So, What is Quality?

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved What is Quality? Everything includes some aspect of design and all designs should establish Quality Requirements / Expectations: Component Selection / Reliability Look and Feel Exclusivity / Value for Money We often use the word “Quality” in our every day life and quite often it relates to something being exceptionally good i.e. A “Quality” meal A “Quality” Car Barcelona FC are a “Quality” side Quality quite often relates to something you are prepared to pay extra for or has exclusivity. We quite often use the phrase “poor Quality” or “good Quality” but what does “Quality” actually mean? So, what is Quality?

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved 3 So………… What Is Quality? Quality has many connotations but is often best described as “no surprises”….ie compliant with requirements or fitness for purpose'. Are you happy paying for “bells and whistles” that you don’t really need or for the highest ‘quality’ every time? For many, its about giving the customer (internal or external) “a little bit more” than they expected – but how do we make that happen? Quality is a multi-faceted concept; different dimensions of quality will be important to different users. So, what is Quality?

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved Quality Definition – Some terms you may hear? Quality Assurance This is the prevention of defects before they happen – Following a recipe – Ensure the cake we bake is perfect first time and every time Small upfront cost but zero scrap Quality Control This is the detection of defects after the event – Implement an untried / unproven method – Estimate the relative amount of eggs, flour and water and bake it – Check to see if you have something edible No upfront cost but many cakes thrown away. So, what is Quality?

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved Which of these are quality products?

Quality is Central Quality is Central to protecting and enhancing the “Brand Reputation” Quality issues can have a huge impact on profitability and in the worst cases even the survival of a Business

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved How do organisations manage quality? Organisations Manage Quality by: Establishing Policies and Processes for undertaking activities Ensuring these Policies and Processes are effectively implemented Ensuring these Policies and Processes deliver the required outcomes – i.e. is a quality product delivered? Revising and Improving these Policies and Processes as required If a Quality Product is not delivered – what must change? If a Quality Product is delivered – what might we improve?

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved The Role of the Quality Function A Holistic View

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved How do you get into quality? School Subjects e.g. Science, maths, tech studies University Relevant subjects include: Sciences Engineering Economics Maths Apprenticeships Many large companies offer apprenticeships Work! Graduate Programmes Apprentice Schemes Other vacancies

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved What’s in it for you? Lots of different roles including: Supporting the development of Management Policies and Processes Working with designers, suppliers and customers to ensure that a quality product is produced that meets the customers requirements Auditing Project Management / Support for Business Improvement initiatives The chance to make a difference even from a junior level.

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved What’s in it for you? Opportunities to travel and work abroad Opportunities for further training According to to Prospects, the typical starting salary for a Quality Manager in October 2012 was £18,000-25,000 a year. Quality managers with experience can look to earn £35,000-£100,000 per year (subject to location, size of organisation and industry) Transferable skills Quality is practiced in ALL industries in the public and private sectors and by firms and organisations of ALL sizes.

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved Why I recommend quality The role is central to the success of the Business The role is satisfying as you play a vital part in ensuring that the Products / Services are fit for purpose and have ensured that the organisation has met the end customer’s requirements Good visibility of how the business works and opportunities to interact with all of the Business Functions Continually striving to improve the products / services we offer There is a good variety of roles and responsibilities and career development opportunities Working within a Project Team Do something different every day Good careers and salaries are achievable.

© Copyright Selex ES. All rights reserved Find out more? The Chartered Quality Institute – Prospects – careers advice National Careers Service -