Bob Goodwin, MSc (TQM), CQP, MCQI, takes a look at what businesses need in order to develop a quality culture, and how quality professionals can drive this improvement beyond what is required by ISO standards. ISO standards cover only a subset of what makes a business operate. Another way to further develop the Integrated Management…
Enhancing Construction through Digital Technology
Ian Mills and Mike Buss speak to Alicia Dimas about how new technologies are changing the construction industry and helping quality managers to better perform their jobs. Digital technologies can generate value for the construction industry. The application of these new technologies can improve productivity, reduce risks and increase quality in the construction sector. “When…
A Common-sense Approach to Internal IMS Audits
Sponsored article: Alan Grogan, CQP MCQI, shares his six-step model to managing the requirements of auditing integrated management systems. I don’t know about you, but when I have to manage an internal audit system I always have the same concerns: How do I stop losing auditors? How do I convince the departments that I need their…
Process Automation and The Quality Professional
Richard Seddon, Managing Partner at Process Management International (PMI), UK, explains why quality professionals need to embrace process automation tools in this digitally-advanced era. We all know that widespread process automation is upon us. However, no longer is automation the preserve of the big one-off IT project with defined governance, controls and standards. Recent enhancements…
Creating a Path to Success
Hadi El Cheikh, Quality Health and Safety Executive Manager at Veolia Water Technologies, Middle East, shares some tips that will help businesses and organisations achieve their ultimate vision. Most organisations’ top management have a vision, but not all of them achieve their strategic planning goals. This is because most of them fall into the trap of…
Maintaining Quality Standards in Disruptive Times through Internal Audits
Youmna Abboud, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Associate at Zimmer Biomet, Middle East, explains why internal audits are required during the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses around the world have been disturbed and had to revise their yearly plans, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The healthcare industry, in particular, witnessed a shift in its priorities, mostly by…
Ahead of the Game: ISO 45001
The British Standards Institution and CBRE GWS EMEA offer some advice and share the challenges faced by early adopters of the world’s first global health and safety standard. With the publication of ISO 45001:2018, efforts to migrate from BS OHSAS 18001 (Occupational health and safety management systems) to the new standard have begun in earnest…
Maintaining Independence for Internal Audits
Andy Nichols, CQP MCQI, Program Manager at Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, US, explains how internal auditors can achieve the independence requirements of ISO 9001. One of the most frequently misunderstood and debated requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 requirements for Internal Audits (9.2.2) is the idea that auditors are ‘independent’ of the work being audited. It’s…
Providing a Fair Assessment
In the first of our Auditor Dilemmas series, Ben Dewison, Specialist Member of the Institute of Customer Service, UK, outlines his steps for assessors to ensure the accreditation process is managed fairly and objectively. Dilemma An accreditation manager is shortly due to begin assessing an external company that wants to become accredited by the professional…
Striving for Excellence in the Quality Profession
Victoria Tait, Quality Specialist at Qualitait – a division of J Tait & Sons, UK, talks to Daniel Moore about securing Chartered Quality Professional status (CQP MCQI), and what others should consider when regrading. Daniel Moore: What made you decide to apply for this grade? Victoria Tait: I have worked in quality for nearly 20 years…