Quality Objectives – part 1

Quality objectives are an integral part of a quality management system.  They are often misinterpreted by both the organisation and the certification body.  It is easy to understand why, especially with the frequency of mentions in the standard itself and the lack of prescription around them.  This makes them as diverse as the organisations trying to define them.  So, before I explore the wonderful world of quality objectives, here are the actual cuts and paste of quality objectives mentioned ISO 9001:2008;

4.2 Documentation requirements

4.2.1 General requirements

The quality management system documentation includes

a) documented statements of a quality policy and quality objectives,

5.1 Management commitment

Top management provides evidence of its commitment to the development and implementation of the quality management system and continually improving its effectiveness by

c) ensuring that quality objectives are established,

5.3 Quality policy

Top management ensures the quality policy

c) provides a framework for establishing and reviewing quality objectives,

5.4 Planning

5.4.1 Quality objectives

Top management ensures that quality objectives, including those needed to meet requirements for are established at relevant functions and levels within the Oberon Management Systems.  The quality objectives are measurable and consistent with the quality policy.

5.4.2 Quality management system planning

Top management ensures

a) the planning of the quality management system is carried out in order to meet the requirements given in 4.1, as well as the quality objectives, and

5.6 Management review

5.6.1 General

Top management reviews the organisation’s quality management system, at planned intervals, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.  This review includes assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for changes to the quality management system, including the quality policy and quality objectives.

6.2 Human resources

6.2.2 Competence, awareness and training the organisation will

d) ensure that its personnel are aware of the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to the achievement of the quality objectives, and

7 Product realisation

7.1 Planning of product realisation

The organisation has planned and developed the processes needed for product realisation.  Planning of product realisation shall be consistent with the requirements of the other processes of the quality management system.

In planning product realisation, The organisation has determined the following, as appropriate:

a) quality objectives and requirements for the product;

8.5 Improvement

8.5.1 Continual improvement

The organisation continually improves the effectiveness of the quality management system through the use of the quality policy, quality objectives, audit results, analysis of data, corrective and preventive actions and management review.

So now you know why it will take me at least 3 or so blogs to get on top of this topic!