An information-economics approach to quality control attribute sampling

The information-structures model provides a theoretical framework for assessing the normative value of information. This paper applies the information-structures model to quality control attribute sampling, which is usually based on industrial and military standards that do not involve economic considerations or meet cost considerations. Common quality control terms, such as AQL, LTPD, and operating characteristic curves, are shown as special cases of the information-structures model. Theorems involving dominance among various quality control plans are proved. The Blackwell Theorem on the ‘generally more informative’ relationship is modified for this application.