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.

The revised edition of a book which explores the impact of quality control on the success of an organization and details a method for facilitating quality program and quality improvement activities. Written for both manufacturing and service sector managers, the volume illustrates basic principles o

Whenever I step into an aeroplane I cannot avoid considering the risks associated with flying. Thoughts of mechanical failure, pilot error and ter rorist action fill my mind. I try to reassure myself with statistics which tell me there is greater chance of injury crossing the road. The moment the plane takes off I am resigned to my fate, placing faith in pilots who are highly qualified and superbly trained for the task of delivering me safely to my destination. To be a passenger in an aeroplane is to express faith in the systems used by the airline. It is to express a faith in the quality of the airline's organisation and the people who work within it. The same is true of surgery. Thoughts of mortality are difficult to avoid when facing the surgeon's knife. However, faith in the surgeon's training and skill; faith in the anaesthetist and theatre technicians, faith in the efficient resources and quality of the hospital all help to convince that there is little need to worry. Apart from flying and surgery there are many facets of life which entail risk, but, knowing the risks, we willingly place our confidence in others to deliver us safely. In the consumption of food, however, few of us consider the risks. Everyday, if we are fortunate, we eat food. Food sustains and gives us pleasure. Food supports our social interactions.

In this era of global competition, the demands of customers are growing, and the quest for quality has never been more urgent. Quality has evolved from a concept into a strategy for long-term viability. The third edition of Principles of Total Quality explains this strategy for both the service and manufacturing sectors. This edition addr