A Hybrid e-Learning Model for QMS Auditor Training

Abstract

The ISO9001 quality management system (QMS) has been adopted by millions of organizations and in just as many business sectors. Along with an increasing demand for QMS auditors comes an equally increasing demand for training applications. However, it is difficult for a QMS auditor to achieve the required competence, as the nature of their job demands both conceptual and practical skills. This paper has employed a modern hybrid e-learning model to address the time and location limitations in training QMS auditors. It also incorporates the following learning theories ”Adaptive Learning”, ”Collaborative Learning”, ”Learning in Community”, ”Scaffolding Learning”, and ”Scenario Learning” on a computational platform. A series of hybrid, digital QMS components namely ”e-Learning Map”, ”e-Illustration”, ”e-Learning Group”, ”e-Comprehension”, and ”e-Workshop” were developed, applied and validated to effectively reinforce the competence of the QMS auditors who received the hybrid e-learning training. As a result, an effective e-learning application model, that is applicable to current industry educational practices and the quality of training deliverables, has been proven.