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 most of the points, however, I don’t think quality problems should be concealed from either managers or customers because honesty and transparency are significant attributes in this profession and plus they are also key in building trust. Instead of concealing the information, a proper communication approach should be taken to communicate and resolve any situation. I’m also of the opinion that close supervision of the team is not necessarily important to ensure quality, I think supervision should be based on the complexity of what is being produced and the quality of the team in handling the process. I also don’t think quality should be internally focus because when considering quality, you are think largely the use of the product or service which often times doesn’t happen internally within the organization.
I am of the opinion that all the above listed are important for a great end result. However, I don’t think quality problems should be concealed from managers and customers. I don’t think services of less quality should even get to the customers. So, quality should be considered and mapped out from the inception of a project till the end.
I agree with all the listed attributes of quality except “hiding quality problems ‘ from managers. Yes, for some reasons, it may be hidden from customers temporarily because sooner or later they will find out. However, managers and the quality control unit should be proactive enough to detect and correct quality problems.
I totally agree that at the get go of the planning to execution of a project, quality should be paid attention to. When planning, and budgeting, make provision for the quality of outcome you desire.
Yes, I agree with all the listed facts on quality as it’s crucial to project success
I agree that quality should be considered from the beginning of the project, because quality are one of the feedbacks that customers will comment on and must be openly discussed for everyone to delebrate on.
Note that quality is one of the feedbacks we get from customers hence it is a necessity.
I agree that quality should prioritize the customer’s needs, be considered from the project’s inception, and be a key focus during execution. Open discussions about quality issues help identify corrective actions, and individuals are generally motivated to produce high-quality outcomes
I agree with this that state quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions
Quality should also be considered from the projects inception and also the execution phase of the project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
Yes , quality should be prioritize from inception of a project and should be discussed openly inflate customers.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs………………….Yes
Quality is an internal focus….no
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception…..Absolutely
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals…….Yes
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions…..Correct
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers…..no
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes……No
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision… i do not agree