In CQM, how does a nonconformance differ from a defect?

In CQM, how does a nonconformance differ from a defect?

• A. A defect is a failure to meet contract requirements; a nonconformance is a shortcoming in workmanship or materials resulting from that failure.
• B. They are identical.
• C. A nonconformance is failure to meet contract requirements; a defect is a shortcoming in workmanship or materials resulting from that failure.
• D. A nonconformance refers to safety issues only.

Answer: (C)

Nonconformance is the failure to meet contract requirements. A defect is the shortcoming in workmanship or materials that results from that failure and appears in the delivered work or product. In practice, you identify the nonconformance when something doesn’t align with specs or contract clauses, and the defect is the deficiency you see in the actual item because of that noncompliance. For example, if concrete strength or thickness doesn’t meet the contract spec, that’s a nonconformance; the resulting weak or improper concrete in the structure would be the defect. The nonconformance triggers corrective actions to address the defect, which is the visible flaw in the finished product. The other options either mix up the relationship, claim they’re identical, or limit nonconformance to safety, which isn’t correct.

Nonconformance is the failure to meet contract requirements. A defect is the shortcoming in workmanship or materials that results from that failure and appears in the delivered work or product. In practice, you identify the nonconformance when something doesn’t align with specs or contract clauses, and the defect is the deficiency you see in the actual item because of that noncompliance. For example, if concrete strength or thickness doesn’t meet the contract spec, that’s a nonconformance; the resulting weak or improper concrete in the structure would be the defect. The nonconformance triggers corrective actions to address the defect, which is the visible flaw in the finished product. The other options either mix up the relationship, claim they’re identical, or limit nonconformance to safety, which isn’t correct.