The ISO-9000 Quality System Standard - Essay Example

The ISO-9000 Quality System Standard This reading by American Society for Quality (ASQ) defines the ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) as a global federation of national standards bodies and confirms that the ISO technical and the International Electro technical Commission (IEC) reserves the right to draft International Standards (“ASQ” 75). The reading asserts that ISO is not prone to any patent rights. The second edition of ISO 9004 is an advancement of ISO 9004-1:1994 and relies on a diverse perspective of quality management to enhance performance improvement.

The reading notes that the management should decide on the adoption of a quality management system based on distinct needs, benefits, defined objectives, the products provided, managing cost, processes, scope and organization structure as well as the risk management of the organization (“ASQ” 76). However, the reading claims that the International Standards do not apply universally in designing quality management systems or documenting. The ISO 9004 develops, implements, and improves the effectiveness and efficiency of quality management system to satisfy interested parties by promoting the adoption of a process approach (“ASQ” 77).

The reading defines the process approach as the implementation of a system of processes within an organization, together with the identification and interactions and managing of these processes (“ASQ” 77). Notably, the process approach is applicable quality management systems where it offers a continued control over the interrelation between individual processes and their combination and interaction within the system (“ASQ” 77). The ISO 9004 does not apply in certification or contractual purposes but applies in organizations that seek to improve its overall performance.

The IS0 9004 allows for the integration or alignment of an organization with its own quality management system (“ASQ” 78). The reading states that the management has a mandate to certify that the organization knows the statutory and regulatory requirements that relate to its products, processes, and activities and should consequently include a quality management system that will encompass such requirements (“ASQ” 87). Moreover, the management should utilize the quality policy to guide the organization towards improved performance.

The reading reckons that the organization's strategic planning and the quality policy form the basis for designing quality objectives in an organization. As such, the reading claims that the management should design quality objectives that will improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of the organization. Moreover, it mandates the management to communicate the quality objectives in a manner that will allow all stakeholders to contribute to the achievement of such quality objectives (“ASQ” 88).

The reading confirm that the top management bears the responsibility for quality planning in an organization and should consider the achievement of the organization's quality objectives and requirements that correlate with the organization’s strategy. It also mandates the management to appoint and give authority to a management representative who will effectively and efficiently manage, monitor, evaluate, and coordinate the quality management system (“ASQ” 89). Additionally, the management should establish a systematic management review activity that will evaluate the efficiency, suitability, and adequacy of the quality management system of the entire organization (“ASQ” 90).

The management should equally identify and avail the resources required for the implementation of the organization’s strategy and the achievement of the organization's objectives (“ASQ” 92). To achieve this, the reading advocates for the involvement and development of all stakeholders in an organization. It further commands the human resource managers to choose personnel in organizations based on competency, skills, education, and experience (“ASQ” 94-95). The management should also define the required infrastructure for the realization of products by considering the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

The reading requires the management to establish a better working environment that will motivate and create a positive influence to all stakeholders with a view of improving overall performance in organizations. In relation to information, the reading advices the top management to treat data as a fundamental resource for conversion to information and the continual development of an organization's knowledge, which is essential for making factual decisions and can stimulate innovation (“ASQ” 96).

In addition, the management should seek to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of communication processes by establishing relationships with suppliers and interested groups. In relation to natural resources, the reading prioritizes the availability of natural resources that determine the performance of the organization and recommends the control of financial resources with relation to actual and planned costs with view of making the necessary adjustments. The management should identify, implement, ensure compliance, and validate all processes that facilitate product realization and satisfy customers and stakeholders’ requirements (“ASQ” 99-101).

It should also define, implement, and sustain the required design and development processes to ensure customer satisfaction and increased performance. The reading asserts that there must be effective and efficient purchasing processes to ensure that the purchased products satisfy the customers, stakeholder, and organization's needs and requirements (“ASQ” 107). The reading mandates the management to delegate power and responsibility to report nonconformities at any stage of the realization process to ensure timely detection and disposition of nonconformities (“ASQ” 113).

They should also rely on an analysis relating to information collected in a manner defined by the IS0 9004 to make organization decisions (“ASQ” 119). Ultimately, the reading confirms that the management should adopt a continuous strategy to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of the realization processes by involving all stakeholders (“ASQ”122). Works Cited “American Society for Quality (ASQ).” ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9004-2000, American National Standard Quality Management Systems—Guidelines for performance Improvements.