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.
COHORT 9, TEAM 3. CYNTHIA ONYINYE OKEKE
I agree to the following statements about quality:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. This will ensure customer satisfaction.
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.
And I do not agree to the following statements:
1.Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. This will negate the goal of the project, because until the problem is discussed openly with the stakeholders involved, a solution will be not be achievable.
2. People are keen on producing quality outputs. This statement does not applicable to everyone. Some persons do not mind delivering shabby outputs.
3. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. Though I agree that team members should be supervised because it will ensure that everyone is on the same page. I do not align to micromanaging people because that will negate the purpose of delegating tasks to team members in the first place.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs – I agree. The project output should conform to customer requirements.
Quality is an internal focus – I agree. Having defined the project quality based on customer requirements, internal processes should focus on achieving that.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception – I agree. The specifications of project output in terms of quality should be defined from onset.
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals – Yes. Having defined the product quality from the onset, it should be in focus throughout the project execution phase so as to meet the defined criteria .
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions – Yes. Especially among team members and between project team and other stakeholders especially the end users or project sponsors. Good feedback mechanism should be adopted to ensure that the defined quality criteria is being met.
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers – No. I think it’s good to discuss quality issues with customers and managers especially if quality criteria requires amendment or review where the initially set criteria are not achievable.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes – Yes, All stakeholders including individuals and organizations are always eager to see the outcome of a project, anticipating good quality.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision – Yes to a large degree. In most cases, the focus of team members is to execute the project scope within time, budget and safety. It will require the oversight or supervision of the project sponsors and other stakeholders, and their inputs for the project to stay within the set quality criteria.
I support the following statement on quality:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
2. Quality is focused internally.
(In addition, if quality is focused on internally first, external quality will be topnotch)
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.
6. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
I agree with the following statements:
1) Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
2) Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
3)The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
4) Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. -Agreed
Quality is an internal focus.-Agreed
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.-Agreed
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.-Agreed
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.-Agreed
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.-Disagreed
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.-Agreed
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.-Agreed
Revenue Collection Automation
The company I work for is currently running a projection on revenue collection automation for one of the local government areas in the country which I’m fully involved.
For this automation project, the quality requirements include the following:
User-friendly interface for easy payment
Integration with various payment methods; bank transfer, ussd and the integration of the payment portal on moniepoint terminals amongst others.
Robust security features to protect sensitive data
Compatibility with different devices and platforms
Reliable and efficient transaction processing
We ensure compliance with Nigerian regulations
The Costs attributed to our quality delivery include expenses related to:
Development and testing of secure payment systems
User experience design and interface development
Implementation of encryption and data protection measures
Quality assurance and testing phases
Ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure system stability and security
Our in-depth analysis involves assessing the potential return on investment, comparing costs of in-house development and outsourcing, and considering long-term operational expenses.
It’s crucial to ensure that the quality investments align with the benefits the automated system would bring to revenue collection efficiency and accuracy.
I agree with the following statements.
*Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
*Quality should be an internal focus.
*Quality should be discussed from the beginning of the project.
*Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
*The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals
With Quality as a key factor in Project Management;
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.- Agree
Quality is an internal focus.- Agree
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.-Agree, only then will the project team align properly to the goals of the business case
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals-All phases are crucial
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions-Agree
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers-Disagree
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes-Agree
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision-Disagree, as its not in all cases, some team members are responsible enough to get things done right
I strongly agree with the statements that say
“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.”
and disagree with
“Quality is an internal focus.”
“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.”
I will agree with the statements as made but with exception to the fact that
1-Quality is focused internally..I will disagree as quality is also extended to outputs and feed back for a proper project review.
2-Quality issues should be hidden from customer and possibly also managers ..I disagree as project team should be transparent in report to enable effective output that is flawless.
3-Team members do not produce quality output without supervision…I also disagree with this as professionals are selected to carry out task in project delivery as such quality should not be jeopardize at any level…it’s is better to pause than compromise.
Cohort 9 team 1
I strongly agree with statements 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The aim of a project managing is to bring satisfaction to a customer. Actionable feedbacks is vital for a successful project and a synergy a team membership’ cognitive ability result in a high performance.
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Agree: Quality should always be aligned with the customer’s needs and expectations. Delivering a product or service that meets or exceeds customer requirements is a fundamental principle of quality management.
Quality is focused internally.
Disagree
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Agree: Quality planning and consideration should start from the project’s inception. Addressing quality requirements and potential issues early can prevent problems down the line.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
Partly Agree: While the execution phase is critical for translating plans into tangible outcomes, quality should be monitored and maintained throughout the project lifecycle, not just during execution.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
Agree: Open communication about quality issues is essential for identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Transparency helps prevent recurrence and promotes continuous improvement.
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
Strongly Disagree
People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Agree: Most individuals naturally take pride in their work and want to produce quality outcomes. A supportive environment and clear expectations can encourage this behavior.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
Disagree
In summary, quality in project management is about meeting customer needs, maintaining transparency, and focusing on continuous improvement. It’s a collaborative effort that should be integrated into every phase of a project, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Adeola Adediran
Team 1 cohort 9