A research network has examined how quality management is implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and what the consequences are for the qualification needs of employees. The research has taken place within the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci programme, which is an action programme of the European Commission DG XXII - Education Training and Youth. This book presents conclusions including three parts: "Results" deriving from the sector studies - specialised "Scientific contributions" of network partners - "Action-oriented dialogue" documenting comments of key actors in vocational training from the participating countries. Special objectives are: Support of quality-oriented development of SMEs and their staff; Support of quality-oriented development of vocational education and training; Support of implementation requirements including regional aspects.

We are in what many call “The Age of the Customer.” Customers are empowered more than ever before and demand a high level of customer attention and service. Their increasing expectations and demands worldwide have forced organizations to transform themselves and prepare for the customer experience (CX) battlefield. This landmark book addresses: What customer experience really means Why it matters Whether it has any substantial business impact What your organization can do to deliver and sustain your CX efforts, and How we got to this particular point in CX history This book is the result of exhaustive research conducted to incorporate various components that affect customer experience. Based on the research results, the authors make a case for seeing CX and associated transformations as the next natural evolution of the quality management system (QMS) already in place in most companies. Using an existing QMS as the foundation for CX not only creates a more sustainable platform, but it allows for a faster and more cost effective way to enable an organization to attain world-class CX.

This handbook is a comprehensive reference designed to help professionals address organizational issues from the application of the basic principles of management to the development of strategies needed to deal with today’s technological and societal concerns. The fifth edition of the ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Handbook (CMQ/OE) has undergone some significant content changes in order to provide more clarity regarding the items in the body of knowledge (BoK). Examples have been updated to reflect more current perspectives, and new topics introduced in the most recent BoK are included as well. This handbook addresses: • Historical perspectives relating to the continued improvement of specific aspects of quality management • Key principles, concepts, and terminology • Benefits associated with the application of key concepts and quality management principles • Best practices describing recognized approaches for good quality management • Barriers to success, common problems you may encounter, and reasons why some quality initiatives fail • Guidance for preparation to take the CMQ/OE examination A well-organized reference, this handbook will certainly help individuals prepare for the ASQ CMQ/OE exam. It also serves as a practical, day-to-day guide for any professional facing various quality management challenges.

The Medical Devices Directive (MDD) is an all-encompassing document legislating for the manufacture of any medical device or material used either temporarily or permanently on or in the human body. To achieve its main objectives the MDD requires the manufacturer of all products covered by the Directive to possess a fully auditable Quality Management System consisting of Quality Policies, Quality Procedures and Work Instructions, based on the ISO 9000 standard. The book is based on the sound principles of ISO 9000 and will guide to the reader, if required, to eventually set up an ISO 9000 fully compliant system. MDD-Compliance using Quality Management Techniques consists of the following: * A brief guide to the Medical Devices Directive - explaining the main requirements of the directive, translating legal "Eurospeak" into everyday language * An overview of ISO 9000 and how the MDD links in with these international requirements. * A Quality Manual - will provide a template for a complete Quality Management System that can be used by any product being produced under the requirements of the MDD * CD ROM containing a software copy of the Quality Manual * A User manual consisting of clear instructions and flow charts on how to set up and use the Quality Management System described in the Quality Manual