Q
Q ratio Devised by American economist James Tobin, a ratio of the total value of a company to the replacement value of its total assets. The ratio is used to measure the impact of intangible assets.
Qualified audit Review of a financial statement that is qualified either because the auditor has found some irregularities, the audit itself was limited in scope, or all details have not been disclosed but there is insufficient cause for a negative report.
Qualitative forecasting Predictions that rely on expert opinion rather than statistical data.
Qualitative marketing research Study of the beliefs, motivations, perceptions, and opinions of respondents, using in-depth interviews and group discussions.
Quality Totality of the features, characteristics, and traits that encompass the functionality and appearance of a product or service and its ability to satisfy the customer’s need as intended.
Quality assurance Strategic corporate function charged with maintaining strict QUALITY CONTROL and compliance with specifications, targets, and procedures.
Quality circle Members of a workforce or team charged with solving problems and generating ideas for improving a process or product.
Quality control Monitoring a process or work operation so as to ensure it conforms to the desired output in terms of quality; this entails inspection at various stages and periodic sampling.
Quality engineering Branch of engineering that deals with a manufacturing system at all stages to improve the quality of the production process and the output.
Quality function deployment Technique for designing services or products based on consumer expectations, which are then built into the finished product.
Quality of life Nebulous concept embracing positive factors that affect one’s overall physical comfort, sense of security, and well-being.
Quality planning roadmap Systematic effort to project goals and targets in a quality-driven campaign or program and note the milestones and benchmarks needed to achieve them.
Quango In the United Kingdom, short for quasi nongovernmental organization; an unofficial organization that serves the state, either directly or indirectly.
Quantitative easing Monetary policy that increases the money supply in an effort to promote increased lending and liquidity.
Quantitative forecasting Predictions stemming from statistical research and historical trends.
Question mark Marketing situation in the BOSTON MATRIX characterized by high growth but poor market position.
Quantitative marketing research Study involving collection of data gauging respondents’ reactions to stimuli and perceptions of a product.
Queuing theory In business, the way components arrive in the system, enabling study of the most effective ways to process them.
Quick fix A simple, fast-acting solution to a complex problem, usually without dealing with its root causes.
Quick ratio Relationship between existing liabilities and available funds.
Quit rate Speed at which workers leave employment, an indicator of employee dissatisfaction.
Quorum Required minimum number of persons for holding a meeting, especially to pass any motions or make decisions.
Quota 1. Set proportional share of a whole, often applied to a person or group qualified to be hired or considered for admission. 2. Limit on the number of exports and imports allowed.
Quotation In finance, the price of a security, usually the bid, asked, and the last prices of the day on a stock exchange.