Purpose: The purpose of this study is to propose proactive quality management as an innovative tool to address potential issues of reactive quality management and define its core concepts. Proactive quality management is classified into three categories: guarantee programs, preventive quality management, and connected quality management. We provide cases illustrating the effectiveness of each category of proactive quality management.Methods: This study employs a comprehensive literature review to examine the theoretical background of proactive quality management and analyzes specific application cases across various industries. A comparative analysis of guarantee programs, preventive quality management, and connected quality management is conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each and its cases.Results: The literature reveals that proactive quality management is more effective than reactive (traditional) approaches in enhancing corporate performance. Guarantee programs provide psychological assurance to customers, preventive quality management detects issues early, and connected quality management uses real-time data to predict and prevent problems. These strategies contribute to improved customer satisfaction, retention, and competitive advantage.Conclusion: This study defines proactive quality management, classifies its key categories, and offers theoretical foundations and practical guidance through case analyses. Moving forward, more quantitative research and strategic adaptations to technological changes are needed to broaden the applicability of proactive quality management across various industries.
Park et al. (Tue,) studied this question.