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 agree with the following, about quality;
1) Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
2) Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
3) The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
4) Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
5) Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
6) Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
I agree that Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. It is putting first things first. I also agree that the execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. Considering the importance of quality and the required compliance needed to achieve it, I agree that quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions now and then and I believe, that to ensure quality standards are not compromised, it could sometimes be of help to supervise some team members closely to ensure quality output.
I agree with this statement “Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.” When there is high quality , customers will be encouraged to have value for their needs and wants. Quality should always be prioritized.
I disagree with this “Quality is an internal focus.” Its both an internal and external focus.
I agree with “Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.” This is to make sure that the end result is achieved for customer’s satisfaction.
I agree with “The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals”. making sure there’s a close watch and attention to details.
I agree with “Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions”. It should be discussed openly to maintain transparency and easy collaboration.
I disagree with this “Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers”. This may damage trust and loyalty of customers.
I agree with “Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.” Most individuals want to showcase their talent through their work
I disagree with “Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.” Team members who are motivated tends to produce quality output even without close supervision.
1. Quality should prioritize the customers’ needs ✅
Who wouldn’t want a good finish? The quality of the outcome is a two-edged sword- a good referral mechanism and a fright for intending customers.
2. Quality is an internal focus✅
It should be an internal focus as well. The organisation should first and foremost have systems in place to checkmate quality of the services offered.
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception ✅
Without doubt, this should be factored in as one of the systems to ensure that it is checked all round; A form of risk mitigation strategy
4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.✅❌ YES and NO!
It’s just better to have it drilled at the beginning, with reminders/systems throughout the process. The mistake a lot of teams make is trying to have a corrective measure at the execution phase. This often incurs more time and strain on the team members especially those who are doing the corrective measure for someone else’s mess.
5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.✅👇🏽
Is this openly with the team or including the stakeholders? Either way, yes, I believe it should be discussed especially at the instances of encounter. Solutions can come from anyone and anywhere. Though it could be dicey, however, a good relationship formed on transparency also fosters trust and promotion in certain areas.
6. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers🔕
I disagree; concealing issues from customers and managers only makes the problem bigger especially when you don’t have control. Oftentimes, when the issue has been resolved it has been through cut corners and the quality may or may not be a 0.1% difference. However, this is dependent on the situation .
7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes✅👎🏽 I think this is dependent on the individual so it’s a yes and No. I’d prefer to get it done the right way than have to redo it again.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. ✅👎🏽 Another YES and NO.
This is also dependent on the team. I have worked with a team that some members cut corners and we all had to do a clean up of the work they did at a much later time.
The frequency of quality assessments (QA) would help with checking the outcomes and services put in place. However, how you start will also determine the process and outcome, so start right.
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
– AGREE. The quality of a product should be customer-focused because if the customer is satisfied with it, it then means that high quality has been achieved.
Quality is focused internally.
– DISAGREE. When a product has quality, it should be evident both internally and externally, and not just internally. Also, feedback would not be possible if quality is only focused internally.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
– AGREE. Yes, I completely agree. If a product is intended to have quality, it should be considered and implemented from the onset of the production to the end of the production.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
– DISAGREE. Quality targets should be achieved from the onset of the project to the end.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
– AGREE. Yes, quality issues should be openly discussed by the Project Manager and the stakeholders to attend to any area that needs correction or fixing.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
– DISAGREE. Quality problems should not be hidden from managers. It should in fact be brought to the notice of managers and promptly addressed.
Also, if there is a quality problem and if the product has entered the market, it should be promptly recalled and corrected. That way, trust would be built between the project team and the customers.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
-DISAGREE. Often, people just want the easy way out because it is faster. Creating quality takes more meticulous efforts and people don’t like stress.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
– AGREE. For quality to be achieved, there needs to be proper supervision during the project.
NDIDI IFEDIBA NWOKEDI
COHORT 17, TEAM 5
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
– AGREE. The quality of a product should be customer-focused because if the customer is satisfied with it, it then means that high quality has been achieved.
Quality is focused internally.
– DISAGREE. When a product has quality, it should be evident both internally and externally, and not just internally. Also, feedback would not be possible if quality is only focused internally.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
– AGREE. Yes, I completely agree. If a product is intended to have quality, it should be considered and implemented from the onset of the production to the end of the production.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
– DISAGREE. Quality targets should be achieved from the onset of the project to the end.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
– AGREE. Yes, quality issues should be openly discussed by the Project Manager and the stakeholders to attend to any area that needs correction or fixing.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
– DISAGREE. Quality problems should not be hidden from managers. It should in fact be brought to the notice of managers and promptly addressed.
Also, if there is a quality problem and if the product has entered the market, it should be promptly recalled and corrected. That way, trust would be built between the project team and the customers.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
-DISAGREE. Often, people just want the easy way out because it is faster. Creating quality takes more meticulous efforts and people don’t like stress.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
– AGREE. For quality to be achieved, there needs to be proper supervision during the project.
I agree with the statement that quality should be focused on the customers needs.
Quality is focused internally- I disagree. Because quality should be focused biota internally and externally
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. Yes I agree, also it should be considered all through the stages & process of the project
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. I disagree, every phase should be considered as critical to achieve quality targets because if the team should get too complacent and give less input at later stages of the project, it can lead to a reduction in the quality of the output.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. Yes I agree, as we’ve learned, communication with other teammembers and stakeholder can help generate quicker solutions in resolving issues as there’s a variety of skills on deck.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. I partially agree. The project manager should know which problems requires communication with the customers and managers, and which ones do not require that. Some problems can be corrected by the team with alerting the customers and managers, while some needs to be communicated to maintain the integrity of the output and also to maintain trust and confidence in the team and the output.
People are keen on producing quality outputs. Yes I agree. The goal of every team is to produce quality output
Team members do not produce quality output without close supervision. I partially disagree.
In some instances, close supervision is needed to produce quality outputs, especially in projects that takes long duration. This is because team members may lose interest or motivation halfway.
But in other instances, team members know the values and ethical standards of the organization and they have a common goal, hence would not do anything to jeopardize the quality of the output, even without close supervision.
1.Quality should prioritize the
customer’s needs.
Yes I strongly agree with this , regardless of the cost the outcome/ deliverables of every project works should be of high quality.
2.Quality is an internal focus.
DISAGREE,If quality is made an internal factor,then there won’t be any need for a feedback.
3.Quality should be considered from
the project’s inception.
AGREE
The project manager should consider equality from inception,that is the need for a feedback from the customers/stakeholders for authentic deliverables.
4.The execution phase of a project is
crucial for achieving quality goals.
SELDOM AGREE
Because the quality of a product might not really be visible from the inception stage since it is still skeletal,it becomes very visible at the tale end.
5.Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
AGREE
If quality issues aren’t discussed openly,it might be difficult to take corrective measures.
6.Quality problems should be
concealed from customers and
possibly managers.
AGREE
If there are issues with the quality of a product, unless detected by the customers ,the team members and project manager should be able to remedy the situation without necessarily notifying the customer’s
7.Individuals are enthusiastic about
producing high-quality outcomes.
AGREE
The goal of every team members and project manager is to arrive at a quality deliverables.
8.Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
AGREE
EXACTLY when team members aren’t properly supervised,they ten to become relaxed and less productive.
I’ll provide my reflections on each statement:
1. *Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.* AGREE. Customer satisfaction is crucial, and understanding their needs ensures the product/service meets their expectations.
2. *Quality is focused internally.* DISAGREE. While internal processes are important, quality should prioritize external customer needs and expectations.
3. *Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.* AGREE. Integrating quality considerations from the outset ensures a stronger foundation and reduces costly rework.
4. *The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.* PARTIALLY AGREE. While execution is vital, quality planning and control should span the entire project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, and monitoring.
5. *Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.* AGREE. Transparency and open communication facilitate collaborative problem-solving and improvement.
6. *Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.* STRONGLY DISAGREE. Concealing quality issues can lead to further problems, damaged trust, and reputational harm.
7. *People are keen on producing quality outputs.* AGREE. Most individuals strive to deliver their best work and take pride in quality outcomes.
8. *Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.* DISAGREE. While guidance is necessary, team members should be empowered to take ownership of quality and strive for excellence with appropriate support and resources.
These reflections align with the definitions and philosophies mentioned earlier, emphasizing customer-centricity, proactive planning, open communication, and collaborative efforts to achieve quality excellence.
I feel irrespective of the budget allocated for a project, Quality should be their watchword.
Quality should be in the mind of the project management when ‘storming’. It should be the final product of the project.
A project that screams Quality makes not only the stakeholders or sponsors happy, but also tells the PM that he did a job well done. The importance of quality cannot be over emphasised.