Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which of the following costs are likely to decrease as a result of improved product quality?

1. Training costs

2. Maintenance costs

3. Repair costs

4. Inspection costs

The correct answer is: Maintenance costs

Improved product quality typically leads to a reduction in a variety of costs associated with both production and post-production activities. When product quality is enhanced, it results in fewer defects and failures, which in turn reduces the need for maintenance. High-quality products tend to have a longer lifespan and require less frequent repairs or servicing, thus lowering ongoing maintenance costs. While other costs such as inspection, training, and repair may also be positively impacted by improved quality, the most direct decrease would be seen in maintenance costs because maintaining quality products often involves less resource allocation for repairs and preventive maintenance measures. This relationship makes clear sense in most operational contexts where quality assurance translates into operational efficiency and cost savings.