Which of the following is NOT a typical goal of process improvement in economics?

• A. Reducing costs
• B. Enhancing customer satisfaction
• C. Increasing efficiency
• D. Decreasing product quality

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of process improvement in economics. Process improvement typically aims to make production or service delivery more effective and efficient.
2. Step 2: Identify common goals of process improvement, which usually include reducing costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and increasing efficiency. These goals help firms optimize resources and improve competitiveness.
3. Step 3: Analyze the option 'Decreasing product quality' in the context of process improvement. Since improving processes generally aims to maintain or enhance quality, decreasing product quality contradicts the typical objectives.
4. Step 4: Conclude that 'Decreasing product quality' is NOT a typical goal of process improvement because it would harm customer satisfaction and the firm's reputation.
5. Step 5: Summarize that the correct answer is the option that conflicts with the fundamental aims of process improvement, which is to improve or maintain quality, not decrease it.