Differences between Quality control and Quality assurance

Feature Quality Control (QC) Quality Assurance (QA)

Focus Finished products Processes used to make products

Action Reactive: Identifies and corrects defects Proactive: Prevents defects

Ensure processes are designed and
controlled to produce high-quality
Goal Ensure products meet quality standards products
Documentation, training, process
Activities Inspection, testing, audits improvement, risk management

All team members involved in product

Responsibility Dedicated QC team development

Statistical quality control (SQC), Statistical process control (SPC), risk

Tools inspection checklists assessment tools, process audits

Verification, Design reviews, supplier

Example Software testing, final product inspection evaluation, training programs
Corrective (fixes the problem after it Preventive (avoids problems before they
Nature occurs) occur)
Primarily direct costs associated with QC Primarily indirect costs associated with QA
Cost activities activities

Improves product quality, reduces return, Reduces production costs, improves

Benefits enhances customer satisfaction process efficiency, minimizes rework

References

- Total Quality Management Third Edition Poornima M. Charantimath

- American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- Oakland (2003); Dale & Oakland (1997) - Emerald

Under supervision: Dr. Mohammad Abdulwakeel Ata – February 22, 2024