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.
A customer-centric approach, consideration of quality from the project’s inception, and open communication about quality issues are fundamental principles. Transparency, both internally and externally, is crucial, and trusting team members to produce quality work is important for fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
In my opinion, quality should be paid attention to from the beginning of every project. It should be maintained throughout and checked on at the end.
Quality applies to product characteristics, process outputs and systems outputs and as such is relevant at the planning phases, execution and closure phases of projects.
Quality at the planning stage considers, cost, objectives, change , risks and opportunities management . At the execution phase, quality control and feedback takes Centre stage while at the finishing stage , post delivery issues, feedback from customers and customer satisfaction takes Centre stage and very important the lessons learnt is very useful.
All these are ramifications of project quality.
I am of the opinion that Quality should be considered at beginning of a project. Take for instance, a Builder who a house to build should first determine how he wants the quality of the blocks he will use. This will give him an idea of the quantity of sand to mix with a bag of cement. The more the sand, the less quality of the blocks vice versa.
I agree that quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. This is because it brings about loads of benefits ranging from more loyal customers, more positive review, and more revenue to the organisation
Yes, quality is an internal focus. Every organization should prioritize quality
Yes. Quality management must begin right at the start of the project to be really effective. Quality has to be managed throughout the complete project lfecycle.
Yes. execution phase is the most crucial stage in a project lifecycle
Yes, it should be openly discussed. During discussion, corrective action are uncovered and this will prevent systemic issues
In project management, prioritizing customer needs is essential as it ensures that the final deliverable aligns with their expectations and requirements. Quality, often an internal focus, should be integrated from the project’s inception to guarantee that processes and outputs meet predefined standards.
The execution phase holds particular significance in achieving quality goals. This is when project plans are put into action, and meticulous attention to detail is crucial to meet quality standards. Open discussions about quality issues are vital during this phase to identify problems promptly and implement corrective actions.
However, concealing quality problems, whether from customers or managers, can be detrimental. Transparency is key to maintaining trust and addressing issues effectively. Individual enthusiasm for producing high-quality outcomes is valuable, but fostering a collaborative team environment is equally important. Team members should not solely rely on close supervision; instead, a culture of intrinsic quality motivation should be cultivated to ensure consistent, high-quality outputs throughout the project.
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.
I disagree with the following:
1. Quality is focused internally: Quality should primarily be focused on meeting customer requirements, not just internal processes.
2. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets: Quality should be considered throughout the project, from planning to execution.
3. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers: Communication about quality should be opened for improvement and transparency.
4. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision: Trust and empowerment(adequate training)
of the team members can lead to quality outputs without constant supervision.
To my own opinion, I think quality should be targeted on customers demand. Because customers are core focus of the project, if customers are satisfied, I think the aim of the project has been achieved.
Quality is a fundamental dimension of project scope however it’s also considered a vital tool to rate a project manager. The following are my thoughts on Quality:
1. Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. – Agree: Quality should be customer-centered, as meeting or exceeding customer expectations is crucial for sustained success. Understanding and meeting customer needs is essential in delivering a high-quality product or service.
2. Quality should be focused internally. – yes: Quality should solely be an internal focus. While internal processes and standards are important, the ultimate measure of quality lies in meeting or exceeding customer expectations and requirements.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. – Agree: Quality considerations should be integrated from the project’s inception. Planning and designing with quality in mind help prevent issues that may arise later and ensure that expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
4. The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. – Not necessarily: While the execution phase is critical, quality should be a continuous focus throughout all project phases. Planning, design, implementation, and monitoring all contribute to achieving quality targets.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. – Agree: Open discussion of quality issues enables identification, analysis, and resolution of problems. Addressing issues transparently facilitates learning, improvement, and preventive actions.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. – Disagree: Hiding quality problems is not a sustainable practice. Open communication and transparency with customers and managers are essential for building trust, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
As a project manager, I agree that;
•Quality should be considered from the projects inception because if adequate plans and arrangements are not carried out at the beginning of a project, the project team might end up delivering and product that is not up to the client/stakeholders expectations.
•Quality issues should be openly discussed to identity corrective actions. In the course of carrying out a project, the project manager, the project team and the clients should ensure that there is a constant flow of communication in order to avoid encountering errors and ensure that they deliver a product according to the client’s taste.
Cohort11 Team 5
I totally agreed with the following statement
1. Quality should be focused on customer needs.
2. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
3. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
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 action
6. Quality is focused internally
An organisation without quality standards is most likely to have deficiencies in its project plans.
Thus, I agree that;
– Quality should be focused on customers needs.
In the real estate industry, quality is seen as a great motivator for clients’ interest in property purchase.
– Quality should be considered from the project inception.
As a matter of fact, from the planning stage through to execution of the project, quality standards must be discussed.
– Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
Communication should be upheld among the project manager, teams and stakeholders regarding any lapses in the project plans and to ensure the end product meets client’s standard.