Third edition of established text which provides practical advice on how to define, identify, collect, measure, analyse, report and use quality costs.

The last decade has seen wide changes in how quality standards are applied in industry. We now have two functions: quality assurance and process improvement. Quality assurance focuses primarily on product quality, while process improvement focuses on process quality; the principles of quality cost support both. The purpose of this book remains the same as the third edition: to provide a basic understanding of the principles of quality cost. Using this book, organizations can develop and implement a quality cost system to fit their needs. Used as an adjunct to overall financial management, these principles will help maintain vital quality improvement programs over extended timeframes. This fourth edition now includes information on the quality cost systems involved with the education, service, banking, and software development industries. You'll also find new material on ISO 9001, cost systems in small businesses, and activity based costing. Additional information on team-based problem-solving, customer satisfaction, and the costs involved with the defense industry are also offered.

The last decade has seen wide changes in how quality standards are applied in industry. We now have two functions: quality assurance and process improvement. Quality assurance focuses primarily on product quality, while process improvement focuses on process quality; the principles of quality cost support both. The purpose of this book remains the same as the third edition: to provide a basic understanding of the principles of quality cost. Using this book, organizations can develop and implement a quality cost system to fit their needs. Used as an adjunct to overall financial management, these principles will help maintain vital quality improvement programs over extended timeframes. This fourth edition now includes information on the quality cost systems involved with the education, service, banking, and software development industries. You'll also find new material on ISO 9001, cost systems in small businesses, and activity based costing. Additional information on team-based problem-solving, customer satisfaction, and the costs involved with the defense industry are also offered.

Create New Profits in Any Economy In this difficult economic climate, it's vital to cut waste that can eat at a company's bottom line and boost efficiency at every organizational level. The traditional business solution in a crisis is to slash away non-critical talent and resources, often doing more harm than good. There is a far better systematic approach to doing more with less. As a leading expert on Lean Six Sigma and business transformation, with a deep knowledge of its application in countless areas of business, author Mark George can help you use Lean Six Sigma to analyze your operational needs, identify high-impact opportunities, design and rapidly implement solutions, and create a system that will build efficiency and high performance in every area of your business. The Lean Six Sigma Guide to Doing More with Less can help you: Improve operating margins by as much as 20%, ROIC by as much as 10%, and reduce the costs of goods sold by as much as 5% or more Create "cost intelligence" that uncovers root causes allowing cost reductions without jeopardizing customer service levels and quality Use enterprise speed, agility, and flexibility to drive step-change reductions in cost and enable competitive advantage Identify and eliminate the costs of complexity in your business Supercharge your legacy Six Sigma program, improving speed to results, increasing project values, and shortening completion times With case examples from a wide array of industry, encompassing decades of experience implementing Lean Six Sigma in every economic climate, in companies of every size, The Lean Six Sigma Guide to Doing More with Less will give your business an intelligent edge in lean times.