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.
PAUL NWEKE
COHORT 16
TEAM 9.
For a successful project and customer satisfaction, Quality cannot be overlooked. Hence, I do agree that:
1. Quality should be prioritized in 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.
I also disagree with the following:
1. Quality problems being concealed from customers and possibly managers.
2. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
On the issue of quality, I believe the under listed are vital and applicable:
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
2. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception not just crucial at the execution phase. That’s one way to assure sustainability beyond the project implementation life cycle.
3. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions. It’s a team affair, open discussions ensures feedback while effecting corrections.
4. Quality problems should never be concealed from customers and possibly managers. They should be aware of any issues with quality.
5. Individuals are not usually enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. A lot of times, the desire to meet deadlines (time), and cost might lead to no consideration for quality.
6. In some cases, team members might not produce quality outputs without close supervision. One reason the PM must ensure communication, monitoring and feedback are maintained
Ijeoma Egbu
COHORT 16
Team 3
Chiamaka Gloria David Team 3.
I agree totally with all the points about quality because it encapsulates the term quality in the real sense of a project.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. ( I agree)
Quality is an internal focus. (I disagree )
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. ( I agree )
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. (I agree)
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions. ( I agree)
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers. (I disagree)
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. ( I agree )
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. ( I disagree )
The role of quality cannot be overemphasized within a project. It’s should prioritize the customers needs and should be considered from inception of the project, execution and to the end. It should be discussed with the customers as some customers often want cheaper alternatives which might be detrimental to the project. Also careful supervision should be maintained within team members as some are want to cut corners
Quality should be focused on the customer’s need(I Agree).
Quality is focused internally (I Disagree).
Quality should be considered from beginning of the project (I Agree).
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets(I Disagree).
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions(I Agree).
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers(I Disagree).
People are keen on producing quality outputs(I Agree).
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision(I Disagree).
Igwebueze Cynthia Nkechi
Cohort-16, Team -5
Quality should prioritize the customer needs. I think every costumer deserve the best, and the best can be obtained by using quality deliverables, quality shouldn’t be negotiable, every project manager should prioritize quality output. Thanks
Omopariola Emmanuel Seun
Cohorts 16
1) Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
I agree with the above, because no customer would want something that doesn’t meet their needs or serve them well.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
I agree to the above because in a complex or complicated project that requires constant feedbacks, it is imperative that quality should be prioritized for customers needs.
Quality is an internal focus. I agree, before starting a projects, there is always a goal and objectives to why the project is needed. So Quality of the project should be focused internally while prioritizing the customers’ needs.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. I agree
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. I agree, to this statement as well, If quality is fitness for purpose, then part of the goals should be the output of a qualified projects that meets the needs of the consumers. This will also help niche the market down.
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
I agree with this as well because communication is the key to the success to project management.
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
Both customers and managers are important stakeholders in any project , hence its not advisable to hide quality problems since their feedbacks would contribute majorly to the success of the project.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
Quality outcomes increases profits , productivity and removes any form of competition in the market. As consumers will instantly recognise and stick with quality than mediocrity.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
I disagree, if a project manager does his due diligence in assembling the right team who are highly skilled and experience, if motivations are in place and all are well respected, each intellectual being will strive to give its best with minimal supervision.
Quality as defined “fitness to use” has captured in simple terms the essences of undertaking a project which is either provision/production of a “service or product” Quality in projects assist to guarantee that customer’s expectations or stakeholders are been met. While some of below assertions represent quality as a concept in project management others do not capture the role of quality i.e.
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. (I AGREE)
Project essence its for the customer and hence quality should be focused on ensuring the customer’s needs are met and if possible expectations exceeded.
2. Quality is focused internally. ( I DISAGREE) , Also Quality has external attributes
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. (I AGREE)
Considering Quality from beginning of a project enables a measuring standard to be set which can be check by customer/stakeholders at every facet of the project . This will help minimize cost and wastage
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
(I DISAGREE)
All phases from planning to executing are critical to achievement of quality targets
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. (I AGREE)
Its important that all quality issues are discussed openly among the project team and also the stakeholders to ensure collaboration and prevent possible conflict during the project lifespan which may cause problems
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
(I DISAGREE)
Both customers and mangers are critical stakeholders in any project , hence its not advisable to hide quality problems. Above, both the customers and managers may be able to assist in providing correct measures that may solve the quality problems.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs. (i AGREE)
Quality outputs increases profits , productivity and promote brand recognition, hence a keen interest from people
9. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. (I AGREE)
The supervisor roles and ability to measure standards in line with quality plans ensure production of quality outputs by teams members at every phases of a project.