What did Joseph M. Juran identify as a key element of quality in his studies?

Joseph M. Juran identified "fitness for use" as a key element of quality, which is effectively captured by the term "fitness of quality." This concept emphasizes that quality should not just be defined in terms of specific measurable attributes but should focus primarily on whether the product or service meets the needs and expectations of the customer. Juran's perspective highlights that quality is dynamic and must be aligned with the requirements and satisfaction of users, making it critical for organizations to understand their customers and their needs to achieve high-quality standards. This customer-centric approach laid the groundwork for many quality management principles and practices that follow in the realms of Total Quality Management (TQM) and continuous improvement.