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.
With total acceptance to the one generic definition (Pass 2006b) as stated thus “the overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfill the requirements of customers in terms of quality”. Quality should prioritize customers need, considering customers financial stand and project quality. Quality should be an internal focus so as to keep project team in check and to hold high project work standard and output. Quality should also be considered from project inception so as to mitigate again cost effects.
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goal in maintaining and protecting organizational reputation and stand as an attribute of quality. Quality issues should be openly discussed with stakeholders as it is said “transparency brews integrity” and should not be concealed from customers and possible managers. Individuals who are enthusiastic about product high quality outcomes should be encouraged to go on market survey or research. When quality and standard are not considered as important as project, then team members are prone to produce low quality output without close supervision .
For me, I agree on all quality, but the issue of quality being hidden from the com customers or managerial bodies is not in line.
Quality should be at the forefront of any project plan and execution. Quality creates clients’ satisfaction in line with their scope. I agree with all the definitions of Quality as highlighted.
I agree on the following on quality:
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Quality is focused internally.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
I agree with the following statements about 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 actions.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision
Except one that says Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
I concur with the following about 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 actions.
*Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
*Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
The essence of undergoing a project is to meet a desire, need, idea. Quality ought to part of process right from the beginning. Quality should not be internally concerned only but should be internally driven focusing on stakeholders needs and expectations
I agree with the following statement,they work in sync..
* Quality should based on customer’s demand
* Quality should be considered and communicated from the inception of the project
* The execution phase in crucial in achieving project goals
* Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions
Quality should be centered around customers.
To me all the definitions of quality listed above are able except that quality should be hidden from customers. Communication is key in project management, if problems or ideas that may improve the quality of the project at hand is not discussed, how then can good inputs be made by stakeholders?
Reply
Uche Chimaobi Kingsley
Good day everyone. All the definitions of quality highlighted above are acceptable except that quality should be hidden from customers. Communication is key in project management, if problems or ideas that may improve the quality of the project at hand is not discussed, how then can good inputs be made by stakeholders?
All the statements about quality listed are relatable except “Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers”. If Quality problems are not addressed by stakeholders, how do we fix the problems and have quality project outcome?