Gæðaviðmiðun

Gæðaviðmiðun is an Icelandic term that translates to "quality benchmarking" or "quality reference" in English. It refers to the process of establishing and using standards or benchmarks to evaluate and improve the quality of a product, service, process, or system. This involves identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that are considered indicative of high quality and then comparing the current state against these established benchmarks.

The concept of gæðaviðmiðun is widely applied across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and public administration. In a business context, it might involve comparing a company's customer satisfaction scores or production defect rates against industry averages or the performance of leading competitors. In healthcare, it could be used to assess patient outcomes or the efficiency of treatment protocols against best practices.

The primary goal of gæðaviðmiðun is to foster a culture of continuous improvement. By understanding where performance stands in relation to established quality standards, organizations can identify areas for development, set realistic improvement targets, and implement strategies to achieve them. This process often involves data collection, analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions. Ultimately, gæðaviðmiðun aims to enhance overall effectiveness, efficiency, and the delivery of superior quality.