Context is a critical concept introduced and used extensively in ISO 9001:2015. ISO 31000 defines context as the environment in which the organization operates and achieves its business objectives.

In ISO 9001:2015, context may also include the following:

• Culture, tone at the top, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and other critical competitive attributes.

• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) business environment and management systems.
• Business environment in which the organization operates and competes.
• Business strategies, plans, and tactics developed to achieve QMS objectives.
• Product standards, guidelines, and corporate business model.
• Type of value added and services produced.
• Resources assigned to achieve QMS objectives.
• External and internal stakeholder expectations and requirements.
• Suppliers critical to the development of a sustainable business model.

Context is critical in ISO standard because it defines the type, extent, and level of controls to be developed to mitigate risks. Context also ensures a tailored risk management framework is designed and deployed. 

Lesson Learned: Remember: if you master context, you can and will master RBT.