Quality Assurance

Question 1

Methods of quality assurance

Answer 1

1. Quality circles
2. Benchmarking
3. Kaizen

Question 2

What are quality circles

Answer 2

> a small group of workers meet volunterally usually between 6-12 people
they discuss possible methods of improving quality and productivity

Question 3

Disadvantages of quality circles

Answer 3

1. There is cost involved as staff have to find time to meet up
2. many business just use suggestion boxes

Question 4

What is benchmarking

Answer 4

1. Identity the focus
2. Identify the benchmark
3. Compare current practice
4. Identify area to improve
5. Make necessary changes
6. Evaluate progress

Question 5

What is kaizen

Answer 5

Sometime refereed to as continous improvement 
> kai = change 
> zen = good 
Believes that 
1. Small regular change is good 
2. Drastic but infrequent change is bad 
3. Kaizen relies on staff participation

Question 6

What is quality control

Answer 6

This is more of a reactive form of quality management! It is based on inspection
> sampling products at the end and during production
> employing people to test products
> extreme testing - I.e damaging products

Question 7

Disadvantages of quality control

Answer 7

1. It is expensive
2. Create resentment between staff
3. It is tedious - but relies upon alertness
4. It is not full proof
5. Removes repsonsibility of quality from other staff

Question 8

What is quality assurance

Answer 8

This is a pro active form of quality management it prevents issues before they happen