Which term describes the reduction of defects to improve quality?

The term that describes the reduction of defects to improve quality is Quality Improvement. This concept focuses on systematic efforts to enhance processes, products, and services by identifying areas where defects occur and implementing strategies to eliminate them. Quality Improvement encompasses various methodologies and practices, often including continuous feedback, data analysis, and employee involvement, all aimed at enhancing the overall quality and performance by reducing errors and defects.

In the context of Total Quality Management (TQM), Quality Improvement is key, as it encourages organizations to foster a culture of ongoing enhancement and to view defects as opportunities to learn and refine processes. This aligns with the principles of TQM, where the goal is not just to meet quality standards but to exceed them consistently through proactive changes and innovations.

While other terms such as Quality Control and Quality Assurance also relate to quality management, they emphasize different aspects. Quality Control typically involves measuring and monitoring outputs to ensure they meet predetermined standards, while Quality Assurance focuses on processes to guarantee that quality requirements are fulfilled. Quality Enhancement suggests a broad improvement of quality but does not specifically target defect reduction. Therefore, Quality Improvement is the most precise term that describes the goal of actively reducing defects to elevate quality standards.