Measuring quality without simultaneous concern for productivity can be a recipe for bankruptcy. Quality and productivity are ultimately linked,and managers prefer to undertake activities that reduce the cost associated with low quality and increase productivity. Fortunately,this is often possible. Managers frequently find that activities that reduce scrap and rework also increase productivity.
Productivity is usually measured by comparing inputs and outputs. Quality improvements are evident when the amount of inputs is reduced for a given,fixed level of output.