Recommended learning hours: 40

Unit aim: To understand the spectrum of quality-related standards and models, their commonalities and differences, their purpose and benefits to organisations and their underlying principles.

Assessment type: Examination

Learning outcomes

1. Understand the use of quality models in business
2. Understand the role of standards in quality assurance
3. Understand the use of integrated management systems within organisations

Every successful candidate can at the end of this unit:

1. Compare the different uses of standards, regulations and management system models
2. Explain the benefits and limitations to organisations of using a quality model or standard
3. List quality standards and models used by organisations
4. Describe a recognised quality standard or model and explain its component parts
5. Explain the evolution and purpose of product/service standards
6. Explain how management system model requirements can be used to develop a quality management system
7. Explain the purpose of conformity assessment
8. Explain the role of bodies involved in standards setting and assessment of conformity
9. Describe reasons an organisation might choose to have an integrated management system
10. Provide examples of standards that might be included in an integrated management system

Indicative content:

• Management system models and standards
  • ISO 9000 / 1 / 4
  • Investors in People (IIP)
  • EFQM Excellence Model
  • Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award
  • Customer Service Excellence Standard
• Standards
  • Evolution of standards for product conformity and variety reduction, weights and measures, safety and management systems
  • Company standards
• Other applications for standards and conformity assessment
  • Product certification schemes
  • The role of Government, accreditation bodies, certification bodies, standards bodies, regulatory bodies, professional bodies, customers, consultants national and international quality award schemes, interfaces
  • CE marking
• Integrated management systems
  • Common elements of management systems
  • Policy
  • Document control
  • Responsibility and authority
  • Audit
  • Management review
  • Principles required for the integration of management system standards to avoid replication of activities in the management process
  • Examples of standards that can be integrated into a single management system, include some specific named examples of:
  • Company standards
  • Management system standards
  • Regulations
  • Sector standards, customer standards, codes of practice