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.
The quality of work is a total reciporocal of the amount of supervision put in. Since one of our roles as PMs is to come up with a project plan, I think we should right away from the start consider coming up with a quality project plan that will hence produce quality consumables to the final consumer(s).
I would also in my view present it that quality should not only be zeroed to the demands of the consumers and other project stakeholders but rather far way beyond these two , this is simply because when we think of quality in terms of the demands of the stakeholders and the final consumers, we are limiting our creativity and explorations of more horizons.
Quality is key to every project hence it 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.
Victoria Osareme Ayisi
Cohort 8
Team 10
A substandard project will definitely leave the customer unsatisfied and the company will loose face.
Quality is not one to be camouflaged or jeopardise with
1) Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
The above statement is true. You can’t give a customer less of they have paid for, it’s a no no in business.
2) Quality is an internal focus.
This is also true.
3) Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
This is also true. A project should commence with the mindset of quality.
4) The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals
Absolutely true. Any mistakes at the initial will be detrimental to the execution of quality of the project.
5) Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
For every project, there should be quality assurance team, who will oversee the quality of the project and also discuss corrective actions for any errors.
6) Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
Well, this act alone will amount to dishonesty and a bridge of trust.
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
I can agree with this statement as it is widely accepted in the field of project management and quality assurance. Customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of delivering a successful project, and the focus should be on meeting their needs and expectations.
Quality is focused internally.
I don’t totally agree with this statement because It is not entirely accurate. While internal processes and quality control measures are essential to ensure a high standard of work, the ultimate goal of quality management is to meet the customer’s requirements and expectations.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Absolutely true. Quality management should be integrated into the project planning phase itself. By identifying quality requirements, standards, and metrics early on, the project team can ensure that quality is consistently addressed throughout the project lifecycle.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
While the execution phase is undoubtedly critical for achieving quality targets, quality management is a continuous process that should be monitored and controlled throughout the entire project lifecycle. Waiting until the execution phase to address quality issues may lead to costly rework and delays.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
This statement is true. Open and transparent communication about quality issues is essential for identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions. Addressing quality problems openly can lead to continuous improvement and prevent the recurrence of issues.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
I don’t agree with this statement because it is not true and goes against the principles of ethical conduct and customer satisfaction. Hiding quality problems from customers or managers can lead to more significant issues, erode trust, and damage the reputation of the project team or organization.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
This statement can be generally true. Many individuals take pride in their work and are motivated to produce quality outputs. However, it’s essential to have the right processes, training, and support in place to facilitate the production of quality work consistently.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
I don’t totally agree with this statement because it is not universally true. While some team members may require more guidance and supervision, a well-trained and motivated team can often produce quality outputs independently. Effective leadership, clear expectations, and a culture of quality can foster self-driven quality performance within the team.
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs only and if the customer is the final consumer. Situation whereby the customer is not the final consumer,the quality might be questionable. Example is what we see in most Nigeria GSM village. I buy charger almost every month since the one that came with my phone spoilt. When I asked a very good friend who is also in the same line of business,his question was ‘how.much is charger? Is it this 1k/2k that will make us millionaires? That most of these charger as made so fragile so that at the commonest mistake,it would stop work,may be by fluctuations in power supply.
Those importers because they are not the final consumers can afford to have inferior quality of charge produced for them
*Quality is an internal focus,can be a focus when the management want to stay in business for a very long time. If not they can as well not be concerned about the quality,all that matters for them is to make that money for that period and as well can afford to produce anything.
* Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. Very true. Quality must be considered from the onset and maintained through out all stages of the project .
*Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.,yeah. Kind of giving room for check and balances.
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.,no oo,our customers should be able to trust us and what we prosuce.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision,in as much as few members will want to give in the best,there is still the need for close supervision.
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I agreed with the quality statements that says:
1. Quality must be focused on the customer’s needs.
2. Quality is focused internally.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs:
This is the most important aspect of quality. The customer is the one who ultimately defines what is “good” or “bad” quality.
2. Quality is focused internally:
This means that the organization itself must be committed to quality. This includes having a strong quality culture and providing training to employees on quality principles.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project:
Yes. Quality cannot be achieved at the end of a project. It must be built in from the beginning.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets:
This is when the product or service is actually being produced. It is important to have quality control measures in place during this phase to ensure that the product or service meets the customer’s needs
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions:
Hiding quality problems will only make them worse. It is important to be open and transparent about quality issues so that they can be addressed quickly and effectively.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers:
This is not a good idea. Customers deserve to know about quality problems so that they can make informed decisions about whether or not to purchase the product or service. Managers also need to be aware of quality problems so that they can take corrective action.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs:
This is generally true. People want to do a good job and produce quality outputs. However, there are some people who may not be as motivated to produce quality outputs. It is important to create a culture of quality in the organization so that everyone is motivated to produce quality outputs.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. This is not necessarily true:
Some team members may need close supervision to produce quality outputs, but others may be able to produce quality outputs without close supervision. It is important to assess each team member’s individual needs and provide the appropriate level of supervision.
Ekwuribe Uzochukwu C
Team 4 Cohort 8
I agree with the statement that, “Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project”.
For a project to be successful, quality must be taken into account. This should be discussed with the team so that everyone can contribute and have a clear understanding from the start. Considering quality first promotes team strength, makes the project more flexible, and helps manage risk.
I agree with the statement that states that quality should priotize the customer’s needs.
If customers, residents,project sponsors and peope satisfaction are some of the reasons why a product or project is measured,then there is need for quality that suits their taste.
I agree that :
*Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
*Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
*Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
I agree with the statement that, “Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project”.
For a project to be successful, quality must be taken into account from the outset. This should be discussed in-person/virtually with the team so that everyone can contribute and have a clear understanding from the start. Early attention to quality promotes team morale, enables flexibility, and assists with risk management. In the end, putting quality first from the beginning has long-term advantages and improves the project’s overall success and team happiness.