Glossary - Q

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Quality

Fitness for purpose. Source: A4

The degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements. It should be noted that:

  • the term "quality" can be used with adjectives such as poor, good or excellent
  • "inherent" as opposed to "assigned" means existing in something, especially as a permanent characteristic. Source S2: AS/NZS ISO 9000:2000.

Quality Accreditation

One form of quality assurance where the setting of service standards, the process of review against these standards and the results of the review are formalized through an accreditation body. Source S2

Quality Assurance (QA)

All necessary planned and systematic actions to provide confidence that a product or service will satisfy specified quality requirements which reflect the needs of the user. Effective quality assurance requires a continuing evaluation of factors affecting the adequacy of the design or specification for a proposed application, and the verification and auditing of production, installation and inspection operations, including the provision of evidence. Within an organization, quality assurance serves as a management tool. Source: G3

All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that a service or product will satisfy given requirements for quality. Source: N1

The result generated by activities at the interface between the supplier and the customer and by supplier internal activities to meet customer needs. Source S2: AS/NZS ISO 9000:2000.

Quality Audit

A systematic and independent examination to determine whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements; whether such arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives; and whether there is a need for improvement or corrective action. A quality audit can be applied to a quality system or elements of a system (quality system audit), to processes (process quality audit), or to services (service quality audit). Source: G3

Quality Based Selection

A supplier selection mechanism that selects the preferred contractor on the basis of qualifications or experience, before negotiating other contract/service details. Source: T2

Quality Control

Operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill requirements for quality. It should be noted that:

  • all quality control involves operational techniques and activities aimed both at monitoring a process and at eliminating causes of unsatisfactory performance at all stages of the quality loop in order to achieve economic effectiveness
  • some quality control and quality assurance actions are interrelated
  • it is part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements. Source S2: AS/NZS ISO 9000:2000.