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.
Below are my takes on the discussion:
Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. Strongly agree, customers needs should always be prioritized.
Quality is an internal focus. Slightly agreed.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. Strongly agreed
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. Strongly agreed
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions. Strongly agreed most especially among the stakeholders involved.
Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers. Strongly disagreed.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. Strongly agreed.
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. Slightly agreed.
I agree to the following:
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.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. strongly agree, this means the customer/client is been considered by ensuring they get value for their money.
2. Quality is an internal focus. Disagree, this is because Quality of a project speaks more about a company or brand externally.
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. Strongly agree, it is important that Quality becomes d key word during the inception stage as this makes all professionals involved in the project to always pay ket attention to details to ensure the desired quality is met.
4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. Strongly agree, the execution stage is what bring about the quality that was talked about during the inception stage.
5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions. Strongly agree, this helps everyone involved in the project to pay more attention to details
6. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers. Strongly disagree, this jeopardizes the company’s mission in ensuring customers satisfaction is met.
7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. Agree, the satisfaction of every professional involved in a project is that they ensured the project meets its desired goal and objective.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. Agree, this is because most times team members look at ways to cut cost without putting into consideration the quality , so if proper supervision is not done, it will affect the quality .
Team 3
What is quality [PM Course discussion]
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs. Agreed. This gives the customers the value for their projects
2. Quality is an internal focus. Disagreed. Beyond internal, quality exhibits the worth of a project
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception. Agreed. This will give adequate and proper cost for the worth of the project.
4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals. Agreed. This is actually proper assessment of the project.
5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions. Agreed. This is to both the client and team members along in the project.
6. Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers. Disagreed. Quality is business of all partners in the project.
7. Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes. Disagreed. In a project, individuals are always interested in project delivery within specified time at a minimal cost.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. Agreed. They always factor cost into quality which if not properly supervised quality output will reduce.
Quality is a critical aspect of any endeavor, as it directly influences customer satisfaction, the success of projects, and the overall reputation of individuals and organizations. Prioritizing the customer’s needs, considering quality from project inception, and maintaining transparency about quality issues are essential practices. Quality is not solely an internal focus; it extends to meeting external requirements and exceeding customer expectations. Ultimately, the commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, both individually and as a team, is crucial for long-term success and positive relationships with stakeholders.
Quality is essential for every project. Yes Quality should prioritize customer’s needs as they are at the receiving end. And for the sake if recommendation and future reference, quality must be prioritized.
Secondly, quality should be considered from the beginning of the project . Quality issues should also be discussed openly to the team so as to find corrective actions and not in the secret.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception because this will help with the output and final outcomes.
The execution phase of a project is most crucial for achieving quality goals and should be a priority in project planning to bring about good quality fit for the project.
Transparency should be the paramount for a project and quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions to help move forward in gaining trust and project quality.
Hiding issues will prevent trust and bring about poor quality of project and issues of conflicts might arise when the lies is discovered. Problems should be discussed openly and shared amongst all team members including sponsors and stakeholders where necessary so to be able to tackle the issue early and quickly to prevent any more damages.
Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes especially in new project and should be encouraged and supported so to be able to deliver s expected, comfortable environment and open space area can help individual to deliver better within the team.
Team members can produce quality outputs without close supervision if given the right support and encouragement. Project manager should work with team members in providing the appropriate setting for all and room to safeguard them can help team members produce under less supervision or none.
In projects management quality should be prioritize on stakeholders needs, because before embarking on the project there are spectacular objectives the quality tends to achieve. The project manager is working on a project because it wants to serve a purpose so in this sense project quality should be centered on the customers or stakeholders need.
Kazeem
Quality in project management refers to the degree to which a project meets the requirements and expectations of stakeholders. It involves ensuring that the project deliverables and outcomes are of high quality and meet the defined standards. Quality management in project management includes processes, techniques, and tools to plan, control, and assure the quality of project deliverables. It focuses on identifying and managing quality requirements, performing quality assurance activities, and continuously improving the project processes to enhance overall quality.
The iron triangle, also known as the project management triangle, consists of three elements: scope, time, and cost. While these elements are crucial for project success, there are circumstances where considering additional success criteria becomes important. Here are a few such circumstances:
1.Quality: Sometimes, the quality of the deliverables or the final product is of utmost importance. In such cases, success criteria related to quality standards, customer satisfaction, or meeting specific performance metrics need to be considered.
2.Stakeholder satisfaction: Projects often involve multiple stakeholders with varying interests and expectations. Considering success criteria related to stakeholder satisfaction, such as meeting their needs, addressing their concerns, or achieving their desired outcomes, becomes important.
3.Innovation and creativity: In certain projects, the focus may be on fostering innovation, creativity, or developing new solutions. Success criteria related to generating novel ideas, implementing unique approaches, or achieving breakthrough results should be considered.
4.Risk management: Projects that involve high levels of uncertainty or complexity require success criteria related to risk management. This may include criteria such as identifying and mitigating risks, ensuring project resilience, or achieving a certain level of risk reduction.
5.Sustainability and environmental impact: In today’s world, considering success criteria related to sustainability and environmental impact is crucial. Projects should aim to minimize their ecological footprint, adhere to environmental regulations, or achieve specific sustainability goals.
6.Social impact: Some projects have a significant social impact, such as community development initiatives or humanitarian projects. Success criteria related to social welfare, community engagement, or positive societal change should be considered.
7.Organizational objectives: Projects are often undertaken to achieve specific organizational objectives, such as improving efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, or expanding market share. Success criteria aligned with these objectives, such as achieving specific financial targets or gaining a competitive advantage, need to be considered.
In summary, while the iron triangle elements are essential, considering additional success criteria is important in circumstances where factors like quality, stakeholder satisfaction, innovation, risk management, sustainability, social impact, or organizational objectives play a significant role in project success.