Quality control is a concept whereby organizations review the various systems in production to ascertain their quality and ensure that they are operating effectively. In this case it relates to the desired outcome of a particular undertaking. Control encompasses the checks and balances of ensuring a preferred outcome ensues.
It can be applied to various industries and organizations. They do not necessarily have to be profit making. Even non governmental organizations which are mostly service providers without profit intention can use it. This enables them to effectively assess how their systems are functioning and make recommendations to correct any deficiencies that may arise.
Various systems in an organization can be scrutinized to ascertain that the desired outcome is produced. The congruence of this system will result in a firm achieving its various objectives that are set during the project planning phase. Analyzing all the systems therefore would lead to a more favorable result.
Performance of a particular department can be analyzed. Outputs indicative include the efficiency, economy and effectiveness. The department will be gauged as to whether it achieves maximum output from its input at a minimum cost. Whether or not the organization is achieving its objective is also considered. This helps to form the basis of appraising the system.
Various controls to monitor performance should be in place. These controls should be up to date and implemented by the governing authority for them to be effective. There is also a need for these controls to be monitored and reviewed to be functioning as desired.
An example of a control is the signing of a dispatch note by the stores department. The performance of the stores department in an organization is more likely to be centered on storage and dispatch. Dispatch of goods from the department to outside the organization or other departments should be authorized. Signing of the dispatch note is an indicator of authorization. The control therefore is to ensure that all dispatch is authorized by the relevant authority.
The skills of management and employees are also considered. Checks are put in place to ensure that the staff has the necessary skills and competence levels required so as to achieve best results. This is to ascertain whether or not they are able to discharge the various duties and responsibilities that they have been allocated. A standard criterion for this is necessary. The criteria could include things like degree and professional qualification in a relevant field keeping in mind the task to be performed.
It also extends to skills such as team spirit and motivation. Modern organizations emphasize on aspects that contribute to the organization culture and promote morale of the staff. Individuals are placed into various groups that are evaluated on predetermined conditions. How the people associate with others in the team and their psyche is also considered.
Quality control is certainly crucial for organizations. Implementing it will bolster a firm in its strategies. It will also ease the work of auditors and an organization will more likely to have little problems with regulation.