Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

The expression "quality at the source" refers primarily to the practice of requiring each of our vendors to provide quality parts and materials. True or False?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on Vendor Reliability

4. Not Applicable

The correct answer is: False

The expression "quality at the source" centers around the concept that quality should be built into the processes and products from the very beginning, rather than being inspected and corrected after production. This philosophy emphasizes the responsibility of everyone involved in the production process, including vendors, to ensure that quality standards are upheld before components reach the next stage in the supply chain. Saying that it primarily refers to the practice of requiring vendors to provide quality parts and materials simplifies the broader meaning of the term. While vendor quality is certainly an important aspect, "quality at the source" encompasses the idea that all individuals in the production chain, including internal teams, should actively work towards maintaining and enhancing quality at every stage of the manufacturing process. This holistic approach fosters an environment where quality is ingrained in the culture and operations rather than relying solely on checks after the fact. In this context, the statement is false as it inaccurately narrows the definition of "quality at the source" to vendor-related practices, ignoring its more comprehensive implications within an organization or production framework.