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]

2,159 thoughts on “What is quality [PM Course discussion]

  1. AMAKA ESEKA, COHORT 9, TEAM 2

    Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs- the satisfaction of end users is paramount to the success of a project
    Quality is focused internally- all companies and all projects are treated in line with ethics and standards, hence quality is also an internal process.
    Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project- agreed. It should be the benchmark of every project.
    The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets- the different interactions between time and cost play a big role in determining the quality of a project.
    Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions- Agreed.
    Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers- Disagree. Projects should be transparent at all times and stakeholders should be properly briefed on the quality problems surrounding a project.
    People are keen on producing quality outputs- Agreed.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision- Disagreed. Depending on the diversity of the team and level of cohesion, not all teams are to be micromanaged.

  2. Every statements about quality are correct. Quality should be viewed from every perspective of the stakeholder…

    1. Below  are my thoughts on the statements:

      Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs:

      Is a big yes for me.
      Quality is ultimately determined by how well a product or service meets the customer’s expectations and needs.

      Quality is focused internally:

      I disagree.
      While internal processes are important, the main focus should be on meeting customer requirements and expectations.

      Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project:

      Is a yes for me.
      Incorporating quality considerations from the outset helps prevent issues later in the project lifecycle.

      The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets:

      Not necessarily.
      Quality should be maintained throughout the project lifecycle, from planning to execution and beyond.

      Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions:

      Is a yes for me.
      Open communication about quality issues allows for timely solutions and improvements.

      Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers:

      Disagree.
      Transparency is crucial. Concealing quality problems can lead to distrust and more significant issues down the line.

      People are keen on producing quality outputs:
      On generally note, yes. Many individuals take pride in producing quality work, but factors like motivation, training, and resources play a role.

      Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision:

      Disagree.
      While some oversight is important, trust in team members’ abilities and creating a conducive environment can lead to quality outputs without constant supervision.

  3. All the statements are correct. Quality should be viewed from the perspective of all stakeholders involved in the project.

  4. All the statement is matter but i want to emphasize the 7th one, which is Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes, especially in technology field, such as phone, PC, etc.

  5. I agree with the following:
    Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    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.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

  6. I agree that :
    Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
    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.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

    1. Quality is one of the most important thing to consider when embarking on a project same as time and cost, when you are able to archive or deliver a project at a stated time and within a budget without achieving the need of customers is a wasted effort therefore I stand on the basis that quality is the crust of every project, quality should be considered from the beginning of project along with all the problems, discussions should be made openly with the sponsors to ensure that is delivered matches with what they want in terms of quality.

  7. I agree with the following;
    Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
    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.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

  8. 1. Quality should priortize customer needs
    2. The execution phase of a project is the most important and critical to achieve quality targets
    3. Quality problems should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.

  9. OYEBIYI GABRIEL OLUDELE
    COHORT 9, TEAM 9.

    I agree with the following perceptions.

    * Quality should be focused on the customer’s need
    * Quality should be considered right from the beginning of the project.
    * Quality is focused internally.
    * Quality issues should be discussed openly so as to find corrective actions.
    * Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

    Thanks.

    1. Quality should be considered at the beginning of a project,
      Focus on customer/client needs, Quality issues should be discussed openly.

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