International Quality Systems - What is This ISO 9000?

The way we look at organizations has changed. Requirements for consistent and high quality at affordable costs while meeting the competition from around the world, have meant that organizations are now more conscious of the need to use all their resources to the best effect. Over the past 20 years various management and organizational systems have come to be known as Quality Management Systems. This paper presents an overview of how the requirements of quality are reflected in organization structures, in both product and service orientated organizations.

The basis of the paper is the International Standard series 9000, which has been adopted by many developed nations, coupled with some personal observations.

This paper aims for a perspective which stresses the corporate needs for quality organization rather than a detailed prescription.