The new quality dynamic. Economics of quality.
Different quality philosophies.
Planning and organising quality.
Continuous improvement and problem solving.
Human resources.
Reliability and its analysis.
Quality compliance.
Role of maintenance.
Principles of total quality management, quality strategy, management of change customer and supplier focus, organisational structure, vendor rating.
Quality assurance systems: quality manuals, standards, legislation, audits, costing.
Quality control techniques: Statistical methods in quality assurance (e.g. SPC), measurement systems, frequency distribution, control charts, process capability, repeatability and standardisation, relative precision index, software packages, cause and effect analysis, Pareto analysis, failure mode and effect analysis.

Students will be expected to use and regularly engage with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the delivery of this module. Typically this will be moodle and students are expected to work through the module material provided on the VLE at the suggested pace. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of quality assurance and associated systems.
(KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)

2. Appraise techniques of quality management and associated philosophies in Healthcare Engineering environments. (ENQUIRY)

3. To be able to undertake and appraise critically a quality audit and devise and implement appropriate action to resolve non-compliances.
(ANALYSIS, APPLICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING).

100% In-course assessed by two reports
Assignment 1 ¿ 1500 words will assess Learning Outcomes 1 (50%)
Assignment 2 ¿ 1500 words will assess Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.(50%)