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 totally agree to all the statements exception of 7 and 9. I rather do agree that product/outcomes of project should be shared with project sponsors, Customers/Client. This agile approach will re-assure client that work is ongoing and within timeframe. Secondly, it enhance timely feedback contributions from critical project stakeholders.
I totally agree to all the statements, global best practices should be the bane of any project.
i personally think that Quality problems should not be concealed from customers and possibly managers but rather quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
I agree with all statements about quality except No. 6.
Quality problems doesn’t have to be concealed. Its better to discuss the problem openly and find a way to improve on the quality of the product, as it is the major thing customers are concerned about.
I agree with all except 6and 7 and to bottle the point quality should never be compromise in any project if you want to get the best of what ever project one is carrying out.
I agree with all these statements except number six. Quality problems should not be concealed
I agree with the statements on quality except number 4, 6 and 7.
The execution phase only is not the most critical to achieve quality projects because the planning stages provides the deliverables for execution.
Also, quality problems should be exposed and corrected.
Lastly, most people are not keen on producing quality outputs as they may want to save costs to maximise profit.
I agree with the statements made on quality. But i want to point out that quality issues should be discussed with team members and stakeholders
I agree with all statements of quality as it is important for a project manager(s) to have a quality plan so as to help reduce costs. It tells project managers precisely what the customers want and what standards they need to achieve with their activities. It makes one spend funds on things that are of importance to customers.
I agree with with all statements because in order to effectively execute a project, quality cannot be compromised
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
After all, the client came to you after they must have a slight idea of what you can give them. For me, quality says “this is the lowest my integrity can go for you” and let’s the client know where you stand from the onset.