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. Regarding project quality i agree with the following
    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. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes (this enthusiasm must however be put into team work)
    7. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision (not in all cases)

    1. According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Project Quality includes the processes and activities that determine quality policies, objectives and responsibilities so that the project will satisfy the needs for which it was undertaken.

      Project quality management is concerned with the development and implementation of a quality management system. The three processes are:

      Plan Quality Management
      Identifying the quality standards that must be met, and determining the criteria for success/failure.
      Perform Quality Assurance
      Analyzing quality measurements and determining the success/failure rate of project quality.
      Control Quality
      Taking quality measurements and making necessary changes to the project quality plan.
      The Plan Quality Management process results in the creation of a project quality plan, which contains the quality requirements of the project and the processes that will be used to measure and correct quality problems. I also agree with the following assertion that quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.

  2. Yea, on the side of quality, i believe it should never be overemphasized due to the fact that, in every facet of life when it comes to dealing with projects of any kind, quality must be considered; except a shoddy job is premeditated.
    There are various sides to consider when quality is to be achieved.
    1. Quality should be focused on human needs in mind and to be met.
    2. Quality should be considered before and at the end of the project.
    3. Quality should be discussed with all the project team members.
    4. Quality is the sole output for any production.
    5. The must be close supervision to achieved quality.

    There are more to quality when it comes to projects.
    Thank you.

  3. Quality should never be left out of any project. I agree with the following statements on quality;
    -Quality should prioritize the customers need.
    -Quality should be considered from the start of the project.
    – The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
    -Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    -I individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
    Lastly team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

    1. it is only a defined project that know the direction where it’s headed so is also a defined quantity to meet customers demands and started so it’s quantity should be considered from the beginning of the project so as to meet the customers need

  4. My own opinions about project delivery quality is inline with the following points.
    1)Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
    2)Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
    3)Quality is an internal focus.
    4)Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
    5)Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

    1. Certainly, quality is indeed crucial for project delivery, and the statements you’ve provided emphasize key aspects of ensuring excellence in performance:

      1. Prioritizing the customer’s needs is essential because ultimately, customer satisfaction is a significant measure of a project’s success.

      2. Considering quality from the project’s inception is a proactive approach that helps in preventing issues and ensuring that quality is built into the project’s design and planning.

      3. The execution phase of a project is indeed crucial, as this is where the planned quality measures are put into action and where any deviations or issues need to be addressed promptly to maintain quality standards.

      4. Openly discussing quality issues is vital for identifying problems and taking corrective actions. Transparency and communication are key to resolving quality-related issues effectively.

      5. Enthusiasm among individuals for producing high-quality outcomes is a positive factor. Motivated team members are more likely to contribute to the project’s success and uphold quality standards.

      Incorporating these principles into project management can greatly contribute to achieving excellence in project performance and delivering high-quality results.

  5. In the domain of project management, quality denotes the degree to which a project accomplishes its intended objectives and satisfies the requirements and expectations of stakeholders. Quality encompasses all the processes, activities, and deliverables that contribute to producing a high-standard project outcome.

    In project management, quality is primarily concerned with ensuring that the project’s deliverables are fit for purpose, reliable, and conform to the specified standards. This involves a set of planned and systematic activities aimed at preventing defects, errors, or deficiencies in the project work.

    Several key aspects of quality in project management can be identified, including quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, continuous improvement, and stakeholder satisfaction. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project delivers the intended outcomes with a high degree of satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.

    In summary, quality in project management involves proactive planning, systematic execution, and continuous monitoring and improvement. By adopting a holistic approach to quality, project managers can ensure that their projects meet the intended objectives and satisfy the expectations of all stakeholders, thereby contributing to organizational success and growth.

  6. VickyK
    I agree with the following definitions of quality:
    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.

  7. I agree with the following definitions of quality:
    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.

  8. 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. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
    4. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
    5. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieving quality targets.

  9. As a project manager I agree that:
    – Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
    – The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
    – Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
    – Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.

  10. -Customers needs should always come first because they are the selling point of any project, so quality should be focused on the customers need.
    -In any given project, the foundation for quality should be layed from the very beginning of the project.
    -When it comes to quality, it should be an open book between the project manager, his team and the clients. In the case of any errors, corrective actions can be taken.

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