The systems considered in this paper are characterized by differential equations of the form

which are defined over a region N of Euclidean space

with metric

, and with

ranging over some interval

. The

are assumed to be such that 1)

and 2) there exist positive constants

such that

for all points in

and all

in

. The problem of quality means the problem of determining the values of

adjustable parameters

in the

, and

in such a way as to result in a rapid return to equilibrium of the representative point in phase-space subject to a limitation on the amount of overshoot. This problem is formulated in precise terms, and a method of solution for it is indicated. As an illustration, the method is applied to a problem in regulation which was formulated by Bulgakov.