Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Material inspection plays a critical role in ensuring product quality within organizations, particularly in industries such as the power sector where safety and reliability are paramount. This research project focuses on investigating the effect of material inspection on product quality in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The study aims to examine the current material inspection processes within PHCN and determine their impact on the quality of products and services provided by the company. A mixed-methods approach will be employed to gather data for this research, combining quantitative analysis of material inspection records and qualitative interviews with key personnel involved in the inspection processes. By analyzing the data collected, this study seeks to identify any gaps or inefficiencies in the current material inspection practices at PHCN that may be contributing to quality issues in the company's products. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for PHCN and similar organizations in improving their material inspection processes to enhance product quality. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate measures, PHCN can potentially reduce defects, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately improve its overall performance and reputation in the power sector. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on the importance of material inspection in ensuring product quality, particularly in the context of the power industry in Nigeria. By highlighting the significance of effective material inspection practices, this study seeks to underscore the role of quality assurance in meeting industry standards and customer expectations. Ultimately, the findings of this research can inform decision-making within PHCN and other organizations seeking to optimize their material inspection processes for better product quality and performance.

Thesis Overview

 Introduction

1.1     Background of the Study

Philip Crosby in his book “Quality is free” summarizes the effect of inspection in the following statement:

“A prudent company makes certain that its products and services are delivered to the customers by a management system that does not condone remake, repairs, waste or non-conformance of any sort. These are expensive problems, they must not only be detected and resolve at the earliest moment, they must be prevented from occurring at all”.

Product quality as a strategy for competitiveness has become the focus of going concerns today, be it a manufacturing or a service industry. Be that as it may, quality product or service goal in any organization will be difficult to realize without the watchful eyes of inspection. Materials outsourced or insourced as the case may be either as raw materials, components, spareparts or maintenance repairs and operation items, must be subjected to thorough examination to ensure that they are the right materials of the correct quality according to agreed standards and specifications. This is because the slightest deviation from standards, oversights of any defect in in-coming or insourced materials results to numerous and serious consequences on the life of the organization. As a result of these consequences, organizations are forced to set in place a system to ensure that only materials of quality are allowed to come into the organization. This is achieved always through the mechanism of inspection.