Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Organisation / Español: Organización / Português: Organização / Français: Organisation / Italian: Organizzazione

Organisation in the context of quality management refers to the structured system and processes through which a company or entity manages its operations to meet quality standards. It involves defining roles, responsibilities, and workflows that ensure products or services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Description

In quality management, organisation plays a central role in establishing and maintaining a company's commitment to quality. It involves creating a framework that aligns the company’s processes with its quality goals. This framework includes the development of a quality policy, setting objectives, and the continuous monitoring and improvement of processes to ensure these goals are met.

An effective organisational structure in quality management is hierarchical, with clear roles and responsibilities at every level. This includes top management's commitment to quality, the roles of quality assurance and control teams, and the responsibilities of every employee in adhering to quality standards.

The history of quality management underscores the importance of organisation, as early pioneers like W. Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran emphasized the need for structured, systemic approaches to managing quality. Legal requirements, such as ISO 9001 standards, also mandate a well-defined organisational structure to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

In practice, an organised approach to quality management means having documented processes, regular audits, and a culture of quality that permeates all levels of the organisation. It also involves the systematic use of tools like the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to manage and improve quality.

Application Areas

Organisation within quality management is essential across various sectors, including:

• Manufacturing: Ensures products are produced consistently with high quality.
• Healthcare: Maintains patient safety and care standards.
• Food Industry: Ensures food safety and compliance with health regulations.
• Construction: Guarantees that building projects meet regulatory and client standards.
• Service Industry: Ensures consistent service delivery that meets customer expectations.

Well-Known Examples

• Toyota Production System (TPS): A prime example of a well-organised quality management system in manufacturing, focusing on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Six Sigma: A methodology that uses data and statistics to improve processes and eliminate defects, demonstrating strong organisational commitment to quality.
• ISO 9001: An international standard that requires an organisation to have a structured quality management system (QMS) in place, ensuring consistent product and service quality.

Treatment and Risks

One of the risks in quality management is a poorly structured organisation, leading to unclear responsibilities, inefficient processes, and ultimately, substandard products or services. This can result in non-compliance with regulations, customer dissatisfaction, and financial losses. Continuous training, regular audits, and a commitment to improvement are essential to mitigate these risks.

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