The set of tools, programs, and techniques that focuses on planning and implementing procedures for inspecting, measuring, assure and improving product and service performance and conformance to specifications (Hill, 2012; Chase et al., 2013). It is integrated with the procurement and production processes so that can be identified inspection points both for incoming materials and for products during the manufacturing process (Chase et al., 2013).
Synonymous: Total Quality Management
Included terms: statistical process control (SPC), Taguchi methods, quality circles, and so on (Edward, Pyke & Thomas, 2013)
Source: Edward et al. (2013), Hill (2012), Chase et al. (2013)