Product Quality and Methods of Its Evaluation

Abstract

The article is devoted to the definition of quality as an important economic category that occupies a key place in marketing product policy. It is emphasized that the strategic task of every enterprise today is to achieve high economic efficiency and competitiveness of products. It is noted that quality plays a key role in achieving this goal. It is determined that quality combines a number of product properties that help meet consumer needs and meet its purpose. It is emphasized that among the factors that affect product quality are production, economic and human.
 The necessity of production conformity to needs of the consumer is specified. The importance of quality assessment, control of its level, as well as the need to select quality indicators that allow such an assessment. The classification of indicators depending on the properties of products is determined, in particular, single, complex and generalizing indicators are considered. Emphasis is placed on the division of each of the classes into subgroups to be measured or expertly assessed. The main methods that play a key role in assessing product quality, including differential, complex, mixed, statistical. The importance of mathematical and statistical methods for assessing the quality characteristics of products is noted. It is indicated that the basis of such methods is the calculation of the utility function, considers the compliance of product properties to the desired consumer values. It is emphasized that the utility function of the purchased goods is equal to the sum of price and quality characteristics. An example of evaluation of qualitative indicators by the integrated method is considered. Relevant quality indicators were selected, which allowed such an assessment. The calculation of unit parametric indicators and their comparative analysis with normative and desired values are carried out. The conclusion is made on the basis of the results of quality assessment.
 It is emphasized that one of the key tools in assessing product quality is information technology. It is noted that information technologies provide the implementation of mathematical and statistical models. It is emphasized that one of the key means of improving quality is investing in research and development, ie improving production processes.