Quality Assurance & Improvement Flashcards

What is the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle in CSET quality management?

Answer: An iterative four-step method for continuous improvement of processes and products

PDCA is a continuous improvement cycle: Plan a change or test, Do implement it on a small scale, Check measure the results, Act adopt or adjust based on findings—then repeat.

What is a root cause analysis in CSET quality assurance?

Answer: A systematic investigation to identify the fundamental underlying cause of a problem

Root cause analysis digs beyond immediate symptoms to find the fundamental cause of a problem, enabling corrective actions that prevent recurrence rather than just addressing surface-level issues.

What does the term 'benchmark' mean in CSET quality improvement?

Answer: A standard of performance used for comparison against current processes or outcomes

Benchmarking involves comparing an organization's processes and outcomes against recognized standards of excellence or best practices, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.

What is the purpose of a quality audit in CSET practice?

Answer: To systematically evaluate whether quality standards and procedures are being followed

Quality audits systematically examine whether established quality standards, procedures, and requirements are being implemented effectively, identifying non-conformances and improvement opportunities.

What is a key performance indicator (KPI) in CSET quality management?

Answer: A measurable value demonstrating how effectively objectives are being achieved

KPIs are quantifiable measurements tied to specific objectives that provide actionable data about performance, enabling evidence-based decisions about process improvements and resource allocation.

What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control in CSET practice?

Answer: QA focuses on preventing defects through processes; QC focuses on detecting defects in outputs

Quality assurance is proactive and process-oriented, designed to prevent defects. Quality control is reactive and product-oriented, focused on identifying defects in finished outputs through inspection and testing.