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.
Quality should be prioritize for the customer’s need
Quality should be considered from the inception of the project’s customers reviews also determine the success of the product(Project).
In any project, quality should be prioritised from the inception to delivery. Team members should always be on the know of the importance of quality delivery and how it affects the organisation. Hence this should be closely monitored by the team lead during project execution till delivery
I agree that quality should prioritize the customers need, because a customer is an end user or final consumers of the desired product, service or successful project.
I also agree to the fact that quality should be considered from the project inception. This sets the desired goal of the project in the minds of the team members and all stakeholders involved.
This makes individuals (project team) enthusiastic about producing high -quality outcomes at the end of the project.
Overall quality should be prioritized in every project, it keeps the customers coming and also keeps the business running.
My thoughts on Quality are:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: (Agree)it’s the customer who the final consumer and should be considered.
2. Quality is focused internally.(Disagree) Quality should not be focused internally but also on the demand the external people like the customers
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.(Agree) Quality should be put at the back of mind of both the project manager and the project execution team when carrying out a project.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.(Agree)
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.(Agree) both the PM and his team should be able to brainstorm and find solutions to any quality issues made known to them.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.(Disagree)
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.(Agree)
Quality portrays the efficacy of the Project Manager, it’s team and stakeholders. It’s a factor for judging the entire work.
Quality should not be compromised, the quality the customer wants should be highly considered
Firstly I will like to define quality according to (Pass,2006)
Quality is the totality of the attributes of a good or service which meets the requirements of buyers or customers quality.
I want to say that quality should be considered from the inception of a project.
My submission is this: that all mentioned statement is encompassing around quality but I want to believe that if we don’t consider quality from the beginning of a project what is the essence of delivering the project?
For example a building is to be constructed the first thing that come to mind is the quality product for the total construction of such a building which would have gone through some regulatory bodies that are involve checking such construction.
Another example is a clothing/ textile company that is into production of clothes/ fabrics they will consider the end user buying their product that is of good quality in other to stay relevant in the market or business of textile prints.
Quality is all about prioritizing the customer’s need and satisfaction.
Quality should be considered from the inception of the project
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.✅-
Quality is an internal focus- I think it should satisfy internally and externally.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception -This is very important. Looking at quantity has never helped
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals- This is true
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions- Yes and discussing could raise better ideas
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers- No. This is because these people could have ideas that can boost the business
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes- Yes
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision- It depends on the Project Manager.
The following are my thoughts on Quality:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. – Agree: Quality should be customer-centered, as meeting or exceeding customer expectations is crucial for sustained success. Understanding and meeting customer needs is essential in delivering a high-quality product or service.
2. Quality is focused internally. – Disagree: Quality should not solely be an internal focus. While internal processes and standards are important, the ultimate measure of quality lies in meeting or exceeding customer expectations and requirements.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. – Agree: Quality considerations should be integrated from the project’s inception. Planning and designing with quality in mind help prevent issues that may arise later and ensure that expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. – Not necessarily: While the execution phase is critical, quality should be a continuous focus throughout all project phases. Planning, design, implementation, and monitoring all contribute to achieving quality targets.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. – Agree: Open discussion of quality issues enables identification, analysis, and resolution of problems. Addressing issues transparently facilitates learning, improvement, and preventive actions.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. – Disagree: Hiding quality problems is not a sustainable practice. Open communication and transparency with customers and managers are essential for building trust, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs. – Generally, people strive to produce quality outputs as it reflects positively on their work and reputation. However, individual motivation and commitment can vary.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. – Generally, teams should be capable of producing quality outputs with appropriate training, guidance, and resources. However, supervision or oversight may be necessary to ensure adherence to quality standards and to address any deviations or challenges that arise.