Quality

Quality refers to the degree to which a product, service, or process meets applicable requirements and satisfies user needs. It can be defined by explicit specifications or by the perceptions of customers and other stakeholders. In quality management, the aim is to prevent defects and deliver consistent performance.

Quality has multiple dimensions. A widely cited framework identifies eight: performance, features, reliability, conformance, durability, serviceability, aesthetics, and perceived quality. These dimensions help assess whether offerings meet functional expectations and satisfy users in varied contexts.

Quality management encompasses planning, assurance, control, and improvement. Standards such as ISO 9001 provide structured requirements for a quality management system. Quality assurance focuses on preventing defects through processes, while quality control evaluates finished outputs. Tools include statistical process control, audits, and quality metrics.

Common approaches include Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, and lean methodologies. These aim to embed quality in organizational culture, reduce variation, and increase efficiency. Selection of methods depends on the industry, product life cycle, and risk considerations.

Quality is applied across domains, including manufacturing, software, services, healthcare, and education. It remains partly subjective and context-dependent, requiring trade-offs between quality, cost, and time. Effective quality management aligns customer expectations with process capability and continuous improvement.