As the thread asks.
Has your definition of Quality changed over time?
I have stuck to my individual interpretation and definition of Quality as being:

"The realization of Value added steps, driven by needs that fulfill a desire outcome".

In my view, Quality is quite simply, a realization by both producer and end user alike of, process steps. The process steps being driven by Production or service constraints and customer expectations.
What's your definintion?
Wallace.

Has your definition of Quality changed over time?
Oh yes, it has, fortunately. From the start, when I left school in the bliss of ignorance, I suppose it must have been someting like acc. to spec, and that was it... I have learned a great deal since then, in the latter years not least thank's to you lot here in the Cove. :agree:

Today, I suppose I could express it in this way: Continual improvement, aiming for mutual benefits for ourselves and our customers. How's that? Sounds a wee bit like a policy, doesn't it? :vfunny:

Great question, Wallace

/Claes

Excellent quote Claes,
May I use it as a quoted reference when making a presentation?
Wallace.

Excellent quote Claes,
May I use it as a quoted reference when making a presentation?
Wallace.
Thank's Wallace, I made it up when I wrote it. Please be my guest if you want to use it.

/Claes

Coming initially from a background in Analytical Chemistry, like Claes my initial understanding of quality was complying, for example, to a certain written standard, whether that was one which specified the properties of a certain material or a means of ascertaining those properties.

Now, however, I would say that it is "Within financial prudence, meeting or exceeding customer requirements", which (for my money) pretty well sums up the reason for existence of any organisation, public or private.

Lyn

All good definitions of quality. Mine happens to be:

Supplying product or service a step above expectations.

Unfortunately my cynical side sometimes leads me back to definitions that include "Fitness For Use", "Acceptable Quality Level", etc... which ultimately come down to $$$$$$$.
Al...

I've been working on this - maybe someone can help.

Quality is the point of view from the overall business plan that dictates how we satisfy customers' needs to begin and/or continue enjoying business transaction(s) with them while maximizing profit according to the short and long term profitability goals of the organization. For nonprofits, I guess "profitability" could become "service"??

Or am I completely off track?

Craig

Hi All,

My view has changed, as I started my working life in the Military and was inundated with MIL-Spec material and as I worked on Aircraft and Avionics equipment we concentrated on adherence to Procedures.
We progressed thru TQM and the 3000 series before the first of the 9000 series, although in the Military we still concentrated on the procedural aspect of quality.
I then moved into 'Civvy' Street (became a civilian) and progressed on to 9000 and then 9K2K with a totally different view point. My catch phrase now is 'Product, Process, People' because Quality IMO combines all facets of our business, similar to what Craig said. Quality IS Business
Good question Wallace.

Greg B

Good question.

Yes, my definition has changed greatly. Much like Greg, my experiences in this field began in the Defense Industry living and abiding by the stringent requirements of the Federal, Military, and DoD specifications. So at that time my definition was geared more to "compliance to spec/requirements".

Now after several years (doesn't seem possible that it has been over a decade already) of living in the real world commercial environment, my definition tends to be more "customer satisfaction" oriented with my customer base being defined as Shareholders/Owners, Employees, Internal Customer's and ultimately the External Customer and surrounding society. :bigwave:

Yes, my definition has changed a lot - from compliance to "Big Q".

Quality is a result of doing things that make business sense.

Corollary: "quality levels are determined by the sense of the people who run the business"