Final answer:
The philosophy of zero defects is an ultimate goal in quality management, but in practice, a small percentage of defects like 1 to 2% is often accepted due to practical variables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophy of zero defects is an approach that focuses on preventing mistakes by ensuring that no errors are tolerated and quality standards are met the first time. This concept suggests that it is more cost-effective to do things right the first time rather than spending resources on inspecting for and fixing problems. The answer to your question is d) An ultimate goal; in practice, 1 to 2% defects is acceptable. In reality, while striving for zero defects, a small percentage of defects is often deemed acceptable in practice due to variables that are difficult to control completely. Advanced quality management and continuous improvement practices, including statistical process control and Six Sigma, aim to minimize this defect rate as much as possible.