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.
I am in agreement with all the statement made about quantity. Quantity as the ability of a product or service to meet a customer’s expectations is key to the success of any project manager.
Quality is all about the customer which can be the stakeholders, discussing the quality of the work/job before the commencement of any project is vital as no one will accept a sub-standard or low quality project.
It is very important to consider all these quality statement when handling a project as a project manager.
These first five about quality is most important.
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.
All the statements are important and none should be overlooked because they all aid in quality planning, assurance, and control of the project work.
I agree with “quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.” and “quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.” because the customers are the end users of the product and it won’t be okay to supply them with a product lower than their expectation. Also, the quality of a product should be considered at the beginning of developing a certain product so as to get an expected better result
Friday Uwhubetine (Cohort 10: T 5)
Indeed, quality should be an integral part of the planning stage of any project -the output or finished “products” should meet the required standard.
I believe quality should be considered from the points of view of, first the USERS/consumers/customers and then the project team (as well as the other major stakeholders).
1. It should be considered from planning stage (and how it will be achieved)
2. It is critical to bear quality in mind during execution (so as not to have the final output turned down).
3. It is also worthwhile to mention that it is key to have an open discussion about quality issues at every stage of the project life cycle, rather than keeping things away from stakeholders.
4. Monitoring is also another key element or consideration in ensuring that quality is delivered (within the boundaries of time and cost).
If the Project Manager does not ensure proper monitoring of team members and others involved in the process, there may be laxity: sloppy work done -this is the essence of constant communication.
I agree with all but mostly,
1. Quality is an internal focus
2. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
I agreed with the below statements about quality:
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
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes
For me, quality is the characteristics of a product/service that meets the set criteria set for it while at the same time meeting the demands of the end user/consumer of the product/service. By this it means it has to meet this threshold of meeting the initial requirements while at the same time satisfying the end user, only then can we say there’s quality in a product/service
Quality and all its features should be considered from onset of the project
Quality delivery on every project should be top priority because that totally shows the intentions of the project manager on tasks and project and this will enable trust from stakeholders or sponsors for other projects.
Quality should be the underlining intention from the very begging of the project. But it must be such that put the available resources into consideration, and must meet the client’s need. it should be durable. this could be what will differentiate the project manger from every other manager.