Quality Management Principles – Part 6

August 23rd, 2010

The quality management system standards of ISO 9000:2008 series are based on eight quality management principles. These principles can be used by senior management as a framework to guide their organizations towards improved performance.

This is the sixth of eight articles which provide a general perspective on these quality management principles, each giving an overview of one of these principles and showing how they can be applied to form a basis for performance improvement and organizational excellence

Principle 6: Continual improvement

Continual improvement of the organization’s overall performance should be a permanent objective of the organization.

How to apply the principle:

Use processes for reporting and managing problems, complaints and ideas for improvement in a consistent and effective manner.

Ensure all staff are provided with training in the use of these processes. Make continual improvement of process and product an objective for every individual.

Set targets for improvement and measure progress.

Recognise and acknowledge improvements achieved.

Key benefits:

Business performance and efficiency will improve.

Improvement activities will align with your strategic goals.

Increased flexibility to react quickly to opportunities.

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