What is described by the ISO 9000 standards as the overall management function determining quality policy and objectives?

The concept described by the ISO 9000 standards as the overall management function determining quality policy and objectives is Quality Management. This definition encompasses the comprehensive approach organizations take to ensure that their processes and products meet quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and fulfill customer satisfaction.

Quality Management integrates various activities, such as planning, control, assurance, and improvement, focusing on establishing a clear quality policy and setting achievable quality objectives that align with the strategic goals of the organization. By doing so, it ensures that quality is not only monitored but is actively managed at various levels, enabling continuous improvement and excellence in performance.

While terms like Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Quality Improvement are important components within the spectrum of quality-focused practices, they are more specialized functions within the broader context of Quality Management. Quality Assurance refers to systematic activities to ensure quality requirements are fulfilled, Quality Control involves monitoring and measuring outcomes to ensure they meet established criteria, and Quality Improvement focuses specifically on enhancing processes and products over time. These functions collectively contribute to achieving the overarching goals defined by Quality Management.