By building quality into the process, rather than making quality inspections at the end of the process, certain job functions (such as many quality control in¬ spectors) can be eliminated. Additionally, the installation of automated equip¬ ment to monitor product processing could eliminate some line worker jobs.

In a nation with fairly high unemployment, would employers attempting to implement valid quality improvements that resulted in employee terminations be appreciated or condemned? Discuss your answer from the standpoint of a variety of concerned constituencies, including the consumers who purchase the company’s products.

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