Empirical validation of prevention-focused quality cost management: evidence from Indonesia manufacturing

This study offers empirical validation of the Prevention-Appraisal-Failure (PAF) model by examining quality cost management in a Japanese manufacturing firm operating in Indonesia. Using an action research approach, 300 products were analyzed to assess how different quality cost strategies affect total quality costs. The findings reaffirm long-standing quality management principles: increasing investment in prevention activities leads to substantial cost savings. Specifically, the prevention-focused group achieved an 84.1% reduction in total quality costs, outperforming appraisal-focused and combined strategy groups. These results underscore the effectiveness of prevention-centered approaches in reducing quality costs and provide practical insights for manufacturing firms, particularly in emerging market contexts. The study also discusses implementation considerations and outlines directions for future research.