In the context of quality management, what does "Quality Assurance" (QA) primarily focus on?

Quality Assurance (QA) primarily focuses on establishing quality processes and standards because it is a proactive approach aimed at preventing defects and ensuring that the production processes are designed to meet specified quality requirements. By setting these processes and standards, organizations can create systems and protocols that guide operations to maintain a consistent quality level. This leads to improved customer satisfaction, reduced variation, and fewer defects, as the focus is on building quality into the product from the beginning rather than inspecting it at the end of the production line.

In contrast, other options emphasize reactive measures or different aspects of management. For instance, correcting defects post-production addresses issues that have already occurred, which is more aligned with quality control rather than assurance. Overseeing employee performance is important in a workplace, but it does not directly relate to the establishment of quality processes and standards that QA embodies. Reducing production costs, while a significant goal for many businesses, is not inherently related to the quality assurance practices that aim to maintain or enhance quality through defined processes.