Which of the following best describes a preventive cost in quality management?

Preventive cost in quality management refers to expenses that are incurred to prevent defects from occurring in production or service delivery. This includes investments made in quality training programs, which aim to enhance employee skills and awareness regarding quality standards, ultimately reducing the likelihood of errors and defects. By focusing on prevention, organizations can improve product quality and customer satisfaction while minimizing costs associated with defects in the long run.

The other options relate to different aspects of quality costs. For instance, the costs associated with inspecting finished products fall under appraisal costs, which are necessary to evaluate the quality of products after they have been made. Costs incurred from product recalls and warranty claims are classified as failure costs, reflecting the expenses associated with addressing defects that have already occurred. These distinctions are essential for understanding how different types of costs can impact overall quality management in manufacturing.