Focus on the Web
Focus on the Web
Quality Onlinewww.qualitymag.com/
More convenient, with more features than its hard cover version, "Quality Online" is published with the quality assurance and process improvement needs of manufacturing professionals in mind. Editorial coverage focuses on the practical application of and the latest advancements in metrology methods and equipment(e.g. gauges, machine tool measurement), software and analytical tools (e.g. statistical process control, process mapping) and overall quality management. Management feature articles are presented in full text and are accompanied by break-out boxes reiterating the main points or benefits. The article archive contains six years' worth of material and is updated monthly. The editorial style is relaxed and avoids the use of technical jargon, preferring instead to drive home the business message that no manufacturer can afford not to employ quality from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Balanced Scorecard Collaborativewww.bscol.com/
Launched in 1999, the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative is a professional services firm specializing in balanced scorecard research and consultancy. Founding members include David Norton and Robert Kaplan, authors of seminal Harvard Business School publications on the subject. Mostly requiring free registration, resources at this site aim to educate managers on why the scorecard drives breakthrough performance: several multimedia case studies exemplify this. Further assistance with building and implementing scorecards is offered through consultancy services. Best value is David Norton's multimedia presentation on the balanced scorecard in practice and current management thinking in this area, backed up by recent statistics. Multimedia capability is essential for getting the most from this site.
The International Standards of Qualityhttp://home4.pacific.net.sg/~makhdoom/iso.html>
This site, maintained by Makhdoom International Management Center in Singapore, is devoted to the ISO 9000 series of standards, and offers substantial information about certification. It defines the levels of ISO 9000,along with various quality terms, and provides a background to the historical development of quality systems, a checklist for implementing and planning ISO 9000, and a detailed step-by-step approach to ISO 9000. Users can also find information about changes made to the standard and the implications of these changes on operations. In addition, the site provides a series of comprehensive bibliographic references. The practical guidance given could save time and expense, with directories on registrars, consultants, trainers, reference materials, etc. Makhdoom International Management Center offers consulting advice to aid achievement of certification. The environmental standard, ISO 14000, is also addressed. Overall, a very useful site for anyone involved in, or considering, certification.
