Quality management

 

Task 1 Quality Management

What is Quality Management?

-         For me, it is a process of control to make sure that every stage in production fulfill the quality standards needed to create a good perception of value, this goes from raw materials until the product arrives to the client or even further like post sale services.

What is the objective of Quality Management?

-         Since competition does not only involve prices anymore, its objective is to improve as much as possible to offer a better product.

Which are the key components of Quality management? Describe in detail each one.

These components can be either tangible or intangible

Tangible

-         Reliability: how much can the costumer trust the product will last.

-         Functions and features: how many different needs can I cover with the same product

-         Support level and standards: do they offer any post sale service and accomplish any quality standard.

-         Cost of ownership: how expensive it can result in a long term.

Intangible

-         Brand image: are they considered a “good” brand? (are they socially responsible, cruelty free, etc)

-         Exclusiveness: how hard is for someone to get the product (it might be good or bad)

-         Market reputation: what does consumers know or say about the product.

Describe what Quality Management involves. (process)

-         Quality control: this is based on inspection to take the defects out so these pieces do not get to the market, avoiding bad experiences to costumers that may affect the company reputation. This can be very expensive because it is necessary someone to look at every piece produced to verify it accomplish the standards required.

-         Quality assurance: this is based on looking at the whole process to make sure everything is working properly and no mistakes are made, so it prevents any failure or deficiency in the final product.

 

What does “Quality Improvement Methods” refer to? Explain in detail.

-         In this one I was not really sure about what to answer, I do not know if it refers to what is shown in the video about “quality assurance” where it is said that “it refers essentially to and attitude where everyone is aware of the need of quality, so it is a vital part in the whole production process. This eliminates cost of inspection since it is done by every worker.” So I would like if you make a comment about this question.

What are the Quality Management principle that the International Standard for Quality Management adopt? Write a description of each. 

-         Context of the organization: understanding what clients need and their expectations.

-         Leadership: it is necessary that leaders and any level communicate what clients are asking for so they can satisfy their needs but always focused on quality so, quality policy is created and shared.

-         Planning: it is important to settle objectives and targets, to be aware of opportunities, and preventing risks.

-         Support: it is important to have motivated and competitive employees guided by well planned manuals and work instructions.

-         Operation: this is where most of the quality management happens because is where everything is produced. This involves plan and control operations, design and development, post – delivery management, etc.

-         Performance evaluation: by using KPIs at internal audiences it is possible to find improvement areas.

-         Improvement: depending on the results, it might be needed to make a few changes in order to have a better performance.

What are the benefits of Quality Management?

Customer satisfaction leads to more purchases. Then, if the product results satisfying enough, it will be recommended to friends/family creating a free marketing campaign that will reduce costs in this area. Finally, as long as the quality standard is kept it will improve customer loyalty.