5.4+Quality+assurance

Below are 2 resources on how businesses have improved the quality of their production and products. Get into pairs and each look at one resource. What are the key changes the businesses are implementing. What are the improvements and why are they happening. Teach your partner the key points.
 * Quality control and quality assurance. Total quality culture **

1. A great introductory video on quality assurance and Kaizan. Also links well to JIT production and stock control
 * Kaizan **

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2. An article from [|the Economist] on Honeywell PLC.

Extension work: Kaizen and Corus Steel (Please click on the link below)


 * Benchmarking **
 * Watch the videos and do some research on "best practice benchmarking" and then answer the following questions: **
 * 1) Explain what is meant by “best practice benchmarking” (BPB). (Define.)
 * 2) What key steps are involved in the process of BPB?
 * 3) What advantages does a firm gain from the use of BPB ?
 * 4) What are the limitations of BPB ?

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 * Quality Standards and their role in ensuring quality for consumers **

Plenary Activity. Check that you understand the key terms with this "fill in the gaps" exercise: 