What is quality [PM Course discussion]

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?

  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. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
  7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
  8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

Share your thoughts on these statements in the discussion section below.

What is quality [PM Course discussion]

2,156 thoughts on “What is quality [PM Course discussion]

  1. Since quality is the fitness of an output for its purpose and the degree of its conformance to requirement, then, quality should be considered from the inception of project and issues relating to quality should be discussed openly as feedback from stakeholders in order to identify corrective actions.

  2. As a project manager, I believe that quality should be considered from the inception of a project since the foundation of a project determines the quality of the output.

    Also, quality issues should be discussed openly to identify corrections and possible solutions.

  3. I thoughtfully agree with the following statements on Quality;
    – 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 action.

  4. •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.
    I totally Agree with the above concepts.

  5. 1. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    2. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
    3. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    4. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
    5. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    6. Quality is an internal focus.

    I totally agree on the above illustrations

  6. 1. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    2. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
    3. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    4. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
    5. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    6. Quality is an internal focus.

  7. -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.
    Totally agree with this above concept

  8. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: From the initial phase of a project, the quality of the work to be done should be determined and worked towards.

    The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets: After he quality of the work to be done has been determined, it is important that agreement should be honored when the project work begins.

    Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: A very important concept in project management is transparency. Issues concerning quality should be openly discussed so suitable solutions can be found.

  9. 1. Quality should be considered from the beginning of a Project.

    2. Quality should be focused on customer’s needs.

    3. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.

    I totally agree with the above concepts.

  10. 1. Customer-centric quality is crucial: Aligning quality with customer needs and expectations ensures satisfaction and delivery of a valuable product or service.

    2. Quality extends beyond internal processes: While internal standards are important, quality should prioritize external stakeholder satisfaction, considering both internal and external perspectives.

    3. Proactive quality planning is essential: Integrating quality considerations from the project’s outset prevents costly rework and ensures superior outcomes.

    4. Quality is a holistic project lifecycle effort: While execution is vital, quality is shaped by all project phases (planning, design, execution, monitoring, and closure), requiring consistent attention.

    5. Transparency fosters quality improvement: Open discussion of quality issues enables timely corrective actions, promoting continuous growth.

    6. Honesty is key in quality management: Concealing quality problems undermines trust and credibility; transparency is vital for addressing issues and maintaining integrity.

    7. Intrinsic motivation drives quality work: Most individuals strive for quality outcomes, but organizational culture and processes significantly influence their success.

    8. Empowerment beats micromanagement: Fostering a quality-focused culture encourages self-motivated team members to produce exceptional results, surpassing close supervision.

    Core principles for successful quality outcomes include:

    – Customer-centricity
    – Early planning
    – Open communication
    – Holistic lifecycle approach
    – Transparency
    – Empowerment
    – Positive work environment

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