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.
Hi !
I think all the statements are seemingly important as far the achievement of quality is concerned. However, I believe that in order for quality to be attained the following views should be considered:
– quality should be considered from the project’s Inception.
– the view of quality should prioritise the customers’ needs
The execution phase of the project is rucial for the attainment of the quality of the project
– quality goals should be discussed openly inorder to identify corrective actions
– individual are enthusiastic about producing high quality outcome
– team members don’t (necessarily) produce quality output without close supervision
I believe quality should be put into consideration from the inception of the project. Also quality issues should be discussed openly so that remedial causes can be taken. I also agree with the statement of putting the customers needs into consideration when quality is been discussed.
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
*Yes, sometimes the customer knows what the expected end product should look like but might not understand the priority of events leading to this. Quality will help prioritize those needs
2. Quality is an internal focus.
* I believe is not only an internal focus but an external extension as well.
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
* Yes very crucial to achieving quality
4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
* It is crucial but not the only phase to start implementing quality.
5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
* Yes, because if they are not discussed one might miss out in ideas that could help mitigate issues. Also the PM is not an island of solutions
6. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
*No, I don’t think so..these people are stakeholders that would reason together to mitigate issues that might arise
7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
* Yes, everyone wants to get deliverables of high quality, it is a precursor to be recognized especially in products that quality is key.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
* I do not think so especially when we look at skills and experience, but if anyone is falling short the PM can offer support
Quality should be considered as well as other perimeter of the project from the start, it should be made in such a way that it meets the customer’s desire.
No outcome of a project no matter how cost-effective or otherwise that does not meet the intended purpose could be term as quality thus, the need to carry along all the stakeholders as the project begins such that if there is ever a need to fall below in intended quality due to one constrain or another it will be clear to all.
I agree with all of the above statement and I believe they should be considered.
As a health practitioner, I agree with the statement that quality should be considered from the beginning of the project up to the point of delivering the product to the customer/end user which aligns with the statement that the customers should be considered in terms of quality. As a PPM honesty,
transparency, and ethical alignment with lay down principles, laws that governs our practice should be obeyed. Customers should know us for our brand and they should also derive maximum satisfaction for the services they pay for, this way their loyalty, continuous patronage, and referrals cannot be questioned.
Quality should be prioritized considering the costumer’s requirement , and considering the scope of project which is the what a project a produces as deliverables ( output ) and it wider effect and valuables , i it is important about what effect the product would create for the organization after the completion of the project and how much skills team members have gotten more and if ethics were followed in getting the project result with stakeholders satisfied with the way the project was managed without exceed use of resources and funds
Quality should be considered from the inception of the project. Since every project seeks to bring about change with a system, organization or society at large. It is therefore imperative for project manager to set a high standard for the project at hand. From the planning stage through organizing , coordinating and control stage, the standard of projects deliverables should be high. This will ensure that, the project output or outcomes meet the expected standard or quality.
The following can be said to be true in regards to quality:
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Quality should be the priority of the project from inception .
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality project.
Quality issues should be discussed openly with all concerned stakeholders so as to find corrective measures
Reply
This is my view on each point:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
Yes. And I would like to add that extra comfort here ensures the success of the project.
2. Quality is focused internally.
I believe that this goes both ways. Quality
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Yes, it should be looked at from the insight of the project. It is essential in determining the scope and even man power, among other things required for the project.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets.
All phases are important. They work together to achieve a predetermined goal.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
I personally believe openness in this aspect saves all parties a lot of headaches.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
Strongly disagree with this with obvious reasons.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs.
Nope. Human nature is adept to find the easiest and most conducive way of doing things that is favorable to himself not necessarily considering others.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
Depends on the complexity of the project. But supervision is essential, but how close it should be is the debate.
From the best of my knowledge, all statements are important and none should be neglected or be of less importance..
In the aspect of this statement “Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers”,it might be hidden from customers but I don’t buy the idea of hiding it from the Manager’s..
Quality:
1. should focus on customers needs
2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project
3. The execution stage of a project, is the most critical to achieve quality target.
4.Quality issues should be discussed openly find corrective action.
5. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision