This book has been written to provide both students and industrial man agers with a comprehensive description of the tools and techniques of Quality Management and also to provide a framework for understanding Quality Development. Central to the theme of this book is the idea that quality management is a developmental process which requires an understanding of the techniques, the people and the systems issues. The aims of quality development are to produce greater organizational consistency, to improve customer satisfac tion and to reduce the business process costs. In order to achieve these aims, managers are required to have an understanding of both the underlying the ories and the methodologies for implementation. The aim of this book is to provide a coherent description of both the theoretical and implementation aspects of quality management. Since the halcyon days of the quality 'revolution' of the 1970s and 1980s, many organizations have realized that quality development represents an enormous management challenge. This challenge for continuous improve ment requires the continuous development of systems, of techniques and of people. Like most serious business strategies, competitive improvement through quality development can only be achieved if the organization understands not only what the various quality 'options' are but also when a particular technique or approach is applicable. Quality development has no single blueprint but requires a learning organization which understands key concepts and methods of implementation.

This text definitively breaks down each component of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme regulation (EMAS) – even its appendices and EU guidance documents - providing a step-by-step analysis of the Scheme. In addition, the work offers case examples of three of Akzo Nobel manufacturing locations which have been registered to EMAS, providing real-world advice on how to meet the requirements of the Scheme.

The Pollution Prevention Handbook provides the necessary tools to set up a successful pollution program; implement specific projects to meet environmental regulation, and improve efficiency and product quality. Methods used to reduce waste generation are illustrated, and new treatment methods to reduce the volume or toxicity of waste are described. Practical examples illustrate key concepts, and numerous case studies provide successful programs found in the real world. The text is divided into three major sections:

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) has become a crucial consideration for large organizations. This book offers insight to practitioners and professional students as to why they have been developed, how they are implemented and the barriers that can impact on their effectiveness. A practical, experience-based text written by leading consultants and researchers, the book explores the drivers that have led to the development of environmental strategies and the benefits of formulating a complete EMS. The book examines the way in which EMSs are structured to ensure that a company achieves continuous improvement in environmental performance. Alongside practical advice for businesses that wish to achieve accreditation, the book addresses key issues to be aware of to ensure optimum benefits, different strategies that companies may adopt to establish an EMS and the challenges that arise when trying to integrate an EMS into the business strategy. Also included is a review of the ways in which academics try to categorize and predict the effectiveness of these different approaches to EMS using modelling tools. Finally, case studies are presented to demonstrate examples of companies that have implemented their own EMS, the different approaches that they have taken and the resulting issues that have emerged. This is essential reading for all environmental practitioners as well as students of environmental management and business.

The development of an environmental management plan is an essential business activity that helps organise, direct and control operational activities, and plan for future environmental risk. Once created, an environmental management plan is an ongoing asset that requires regular updating and enables benchmarking against company targets and competitors. Environmental Management Plans Demystified takes you step-by-step through the process and procedures required to implement a successful plan. Its clear, accessible style allows you to achieve ISO 14001 compliance with the minimum of effort. Examples of standard documentation, case studies, flowcharts, and checklists are included, as well as useful hints to avoid resource-wasting pitfalls. If you want to install a successful environmental management plan that will minimise environmental risk and create a competitive advantage for your company, this book is an essential practical guide for both the absolute beginner and the experienced practitioner.

From forester to retailer, stakeholders in the industry are under increasing pressure to assure customers that their wood products have come from well managed, sustainable forests. The Forest Certification Handbook gives practical advice on developing, selecting and operating a certification programme which provides both market security and raises standards of forestry management. It provides a thorough analysis of all the issues surrounding certification, including the commercial benefits to be gained, the policy mechanisms required, the interpretation and implementation of forestry management standards, and the process of certification itself. Three unique directories give details of currently certified forests, international and national initiatives, and active certification programmes.

International standards ensure that organisations operate the right processes to support their objectives. International Standards for Design and Manufacturing is an accessible guide for manufacturing and production managers and students. It guides readers through the standards needed to build operating systems which are robust, integrated and used to drive the continuous improvement of business performance. International Standards for Design and Manufacturing is based on many years of research collaboration between Swansea University and leading manufacturing and production practitioners from key companies from around the world. Each chapter includes an introduction to the standards being discussed, definitions, examples of using the standards in practice, why these standards are important, conclusions, seminar topics and mock exam questions to allow the reader to test their knowledge and understanding.