Quality characteristics

The definitions of quality could be appreciated in a better way if we understand the characteristics of quality. Every product and service has a set of characteristics which help in identifying its quality. Let us now discuss some of the characteristics of quality.

• Functionality: It is a degree to which the equipment performs its intended function. The way the system responds to errors is critical in this characteristic. This is highly important for clinical equipments where minor error could be disastrous.
• Performance: The performance of product or service should comply with the user needs.
• Reliability: It is the capability of the product or service to perform as intended under normal conditions without unexpected failure.
• Relevance: It is the characteristics of a product or service by which it meets the actual needs of the user; it should be applicable, pertinent and appropriate to its intended use.
• Timeliness: The characteristic of timeliness stipulates that the product or service is delivered in time when it is needed to solve a particular problem and not after the problem is solved. This characteristic is very important for health and emergency relief work.
• Suitability: Suitability of a product or service is the fitness of its use, its appropriateness and correctness to the intended industry, for example the agricultural equipment has to be designed to perform under conditions the user will use it on.
• Completeness: The service provided should be complete and include the entire scope of services. For example completeness of a training session includes provision of all materials necessary to build a desired skill or knowledge.
• Consistency: Services have to be delivered in the same way for all the users. For example blood test has to be done in the same way for every patient.

These quality characteristics are not limited to the service, equipment or material delivered to the end-users, it also applies to the service, equipment or material used by the project staff to deliver the project outputs. This also includes the machinery, computers, tools, vehicles and consulting services the project uses to carry out the activity.