The Cost of Poor Quality and Why it Matters

This article is for education professionals seeking to redesign outdated or inefficient processes and discusses how the cost of poor quality (COPQ) is much like an iceberg, where only the cap is visible but there is a larger body lurking beneath the surface. Some costs are visible, but the bulk of cost are hidden and layered within the organization. COPQ is often ingrained in the way an organization conducts its business and manifests itself in statements like “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” The seemingly mundane and boring topic of COPQ is crucial to master if leaders want to run an efficient and effective organization.