Quality control and quality assurance — common mistakes

In your exam answers, use the terms 'proactive' for QA and 'reactive' for QC. Stating that QA is about 'getting it right the first time' while QC is about 'finding mistakes' will demonstrate a clear and precise understanding to the examiner.

No, this is a common misconception. QC is a reactive, inspection-based activity focused on finding defects in products. TQM is a proactive, business-wide philosophy that aims to prevent defects by embedding quality into every process and empowering every employee. TQM encompasses QA principles and goes further to create a complete quality culture.

Not directly. ISO 9001 certifies that the processes used to create the product are consistent, documented, and meet international standards for a quality management system. While this often leads to higher quality products, the standard itself is about the system, not the final product's specific features. A company could have ISO 9001 but still produce a low-specification product, just very consistently.

As a literal, absolute target, achieving zero defects forever is extremely difficult. However, its value is as a philosophy or mindset. By aiming for perfection, a business can significantly reduce waste, rework, and customer complaints. It drives continuous improvement and challenges the complacency that an 'acceptable' level of defects can create. The pursuit of zero defects is often more important than its absolute attainment.