[originaltext]A: An increasing common reason for testing these days is environm

A: An increasing common reason for testing these days is environmental impact. As the public becomes more and more concerned about green issues, it is becoming more and more important to measure a product’s effect on the environment. This testing must assess the impact of both the product itself and the manufacturing process.
I: How about standards? I bet different companies set up their own standards of quality control.
A: Not necessarily different from company to company. But standards imposed vary greatly from country to country and industry to industry. However, 87% of all companies in Australia do have written quality controls set out; 80% of these are developed within the firm. These standards are nearly always based on guidelines set out by one of the major control boards. 65% of these companies have adopted standards in line with SAA.
I: Standards Association of Australia?
A: That’s it. And a further 22% use standards set up by individual trade or industry associations. Only 23% of firms have a set of standards which adhere to international requirements. This 23% represents some of Australia’s major exporters.
I: OK. I got it. So who is responsible for quality control?
A: Well again there is no one answer. Companies place different levels of importance on quality control. A recent survey tried to find out who usually takes charge of the quality control function. It was discovered that 18% of top management were directly responsible, while 56% of middle management and 26% of quality control personnel oversaw this function within their company. It seems that, most manufacturing industries see quality control as a middle management task.
I: If this kind of procedure is set up in a company, it must add a lot to the cost.
A: That’s for sure. But you may lose a lot more if you release undetected low-quality items.
I: Why?
A: For example, customers may return these items, complain a lot and ask for compensations. In this case, you have to invest in maintaining higher replacement stocks and a large repair force. Worse still, "the bad news" might be spread out and the quality control of your company appears unreliable, which certainly ruins your reputation.
I: So quality control is indispensable, no matter how expensive it is.
A: Yes, as a vital part of the manufacturing process, it helps to ensure that Australian products remain competitive in the market place in the long run.
I: Alan, you have told us a lot about the importance of quality control and how to handle it. Thank you very much for your information.
A: My pleasure.
6. Which aspect does environmental impact testing must assess ?
7. How many companies have standards in line with the Standards Association of Australia?
8. Who is responsible for the quality control according to a recent survey?
9. Which statement is NOT true about quality control?
10. Which one is NOT the effect of releasing low quality products?