What is a process?

A process is defined as any repetitive action in a business environment that transforms inputs into outputs in a systematic way. It involves a series of steps or activities that are conducted in a specific order to produce a consistent outcome. This understanding is key in Total Quality Management (TQM), where processes are continuously analyzed and improved to enhance quality and efficiency.

By recognizing processes as repetitive actions, organizations can focus on standardization and optimization. This allows for better predictability in results and ensures that quality is maintained throughout the action.

The other options do not capture the essence of a process effectively. A unique project phase would represent a specific point in a project rather than an ongoing action. Unrelated tasks would suggest randomness without a clear connection that defines a cohesive process. Finally, focusing on a final product delivery negates the importance of the intermediate steps that contribute to that outcome, which are vital in ensuring quality and efficiency in operations.