Question

Describe the quality control sub-process and its key benefit.

Answer 1

Quality control is an important sub-process under TQM (Total Quality Management). It refers to the methods and activities used to accomplish, sustain and improve the quality of a product or service.

It's based on the following steps:

1. Specification of what is needed
2. Design of the good/service as per the specification
3. Production of the good/service as per the specification
4. Inspection of the good/service, to judge conformance with specification
5. Feedback/Review of usage, of the good/service, to revise specifications if needed.

Specific techniques and applications, under the steps enumerated above, vary from business to business depending on the context. But the main aim is to ensure that the quality of the produced good/service is maintained or improved with zero (or minimal) errors.

The Key benefit of quality control is that it allows for the most effective utilisation of a company's production resources along with a reduction in its production costs. This is because, with continuous inspection and control of operations, the business is able to eliminate waste and refine its working - bringing about CONSISTENCY and UNIFORMITY in its processes as well in the final product. Some further benefits that follow include-

• A quality conscious, process-oriented organisational culture
• Continuous improvement and modernization
• Superior products and satisfied customers
• Increased sales
• Enhanced goodwill in the market