Quality control and quality assurance flashcards

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Quality control (QC)?

Inspection at end of process - detective approach.

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Quality assurance (QA)?

Systems ensure quality built in - preventive approach.

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TQM?

Total Quality Management - organisation-wide culture of quality.

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ISO 9001?

International QA standard - auditable processes.

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Cost of poor quality?

Rework, returns, recalls, brand damage.

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QC limitation?

Does not stop defects being made - waste of resources.

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Link to lean?

TQM + lean reduce waste (9.3.4).

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Link to marketing?

Quality supports brand and customer retention (3.3.2).

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What is the core principle of Total Quality Management (TQM)?

A management philosophy where all employees are involved in continuously improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work, with a primary focus on customer satisfaction.

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Define 'Kaizen'.

A Japanese term meaning 'continuous improvement'. It is a long-term approach that seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency and quality, involving all employees.

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What does ISO 9001 certification signify?

It signifies that a company's quality management system meets internationally recognised standards. It is awarded by an external body and demonstrates a commitment to process consistency, documentation, and customer satisfaction.

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Explain the 'zero defects' philosophy.

A management mindset that aims for perfection by 'getting it right the first time'. It argues that the cost of preventing defects is lower than the cost of correcting them, rejecting the idea of an 'acceptable' level of errors.

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What is a Quality Circle?

A small group of employees who perform similar work and meet voluntarily and regularly to identify, analyse, and solve work-related problems, especially those concerning quality, productivity, and safety.