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]

2,158 thoughts on “What is quality [PM Course discussion]

  1. i agree with:
    Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs.
    This is aligned with the customer-centric approach to quality, emphasizing that the ultimate measure of quality is how well it meets the customer’s requirements and expectations.

    Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
    Early consideration of quality is essential for preventing issues and ensuring that quality is built into the project processes and deliverables from the start.

  2. I agree on the following statement as regards to quality:

    1. Quality should be focused on customers needs.
    2. Quality should be considered from the beginning of a project.
    3.The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality target.
    4. Quality should be focused internally.

  3. I agree with some of the points on Quality but must considered in every phase of the Project, not just at the beginning of the project, in order to deliver the best and lasting result. If good qualities is not met at the end of the project, no company will ever recommend your services.
    As a project manager, you are not to accept company’s suggesting you go for lesser quality due to their purse. If not the company will present you bad to the world.
    As a Project Manager you must monitor your team so they can give the project the best it deserves, you can’t assume they will deliver total and good quality.
    Working with quality gives the best result and lasting recommendations.

    1. From my end, quality should be paid attention to from the beginning of the project,
      It should be maintained throughout and checked on at the end.

  4. I believe quality should be factored in, from the inception to the completion of any project. Taking on this approach will relatively cost less than when corrective action on quality, needs to be undertaken at a much later phase of the project. Where quality issues emerge, it will be productive if it is discussed openly to find corrective action especially, in a diverse team. Any project engagement should be customer-centric and its ultimate goal should be to exceed their expectations. Quality can be the rallying cry for endorsement and therefore, it should be given due consideration.

    1. I agree that quality should be considered from project inception. Considering quality from the beginning helps ensure that the project meets the desired standards and requirements, and reduces the likelihood of issues or defects later on. It is important to establish clear quality objectives and incorporate quality management practices throughout the project lifecycle.
      I also agree that the execution phase of a project is crucial for the achievement of quality goals. This is the phase where the project plan is put into action, and it is important to ensure that the work is carried out according to the defined quality standards. Proper execution involves monitoring and controlling the project activities, conducting regular quality checks, and addressing any issues or deviations promptly. By focusing on quality during the execution phase, the project team can work towards achieving the desired level of quality for the project deliverables.

  5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: i think quality should be openly discussed to find out the need of the people around the environment where you are. making it open, can actually create a room for more detailed about your product and ways of improvement as well. also quality should also be focused on customer choice or need. if the quality of your product is actually determine from the beginning of the production, it can help the team to focus on the particular area they need to improve on.

  6. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: i think quality should be openly discussed to find out the need of the people around the environment where you are. making it open, can actually create a room for more detailed about your product and ways of improvement as well. also quality should also be focused on customer choice or need

  7. 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.
    Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers.
    People are keen on producing quality outputs.
    Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.

  8. All the statement are best used, so non of it should be neglected. Quality should be focused on the customers need and majorly on the project plan, execution and the project wrap up.

  9. Quality been the overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfill the requirements of customers, also the suitability for the intended purpose and the degree to which the output of a process or the process itself conforms to the requirements. I’ll agree with all the listed items of discussion here, except the point that states that quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers, you’ll agree that open communication and transparency with customers and managers are essential for building trust, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions, this brings a win-win situation for both parties.

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