What type of quality-related costs are incurred to reduce waste and improve processes?

Prevention costs are associated with the activities that are undertaken to prevent defects and ensure quality in processes and products. These costs include investments in training, process improvement initiatives, and quality planning. By focusing on prevention, organizations can reduce the likelihood of defects occurring in the first place, which helps to decrease waste and enhances overall efficiency. The investments made in these preventative measures lead to improved process effectiveness and reduced costs in the long run, as they limit the need for rework, scrap, and other issues that can arise from poor quality. This makes prevention costs a fundamental part of a quality management strategy aimed at continuous improvement.