Through editorial oversight, the original Devil's Dictionary entry for quality assurance was omitted. Happily, this can now be put right.
Ambrose Bierce's original preface to this essential book of reference can be found in Richard Gingras' Introduction. Though Bierce stressed the significance of cynicism within the book, Wikipedia describes it as a satire that “offers reinterpretations of terms in the English language, lampooning cant and political doublespeak, as well as other aspects of human foolishness and frailty”, which seems spot on, and very necessary.
Here's the missing entry ...
Quality Assurance
- A regime forced on universities by politicians that has nothing to do with either quality or assurance
- A process to establish minimum standards and ensure they are not exceeded
- A system that discourages deviations from norms, particularly those masquerading as creativity.
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