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.
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
AGREE
2. Quality is focused internally.
AGREE, quality team members are as important as the project deliverables.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
AGREE, Quality should never ne compromised at any level.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
AGREE, this sets out the quality path for stakeholders to follow.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
AGREE, communication is key, hence this helps speed up the problem-solving phase.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
DISAGREE. Any problem encountered in the course of executing a project should be escalated in order to quickly put an end to the problem.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
AGREE. None wants an inferior deliverables.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
DISAGREE
Quality
I agree that:
1) Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
2) Quality should be considered from the inception of the project and this should be done with the end user’s need in mind.
3) The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
Ejiro Ogbon
Team 4, Cohort 17
Quality should be considered from the inception of a project so that when planning, organizing, monitoring and execution of different phases are on-going in the project, “quality” will not be left out.
A quality product is the end product of a well planned and managed project through a Project manager who takes into consideration all the ethics ,rules and regulations guiding his profession. When a project manager puts the ethics of his profession into play, he will hardly miss it. Coupled with the right team with the right mind-set, quality product is a “must have!”
Okiemute Iko-ojo Ojogbane
Cohort 17, Team 8
I think I agree with the points that Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. A good name is better…
Let it be known that I focus on the quality of any project entrusted to me
I think the quality of a project is determined by the needs of the customer and this is shared with the project team right from the onset of the project and the team in turn works towards satisfying the customer’s needs.
I believe quality is very important in the course of a project. It is one thing that should be looked into at every stage of a project till the very end. And quality must be done with the customer and their needs in view. And this calls for close supervision of the product throughout the whole process. For example, in my organization, the quality of the products that goes out is of great importance and strict measures are put in place to check the quality of those products before they move out of the company to the consumers
Openly discussing quality issues is essential for identifying and implementing corrective actions effectively. From a service point of view, transparent communication ensures that any deviations from expected quality standards are promptly addressed, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. This proactive approach not only helps maintain high service levels but also enhances customer satisfaction and trust. By fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing quality concerns, organizations can leverage collective insights to innovate and improve service delivery continuously. Ultimately, this leads to a more responsive and reliable service, strengthening client relationships and building a reputation for excellence.
I am agreeing with some of the qualities, which are:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
3. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
4. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Pamela Ogechi Anibuko
Cohort 17, team 2
These are my thoughts on the following definitions of quality:
Quality should prioritize customers needs: I believe this is true, because without prioritizing customers needs there is no satisfaction and therefore no purchase of whatever was produced.
2. Quality is an internal focus:I don’t believe it is an internal focus totally because it should be more about the customers and not the stakeholders or management, although sometimes the team has something in mind that the customers may know nothing about,but whatever is being produced must still revolve around satisfying the customers
3. Quality should be considered from the inception of the project : I believe this true cause that way everyone knows what they’re to bring to the table.
4.The execution phase is a crucial point for achieving quality goods: I believe quality should be in mind in all phases.
5.Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers; I do not believe this. I believe in transparency throughout the project.
6. Quality issues should be openly discussed for possible correction : I believe this is true
7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes: not all individuals want to produce high quality goods.
8.Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision:sometimes true
I totally agree with statement number 5
“Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.”
I agree with this statement because it clearly highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration in addressing quality problems.
By openly discussing quality issues, teams can -Share knowledge and expertise
-Identify root causes
-Assign responsibilities
-Track progress
-And Implement corrective actions.
Openly discussing quality issues can as well organizations:
1. Build trust among team members
2. Foster a culture of accountability
3. Encourage continuous improvement
4. Reduce finger-pointing and blame.
By embracing open discussions around quality issues, teams can work together more effectively to identify and implement corrective actions, leading to improved quality outcomes and reduced errors.
Genevieve Osondu
Cohort 17 Team5
I agree with the following statements on quality;
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
3. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
4. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Aishat Aiteseme Abdulrazaaq
cohort 17
team 1