Unit-1 Notes
Unit-1 Notes
In quality management, the term "dimensions of quality" refers to the various attributes or
characteristics that define the quality of a product or service. These dimensions help
organizations understand the expectations and requirements of their customers and
stakeholders and design their products and services accordingly. In this section, we will discuss
the eight dimensions of quality as proposed by David A. Garvin.
Performance: This dimension refers to the primary operating characteristics of a product or
service, such as speed, accuracy, durability, and reliability. Customers expect a product or
service to perform the function for which it is designed efficiently and effectively.
Features: This dimension refers to the additional attributes or characteristics that enhance the
performance of a product or service. Customers expect products and services to have additional
features that provide value and meet their needs and preferences.
Reliability: This dimension refers to the ability of a product or service to perform consistently
over time and under different conditions. Customers expect products and services to be reliable
and perform as expected without failures or breakdowns.
Conformance: This dimension refers to the extent to which a product or service meets the
specified requirements and standards. Customers expect products and services to conform to
the quality standards and specifications.
Durability: This dimension refers to the expected lifespan or longevity of a product or service.
Customers expect products and services to last long and be durable.
Serviceability: This dimension refers to the ease and speed with which a product or service can
be repaired, maintained, or serviced. Customers expect products and services to be easy to
maintain and repair, and quick to service.
Aesthetics: This dimension refers to the sensory attributes of a product or service, such as
appearance, smell, taste, and touch. Customers expect products and services to be aesthetically
pleasing and visually appealing.
Perceived Quality: This dimension refers to the customer's overall impression of the quality of
a product or service, based on their experiences and interactions with it. Customers expect
products and services to provide a positive experience and meet their expectations.
Principles of Quality:
There are several principles of quality that have been developed over time to ensure that
organizations can meet the needs and expectations of their customers. The following are the
eight principles of quality as per ISO 9000:2015 standard:
Customer focus: Organizations must understand their customers' needs and expectations and
design their products and services accordingly.
Leadership: Top management must provide leadership and establish a clear vision and mission
for the organization.
Engagement of people: All employees must be engaged in the quality management process and
have the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the organization's success.
Process approach: Organizations must adopt a process approach to quality management and
identify, measure, and improve their key processes.
Improvement: Organizations must continually improve their processes and products or services
to meet changing customer needs and expectations.
Evidence-based decision making: Decisions must be based on data, facts, and evidence to
ensure that they are effective and efficient.
Relationship management: Organizations must establish and maintain effective relationships
with their customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Risk-based thinking: Organizations must identify and manage risks to their processes and
products or services to ensure that they can meet their quality objectives.
Quality Cost?
Quality cost refers to the total cost incurred by a company or organization to ensure the quality
of its products or services. These costs can be classified into four categories: prevention costs,
appraisal costs, internal failure costs, and external failure costs.
Prevention costs are those incurred to prevent defects from occurring in the first place. This
includes the cost of implementing quality management systems, conducting training programs
for employees, and developing and implementing quality control procedures.
Appraisal costs are those incurred to determine the level of quality achieved by the products or
services. This includes the cost of inspecting and testing the products or services, conducting
audits, and analyzing data to identify trends and potential areas of improvement.
Internal failure costs are those incurred as a result of defects found during the production
process. This includes the cost of scrap and rework, as well as the cost of downtime and lost
productivity.
External failure costs are those incurred when defects are found after the product or service has
been delivered to the customer. This includes the cost of warranty claims, product recalls, and
litigation.
Overall, quality cost is an important consideration for any organization as it directly impacts
their profitability and customer satisfaction. By investing in prevention and appraisal costs,
companies can reduce their internal and external failure costs and improve the quality of their
products or services.
Quality Leadership?
Quality leadership refers to the ability of a leader to inspire and motivate their team towards
achieving a common goal while maintaining high standards of performance and quality. It
involves creating a work environment that fosters teamwork, innovation, and continuous
improvement.
One of the essential traits of a quality leader is a clear vision. The leader must have a clear
understanding of what they want to achieve and how they plan to achieve it. They must also be
able to communicate this vision to their team in a way that inspires and motivates them.
Another crucial aspect of quality leadership is the ability to lead by example. A leader who
expects their team to work hard and maintain high standards of quality must first do so
themselves. They must be willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team,
demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Effective communication is also a critical skill for a quality leader. They must be able to listen
actively to their team and provide clear and concise instructions. They must also be able to give
constructive feedback and praise when appropriate, which can help motivate their team and
improve performance.
A quality leader must also be able to delegate tasks effectively. They must be able to identify
the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and assign tasks accordingly. This not only
helps ensure that the job is done correctly but also helps build the team's confidence and trust
in their leader.
Lastly, a quality leader must be committed to continuous improvement. They must be open to
feedback from their team and be willing to make changes when necessary. They must also be
proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance
performance.
In summary, quality leadership involves having a clear vision, leading by example, effective
communication, delegation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. When these traits
are combined, a quality leader can inspire and motivate their team to achieve their goals while
maintaining high standards of performance and quality.
Role of Top Management in quality management?
The role of top management in quality management is crucial for the success of any
organization. Top management refers to the individuals who hold the highest positions in an
organization, such as the CEO, COO, and other senior executives. They are responsible for
setting the direction and goals of the organization, as well as ensuring that the organization's
activities are aligned with its strategic objectives.
Top management plays a critical role in quality management as they are responsible for
creating and implementing the organization's quality policy and ensuring that it is
communicated and understood by all employees. This involves setting quality objectives,
allocating resources, and establishing processes for measuring and improving quality. They
must also ensure that the organization's quality management system is regularly reviewed and
audited for effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, top management must lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to
quality by actively promoting a culture of quality within the organization. They must ensure
that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities in achieving quality objectives,
and that they are empowered to take ownership of quality improvement initiatives.
Effective communication is also crucial for top management in quality management. They must
communicate the importance of quality to all employees and stakeholders, and ensure that
everyone is aware of the organization's quality performance and progress towards its
objectives. This requires regular reporting, feedback, and engagement with employees,
customers, and suppliers.
Top management must also ensure that the organization has the necessary resources and
capabilities to achieve its quality objectives. This includes investing in training and
development programs, providing access to technology and equipment, and allocating budget
and personnel for quality improvement initiatives.
In conclusion, the role of top management in quality management is essential for the success
of an organization. They must provide leadership, direction, and resources to ensure that the
organization's quality objectives are met. They must also lead by example and promote a
culture of quality throughout the organization, while communicating effectively with
employees, stakeholders, and customers.