Management systems are evolving as part of a larger trend toward risk management and sustainability. We are entering the fourth era of organization management. First came the control era, where the focus was on defining and controlling characteristics, conditions, and contaminants. This period roughly ran from 1925 to 1975. Then came the assurance era, where the focus was on defining and following processes. This period lasted about half as long as the first: 1975-2000. Recently, we entered the management era, where separate systems were established and often certified.
INTEGRATION ERA
Some of these systems promoted good, while other systems minimized evil. This period is coming to an end: 2000-2013. We are now entering the integration era, where quality, safety, environment, security, etc. are providing a holistic approach for business and government. Of course, we do not reject our past tools and technologies. We will continue to use the proven control, assurance, and management methods, but in our new journey to identify and manage risk – in all its many forms – and promote sustainability.
With a little imagination, we can see how the classic plan-do-check-act model can apply to all management systems. First, we define the desirable state and how to get there. Then, we implement these plans. Next, we need to assess our progress. Finally, we need to close the gap and try to do things better, safer, and cleaner.
MATURING QUALITY PROFESSION
The quality profession is quite mature in applying these PDCA concepts. The ISO 9000 family of standards started with the MIL-Q-9858 foundation of the 1950s. Aviation, food, medical device, and pharmaceutical regulations also built from this early foundation. We see a great deal of harmonization in these quality methods around the globe.
Environmental management approaches were defined in the 1980s, as it became obvious to citizens and government that pollution was harmful and unacceptable. The ISO 14000 family of standards took the quality base and added risk management concepts. We must define the sources of air, water, and ground pollution. Then we must assess the effects of these identified pollutants. Unacceptable pollutants must be avoided, transferred, or mitigated. Next, we see how well we are doing and close the gap.
Occupational safety and health management has classically been implemented through control (inspection) and assurance (procedures) methodologies. Recent events and international trade have demonstrated a need to apply systems principles. The publication of OHSAS 18001 by ISO/ILO in 2007 was not warmly received in most countries. In the USA, government regulation in process safety management has had some influence in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. In general, occupational safety and health is very much a growth profession.
Security management has become very important recently. Information security, homeland security, cyber-warfare, bio-terrorism, and business continuity are all discussed in the boardrooms and legislative halls. Despite – or perhaps because of – its relative newness, the security profession has applied PDCA concepts and systems principles from the beginning. This is also a growth industry.
Government initiatives and international standards activities have suggested that professionals like us will play an increasingly important and rather different role in these integrated management systems. Around the world, companies and regulatory bodies are examining the evolving role of audit, security, safety, transparency, environment and green. Professionals and their societies are expected to widen their scope of activities. Corporate, government, and community stakeholders are all demanding more for less.
This coalescence is often called “sustainability” or “social responsibility.” People, planet, and profit all matter. Cultural attitudes also matter. Corporate governance, also known as GRC (governance, risk, and compliance), may also be moving in this direction.
Bio:
Dennis Arter, CQA, is known as the Auditguy. He instructs large and small firms in the basics of auditing for improved organizational performance. Approximately 10,000 people, from all business sectors, have attended his classes.
Dennis is an ASQ Fellow and completed a term on the Board of Directors. He is active in many ASQ Divisions and Committees.
Mr. Arter’s books on auditing and ISO 9001 have been best sellers around the world. Dennis has contributed international magazine articles and presented at professional conferences in the USA, Canada, Mexico, China, Croatia, South Africa, Turkey, and Norway. Dennis was chair of the 2012 supply chain conference in Xiamen, China.
Over the last several years, Mr. Arter has researched three major forces affecting the quality profession: artificial general intelligence, climate change, and integrated management systems. He has presented this research to audiences in North America, Africa, and Europe. Dennis lives in the United States Pacific Northwest area with his wife of 42 years.
Contact Information:
Dennis Arter, FASQ, CQA
Columbia Audit Resources
Kennewick, Washington, USA
http://auditguy.net, dennis@auditguy.net
+1 (509) 783-0377