Which category of Cost of Quality is associated with rework loops, unnecessary maintenance, and scrap?

The category of Cost of Quality associated with rework loops, unnecessary maintenance, and scrap is internal failure costs. Internal failure costs are incurred when defects are found before the product or service is delivered to the customer. This includes costs associated with correcting defects, which can manifest as rework or repairs, as well as the costs of waste or scrap that arise when defective products are discarded rather than fixed.

Rework loops refer to the processes needed to fix or redo work that did not meet quality standards, while unnecessary maintenance is often a byproduct of defects that lead to equipment or product malfunctions. Scrap represents materials or products that cannot be salvaged due to defects, resulting in financial losses. All these elements reflect inefficiencies and issues that are identified and resolved within the organization, making them a clear fit for the internal failure costs category.

In contrast, external failure costs would involve expenses incurred after a product has been delivered to the customer, such as warranty claims or returns. Prevention costs are those related to activities aimed at preventing defects, like training or process improvements, and appraisal costs are associated with measuring and monitoring quality through inspections and testing.