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A brave new world for auditors?
Andy Nichols, Quality Program Manager at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in Michigan, USA, discusses the key competencies required for third-party auditors
A psychologist, a quality guru and a president walk into a bar…
Andy Nichols CQP FCQI takes a closer look at why audit checklists can be a polarising subject.
Effective auditing starts with the end result in mind
Internal auditors need to ensure that top management fully understand what audit results are telling them. Andy Nichols, CQP FCQI, Quality Program Manager at Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in the US, explains how.
The Hawthorne effect
If the outcome of an audit is influenced by the very act of carrying out the audit in the first place, how can we ever ensure accuracy? Welcome to the paradox that is the Hawthorne effect.
Effective management of an internal audit programme
Andy Nichols CQP MCQI, Quality Program Manager at Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in the US, makes the case for why an accredited Internal Audit Programme Manager qualification and associated training course is necessary.
Internal audit programme: From 'Genesis' to 'Revelation'
Why is planning an internal audit programme critical to an organisation’s success? Andy Nichols CQP FCQI takes a closer look.
Corrective action responses following internal audits
Andy Nichols looks at whether the time frames for responding to an audit nonconformity with a corrective action plan are necessary – or correct.
The process approach to audit – a unicorn?
A 'process approach' is mentioned in the guidance documents for several standards, but is not defined in terms of implementing an audit of a quality management system. Andy Nichols CQP FCQI takes a closer look at this apparent paradox.
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.
Improving auditing processes with a quality lens
Wajahat Ali, a Lead Auditor and Senior Operational Excellence Lead at global mobile satellite communications organisation Inmarsat, discusses how the application of a ‘quality lens’ has helped him unlock the quality potential in organisations.