Quality Management Glossary

The definitions below explain terms used in quality management and professional participation. Use the section links to move to a particular term.

Coordinated organizational work concerned with quality: defining requirements and objectives, managing processes, reviewing performance and improving arrangements.

Quality assurance concerns confidence that requirements will be fulfilled. Quality control concerns operational activities used to meet requirements. The terms address related but different functions.

A standard is an identified document issued by its publisher. Guidance explains an approach or application. The authority of either depends on its status and context.

Certification concerns a defined object assessed under a scheme. Accreditation concerns formal recognition of the competence of a conformity assessment body. Institutional membership is separate from both.

Evidence is information relevant to a question. Interpretation explains what the information supports under stated assumptions and limitations.

Correction addresses a detected problem. Corrective action addresses its cause to prevent recurrence; its effectiveness requires examination.

A committee has authority defined by its terms of reference. An author, reviewer or adviser has the responsibilities assigned to that role.

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