The following articles and papers (in .pdf format) explain the background to and implications of our process-based approach to management systems and to process understanding and definition. We welcome comments and suggestions!
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The Chartered Quality Institute's (the CQI's) BODY OF QUALITY KNOWLEDGE was updated recently, and Peter Fraser of MandOS was asked to contribute articles on four of the key topics.
Each module is in two parts - Part 1 could be described as the "what" and Part 2 is the "how". The subjects are: Developing Processes, Elements of Corporate Strategy, Management Systems and The Evolution of Quality Thinking Post 1970 (including the development of "systems thinking").
The modules are:
Developing Processes - Part 1 (file size: 163Kb)
Developing Processes - Part 2 (file size: 197Kb)
Elements of Corporate Strategy - Part 1 (file size: 175Kb)
Elements of Corporate Strategy - Part 2 (file size: 227Kb)
Management Systems - Part 1 (file size: 150Kb)
Management Systems - Part 2 (file size: 209Kb)
The Evolution of Quality Thinking Post 1970 - Part 1 (file size: 179Kb)
The Evolution of Quality Thinking Post 1970 - Part 2 (file size: 185Kb)
Paul Harmon of Business Process Trends has written a particularly relevant (and readable) article on why senior managers and directors should understand the business processes in their organisations.
The first edition of our occasional newsletter FLOWCHAT (file size: 5Mb)
Q2 2003 edition of TickIT International (the quarterly journal of the TickIT software quality certification scheme): Time to Trigger a Transformation. (file size: 181K)
QUALITY WORLD ARTICLE: Transfer to the Process (file size: 30K) This critical examination of ISO 9001:2000 looks through the hype and sees a less than perfect standard. While applauding the emphasis on business processes, it argues that the language of the standard can be at times confusing and suggests alternative definitions for some of the clauses.
QUALITY WORLD ARTICLE: Contemplating the Process (file size: 159K) Recent articles and letters on the subject of "processes" in the Institute of Quality Assurance's magazine "Quality World" highlight a serious problem. They confirm that there is a serious degree of misunderstanding of the concept of a "business process". If this is not addressed quickly, many organisations are going to waste a vast amount of time trying to implement ISO9001:2000 without the understanding and knowledge required.
A More Detailed Explanation of The MandOS Approach (file size: 296K)
Case Study (file size: 13K) submitted to the Integrated Management Special Interest Group (IMSIG) of the IQA.
QUALITY WORLD ARTICLE: Slaying the Unwieldy Paper Dragon (file size: 152K) Having volumes of narrative procedures and quality manuals is the norm for many organisations. In many cases these are seldom used because they are inaccurate, unwieldy and incomprehensible. Peter Fraser of MandOS believes moving from narrative quality systems to deployment flow charts can make organisations more effective.
Sample printed flowchart (.pdf file size 55Kb).
Fit It's A Aboot - Explained An alternative view of process management from the North East of Scotland (.pdf file size 506Kb)
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