4.3 Achieving quality production

Question 1

Quality

Answer 1

ensuring a good or service that meets the needs and requirements of its customer

Question 2

Why is Quality important?

Answer 2

if product/service does not meet requirements of customer, leading to them not buying → decreases business’ sales, reputation, profit

Question 3

Quality control

Answer 3

process of ensuring that products have standard or uniform quality

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of quality control

Answer 4

+ reduces faults and errors
+ less training for workers
+ improves reputation
- expensive
- identifies the fault but may not know why there is a fault
- increases cost of scrap and repairs
- slows down production process

Question 5

Quality assurance

Answer 5

checking for quality standards throughout the production process at every stage

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of quality assurance

Answer 6

+ fewer customer complaints
+ reduced cost in scrap
+ tries to eliminate faults before customer receives them
- time consuming
- expensive - employees need training

Question 7

Total Quality Management (TQM)

Answer 7

continuous improvement. It’s not just about the final product but also the process. Everyone in the system feels satisfied with quality and the process.

Question 8

Quality circles

Answer 8

where groups of workers meet regularly and discuss problems and possible solutions

Question 9

Zero defects

Answer 9

systems that make sure no products leave the business with defects

Question 10

Statistical Process Control

Answer 10

statistics which are generated to enable the business to evaluate their quality procedures

Question 11

Advantages and disadvantages of TQM

Answer 11

+ corrects errors in a right first time approach
+ saving money no reworking
+ brand image is improved
+ waste is removed
- expensive as employees need training
- time consuming
- needs a culture of TQM which takes time and leadership