Analyse two benefits to PPP of using quality assurance.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Definition of quality assurance (QA) (max K1) might include:
2. QA involves checking for errors throughout the production process/at each stage, rather than at the end.
3. QA focuses on preventing mistakes, rather than finding them.
4. QA gives all employees responsibility for the checking process.
5. QA as part of TQM.
6. Knowledge of benefits might include (max K2):
7. QA means no need to employ quality control inspectors.
8. QA means mistakes should be picked up early in the production process, rather than at the end.
9. QA leads to more responsibility for employees and may lead to motivation.
10. QA should lead to less wasted output and lower costs.
11. QA should lead to all employees understanding that quality is part of their job.
12. Max one APP for application to the first benefit of using QA and max one APP for application for the second benefit of using QA.
13. Pedro values his employees and trains them, including in carrying out QA.
14. Pedro encourages ideas from employees and offers rewards, which can improve QA methods.
15. QA would start from the point where ingredients arrive at the factory and it is likely that there would also be some checks on suppliers.
16. The importance of safety in food products.
17. Limited analysis AN candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
18. Developed analysis L2 AN candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
19. QA is likely to have cut down on wasted ingredients and pies potentially reducing unit pie production costs, increasing efficiency AN and therefore increased pro L2 AN
20. QA means that quality control inspectors are not needed, decreasing wage cost:AN
21. Taking responsibility for quality may motivate employees and result in an increase in productivity or work eff AN reducing unit costs L2 AN and therefore increase profit.
22. Motivated employees may provide good product development ideas which will increase sale AN and therefore profit L2 AN
23. QA will motivate and retain employees and therefore reduce recruitment cosiAN
24. Accept all valid responses