Improvement Initiatives Are Like Diets

All diets work while one is dieting.  However, once the desired weight loss is achieved the vast majority of dieters go back to their normal eating habits and lifestyle.  The result is that all diets are statistically long term failures because the fundamental issue of a lifestyle changes was never addressed.  But we never hear […]

ISO 14001 Certification Basics

Today social and political forces have resulted in an abundance of attention on the environment. These same forces have also created a real market driver for organizations to develop “green” processes and practices. Many global markets, such as the EU and China, have import regulations that require ISO 14001 certification and other environmentally focused directives […]

Predicting and Preventing

My firm, Integral Concepts, Inc., and I provide consulting and training in quantitative statistical methods for optimizing product designs and manufacturing processes.  It is sad that almost all of our projects involve REACTING to major problems that have surfaced which are jeopardizing production, customer satisfaction, and profitability. We much prefer to work with our clients […]

ISO 9001 Q & A

The Director of Operations of a perspective client asked me to address some of the concerns, questions, and reservations that his executive leadership has about implementing ISO 9001. He has been trying, unsuccessfully, to convince his executive leadership that developing a formal quality management system based on ISO 9001 was critical to the organization’s growth […]

Job Descriptions Done Right

Job descriptions, or whatever you may call them, are frequently an afterthought for most organizations.  They are often created on an as needed basis.  Typically, job descriptions are developed to assist in recruiting and employee reviews.  I have even seen employees write their own job descriptions in an effort to clarify their role in the […]

OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001 & AIAG

On February 24, 2009 the AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) issued a formal statement, e-mailed to all of its members, endorsing the implementation of a formal environmental management system (EMS)  based on ISO 14001.   Fortunately, unlike Toyota and some other customers, they stopped short of requiring it of automotive suppliers.  They then went on […]