A read or two

"ISO9000 and the very small firms"- E.M Wareham



This reading explains ISO9000, which is a quality management system and international standard. There are 7 essential elements of ISO9000:




* Ensure that what is to be done is what the customer needs and expects

* For every task taken, identify the steps to be taken

* Identify and specify check points

* Monitor the work done

* Compare expected with actual results at each checkpoint

* Identify non-conformances and their source

* Apply corrective action immediately



If all these elements are carried out correctly, faults can be identified and corrected quickly.



This reading focuses on ISO9000 and the small firm, and how it is not designed with a small firm in mind. It gives us the example of Vinculum Services, who although a small firm, satisfied the requirements and are registered for ISO9000. This is in contrast to the statement "most small firms will not be able to implement it because it is a sophisticated system demanding understanding and managerial skills, which they do not have and do not need" . Such a company having ISO9000 can lead to many benefits including increased quality control and performance. While obtaining ISO9000, Vinculum say it has not improved cost-effectiveness but has really improved customer service.Customers also view the company with increased respect. The company admitted they were naive in expecting that implementing the system would be easy. They were not able to handle the system they put in place; it was overly contrived.



"They write the right stuff"-Charles Fishman



Fishman's article is very similar to the previous one as it also tries to ensure top quality. It discusses the software development process for NASA.Fishman says "the right stuff is the software". The software these developers have produced is remarkable. It never crashed. It never needs to be re-booted. It is bug-free. It is from the result of a large and dedicated workforce that has led to this perfect software. They have a top quality organisation, coordination and strict deadline, which Ted Keller, senior technical manager, ensures.



But how do they write the right stuff? Fishman argues that it is the process that they have invented. The process is put into 4 propositions:



* the product is only as good as the plan for the product

* the best teamwork is rivalry

* the database is the software base

* don't just fix the mistakes-fix whatever permitted the mistake in the first place



I think this process could be adapted to any software company and be successful.



You would think because they are so successful and the software is just impeccable that they would work all hours in the day. But the coders work in a strictly 8-5 job. There are no night shifts. When they leave the office they leave their work there aswell.
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