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.
Quality should definitely focus on the users needs and should be considered from the execution stage.
As the saying goes, a happy customer is a good product which will make the customer come back.
Every customer whose needs are met, consider such product or service a qualuty one.
every customer whose needs are met, consider such product or service a qualuty one.
Quality shoyld be considered from the beginning of the project.
These 2starements stand out for me
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception
Per different definitions of quality we found that it is about ” Overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfil the requirements of a customer. We also learned that the quality is interrelated with time and scope of the project. This implies that all processes implied in the project life cycle should align with the resources (Cost) , time allocated to tasks in order to produce the quality product. The meaning of the above is that the quality of a product is at the center of any processes involved as it determine what resources and time to allocate to produce it.
1. Quality should be focused on customer’s needs: Agree.
2. Quality is focused internally: Agree.
3. Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: Agree.
4. The execution phase of the project is the most crucial to achieve quality targets: Not entirely correct as observing quality at the different phases of the project lifecycle culminates to its overall quality during the execution phase. Quality is as crucial as time and cost at every phase of the project lifecycle.
5. Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: Quality issues are sensitive issues and should be discussed with wisdom but within the project team, it should be discussed openly.
6. Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers: From customers, yes. Any communication of quality issues with customers should be done strategically to protect the customer and also the organization. Quality problems should never be hidden from the managers.
7. People are keen on producing quality outputs: Agree.
8. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision: Strongly disagree for experienced project teams.
In every phase of a project quality should be discussed from the very beginning as this will drive customers to your product once they are satisfied with the quality of the product they will do the marketing of the product without even been paid. I use Sonic burger as an example, the first I had it, it was so delicious because of the finishing they gave the burger when making it. So it comes down to the time, money and invested into it from the beginning and the aim of achieving a quality delicious meal to customers as the forefront of the companies slogan. With that been said quality should be discuss at the begin of a every product with the end users in mind (customers).
Ensuring quality in any project is paramount, although it can be influenced by various factors. Reflecting on the aspects of quality, I concur with the following points:
(a). Quality should be a primary consideration from the project’s inception. This early focus aids in shaping the scope, developing the project plan, and acquiring the necessary expertise or skills.
(b). Openly addressing quality issues is crucial for identifying and implementing corrective measures. Creating an environment where quality concerns are openly discussed ensures that everyone is aware of potential compromises and collaborates to identify and rectify issues, allowing the project to progress and be delivered in its optimal form.
(c). Not all team members or groups require close supervision to produce high-quality outputs. Recognizing the efficiency of team members under different circumstances is vital for effective project management. Some individuals may perform better without close supervision or pressure, and understanding this enables the project manager to handle the team appropriately.
(d). Concealing quality problems from customers or managers hinders finding effective solutions, especially if the root cause lies in the allocated project resources (such as finance or labor).
(e). Each phase of a project plays a crucial role in achieving the desired quality outcome. Contrary to the belief that the execution phase is the most important, I contend that the planning phase holds greater significance. During planning, all necessary information, skills, and resources are organized and put in place, ensuring a solid foundation for the subsequent execution phase.
(f). While quality primarily focuses on meeting customer needs, preserving the reputation of the organization overseeing the project is equally important. Maintaining a positive organizational reputation contributes to overall project success.
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs. I agree
Quality is focused internally. I agree
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. I agree
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets. Maybe,but Quality should be considered at all phase of the project
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions. I agree
Quality problems should be hidden from customers and possibly also managers. I disagree
People are keen on producing quality outputs. I agree
Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision. I disagree
I believe quality should be focused on right from the beginning of the project, it is quality that will build your reputation, give you more customers and make you a reference point.
We need to have quality as our focus from the onset.
I agree with:
1. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
2. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.