team members should be empowered and trusted to produce quality outputs, and supervision should be supportive rather than restrictive.
I believe Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. When the quality of a project is met, it fosters trust and relationship
Quality is the suitability for the intended purpose and the degree to which the output of a process or the process itself conforms to the requirements.
Quality in other words is the overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfill the requirements of customers in terms of quality.
When it comes to project management, ensuring desired quality is the goal. The project delivery should ensure quality management. Quality doesn’t always mean perfection and high quality services, but maintaining consistency in quality across projects. The quality to be maintained in a project is decided by the stakeholders, owners and clients of the project. Quality standards are also defined based on organizational values and standards. A quality management process is introduced in a project towards quality planning, quality assurance and quality control
Consider the following statements about quality. Which ones do you agree with?
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. [Agree]
Quality is focused internally. [Agree]
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. [Agree]
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. [Agree]
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. [Agree]
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. [Disagree]
People are keen on producing quality outputs. [Agree]
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. [Disagree]