A recent analysis by a quality engineer indicates that a significant number of field failures are attributable to one component. Further research reveals that the component in question was neither designed nor manufactured to the customer's specifications. A potential for personal injury from the failure of this component exists, but to date no injuries have been reported. In this situation the quality manager should take which of the following actions first?
a. meet with the design group and initiate appropriate corrective actions
b. discuss the data with the company's legal staff
c. notify senior management of the situation
d. ask the quality engineer to lead a cross-functional team to investigate the root cause of the problem