What is the purpose of the average outgoing quality limit (AOQL)?

The average outgoing quality limit (AOQL) is a crucial concept in quality control and acceptance sampling. Its primary purpose is to identify the maximum average quality of outgoing products that may be accepted based on a specified sample size and acceptance criteria. Essentially, AOQL represents the worst-case scenario in terms of the quality that customers might expect from a batch of products, given the acceptance sampling plan.

This measurement helps organizations understand the quality levels they can expect when certain production and inspection processes are in place. By establishing the AOQL, organizations can design their quality control measures to ensure they do not exceed this limit, thereby maintaining customer satisfaction and trust.

The other options don't align with the specific role that AOQL plays in quality management. For example, determining production costs, setting minimum quality standards for inputs, or evaluating employee performance are distinct functions that do not directly relate to the measurement of outgoing product quality as defined by AOQL. Thus, focusing on AOQL as an indicator of maximum average quality reinforces its importance in controlling and improving product quality.