Quality Management System Research Articles

Implementation quality management systems in the electrical distribution contractors in Oman: An exploratory case study

The exploratory case study examined Oman's power distribution contractors' quality management systems (QMS). The research sought to understand how electrical distribution contractors see QMS and auditing barriers and facilitators. The survey interviewed Oman's electricity distribution business professionals. Sixteen electrical workers in Oman were interviewed. Interviews highlighted electrical distribution contractors' QMS and audit challenges. Interviews also addressed QMS and auditing success factors. The analysis shows that electricity distribution companies must address safety, quality, and power outages. ISO standards (International Standardization Organization) provide quality management and reduce risks. Quality training and QMS awareness are also stressed by the outcomes. The research found that group meetings can solve implementation issues and foster a collaborative quality management approach. These meetings allow for problem-solving, best practices, and networking. This research may help develop strategies and academic studies to standardize QMS in Oman's electrical distribution business.

Methods for assessing the quality of medical care in Russia and abroad: formation and modern aspects

The study presents the results of the analysis of available literary sources covering the historical and modern aspects of assessing the quality of medical care in the healthcare systems of the Russian Federation and some foreign countries and shows the relevance and feasibility of improving the methodology for assessing the quality of medical care in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. At present, many methods are used for assessing the quality of medical care in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation; however, none of them contains an exhaustive set of criteria that would allow assessing the quality of medical care provided in full. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the methods used to assess the quality of medical care are also not perfect, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of management decisions and thereby a decrease in the effectiveness of military medical organizations and units. To this end, active development of assessment indicators and criteria for the quality of medical care, introduction of new assessment methods, including the use of automated data accounting and analysis tools, and improvement of the procedures and standards of medical care are necessary. The most promising area is the use of comprehensive methods for assessing the effectiveness and quality of medical care, which have recently become widespread. Their application provides comprehensive control over compliance with medical care requirements and allows us to investigate the conditions wherein it is indicated, assess the degree of patient satisfaction, and helps optimize the assessment procedure. In addition, to improve the effectiveness, continuity in the implementation of control measures performed at various levels both within the medical organization and with the participation of departmental and state control bodies must be ensured. To do this, close interaction of all control bodies must be organized, and their activities must be integrated into a single quality management system for medical care. The results of the assessment of the quality of medical care can help determine the main directions of the development of the medical and diagnostic process and optimize the work of medical personnel, which increases the importance of work aimed at improving the assessment methodology. In addition, the quality control of medical care in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation must be further improved.

Web-Based Development of Standard Operating Procedures and Midwifery Trainings at Ugandan Birth Clinic in the Framework of Implementing a Quality Improvement System for the MEWU-Midwife Exchange with Uganda.

High maternal and newborn mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa indicate the need for global action interventions. Thus, the clinic cooperation midwife exchange with Uganda (MEWU) between Hannover Medical School and Mutolere Hospital, Uganda, was founded. This study, as the first intervention within the MEWU framework, explored whether a web-based approach is suitable for developing, training, and establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) at Mutolere Hospital. We focused on assessing midwives' confidence in midwifery core competencies. The study was conducted in a prospective, non-controlled intervention design. As a quality improvement tool, the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle was implemented. SOPs for standard obstetric care were developed and trained in online meetings. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire completed pre- and post-intervention by participating midwives, evaluations, minutes and video recordings of each case training, and annual analytical reports from Mutolere Hospital containing morbidity and mortality data. The online intervention was successfully implemented. Nine SOPs on basic obstetric care were developed, trained in online case training, and integrated into clinical practice at Mutolere Hospital. An increase in midwives' confidence regarding all surveyed core competencies was observed. There were no significant changes in the hospital's morbidity and mortality rates. The quality management system was implemented to optimize the follow-up projects further. This pilot study shows the potential of web-based interventions as a quality improvement tool in developing countries. The developed SOPs and video database are being used in subsequent studies and extended to further health centers in the Kisoro region.

Enhancing Quality in Hematology Laboratory Testing: A Comprehensive Review of Preanalytical Phase Errors and Prevention Strategies

Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the critical importance of the preanalytical phase in hematology laboratory testing and its significant impact on the overall quality of results. The preanalytical phase encompasses all the processes from sample collection to sample preparation, and any errors during this stage can lead to inaccurate and unreliable hematological data. By systematically examining the various sources of preanalytical errors, including specimen collection, transportation, and handling, this review provides insights into the potential challenges faced in the hematology laboratory. Furthermore, the article discusses a range of effective prevention strategies to mitigate preanalytical phase errors and enhance the reliability of hematological test results. These strategies encompass improvements in staff training, standardization of collection procedures, implementation of quality control measures, and advancements in technology and automation. The review emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of awareness and adherence to best practices in the laboratory setting. Preanalytical errors remain a major concern in every laboratory because the majority of the stages leading up to these errors are not within the direct control of the laboratory. Even though they cannot be eliminated, they can definitely be minimized. The preanalytical errors of a hematology laboratory can be reduced with the help of quality management systems, personnel training, regular audits, and automation in the preanalytical stage, thus increasing the accuracy of the results and providing better patient care.

Impact of biogenic impurities on catalytic synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen from polyolefin resins

Biogenic impurities are common contaminants of plastic waste. This study investigated the effects of biogenic impurities on the conversion of a polyolefin mixture (6 wt% low-density polyethylene, 24 wt% high-density polyethylene, and 70 wt% polypropylene) into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hydrogen via pyrolysis-chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Biogenic components from diverse sources were added to the polyolefin mixture, including lignocellulosic materials (pine sawdust, coconut coir pith), biosolids from wastewater treatment (municipal sewage sludge), animal-based waste (crustaceans), and bio-based plastic (polylactic acid). At contamination levels up to 9.1 wt%, 3 out of 5 impurities (coconut coir pith, sewage sludge and crustaceans) caused a decline in the conversion efficiency of feedstock into MWCNTs (33 ± 7% for polyolefins only compared with 20 ± 6%, 16 ± 1% and 16 ± 2% for polyolefins with 9.1 wt% coconut coir pith, sewage sludge and crustaceans, respectively). According to gas analysis, impurities led to a loss of catalyst activity, resulting in a decreased concentration of H2 and increased concentrations of methane and ethylene in the CVD gas. Furthermore, for polyolefins containing 9.1 wt% coconut coir pith, sewage sludge, crustaceans and polylactic acid, microscopy data revealed changes in the growth of filamentous carbon, leading to the appearance of carbon nanofibers in MWCNT samples. On the contrary, biogenic impurities barely changed outer diameters, ID/IG ratios, interlayer spacing, crystallite sizes of graphite-like sites, and the surface chemistry of MWCNT samples. The results suggest the development of quality management system for contaminated plastic feedstock could be advantageous to ensure consistent outcomes of pyrolysis-CVD process.

Roadmap to achieve operational excellence through Lean Management implementation and quality management system conformance

Automotive companies are facing major challenges, namely competitiveness and the evolution that characterizes the sector. To ensure their sustainability, companies operating in the automotive industry are concentrating their efforts on reducing waste sources throughout the supply chain by implementing a variety of Lean Management tools. The compliance of the quality management system with the requirements of the international automotive standard IATF 16949:2016 is also a top priority for automotive suppliers. IATF certification is required to operate in the automotive market and enables organizations to meet customer requirements and demonstrate the quality assurance of their systems. This paper analyzes the principles of the Lean Management organizational tools in correlation with the requirements of the IATF automotive standard and determines their synergistic impact on operational excellence. Based on the correlation analysis performed, an original roadmap that will serve as a guide for automotive companies has been developed. The findings show that in order to achieve operational excellence, it is necessary to implement the five Lean Management organizational tools in correlation with the operational requirements dictated in chapter 8 as well as the leadership requirements outlined in chapter 5 of the international automotive standard.

Automated Water Monitoring & Managing System for Aquaculture Using IOT

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative technology with profound implications for various sectors, including environmental monitoring and management. This paper presents an innovative IoT-based automated water quality monitoring and management system (AWQMS) designed to revolutionize the way we monitor and safeguard water resources.The AWQMS leverages a network of IoT-enabled sensors deployed at strategic locations throughout water bodies, continuously measuring crucial parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity. These sensors are equipped with wireless communication capabilities, enabling real-time data transmission to a centralized data acquisition and processing platform. At the heart of the AWQMS lies advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms, which analyze incoming data streams to detect anomalies and deviations from predefined water quality thresholds. Key Word: Automated Water Monitoring and Managing system, IoT based solution, sensor-based monitoring, Real time monitoring system, cost-effectiveness.

STANDARDIZATION AS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN AN ENTERPRISE

It was conducted an analysis of the impact of standardization, as an integral and important component of the quality management system of the State Enterprise “State Road Transport Research Institute”, on the enterprise’s scientific and industrial-and-economic activities, in particular from the viewpoint of maintaining its competitiveness on the of road transport services market. Standardization, as a type of the State Road Transport Research Institute’s activity, is aimed at achieving the optimal degree of orderliness in the regulatory support of the enterprise’s activities. In accordance with its Policy, the enterprise ensures high-quality performance of work by providing services that meet customer requirements and also applicable legislative and regulatory requirements. It has been considered the standardization activity in the State Road Transport Research Institute, which can be conditionally presented in four separate directions. The first direction is, in general, the organizational work for standardization. This also includes work on the development of normative documents of the enterprise, as well as national standards harmonized with international ones, and revision of current normative documents. Another direction is related to maintaining and updating the fund of normative documents of the enterprise, including the fund of normative documents of the Inland Transport Committee of the UN Economic Commission for Europe. And finally, important from the point of view of the enterprise’s image, the direction of agency activity and also the activity of the Secretariat of the Technical Committee of Standardization TC 80 “Road transport”, the functions of which is entrusted to State Road Transport Research Institute.

대학 진로지도 질 관리를 위한 영국 사례 분석

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to derive implications for Korea by analyzing in depth the background, development process, and contents of quality management of university career guidance in the UK.
 [Methods] We analyzed literature such as UK career guidance policies and government-published data related to quality management of university career guidance, and selected an analysis framework based on the career guidance quality management frame of Hooley & Rice (2019).
 [Results] University career guidance quality management in the UK has established a system and implementation capacity for career guidance quality management in six areas: policy, organization, process, human resources, performance, and consumption, and is continuing its efforts.
 [Conclusion] In order for college career guidance in Korea to provide universal career opportunities for all students, it is necessary to discuss the perspective of approaching career guidance quality management, and a plan should be prepared to advance it in the long run.

Caring and therapeutic services – a patient’s opinion on experience and satisfaction with night nursing care

Introduction and aim. Night nursing care ensures well-being, peace, and security allowing a patient to enter into the deep sleep phase. This study aims to analyze the relationship between an assessment of caring and therapeutic services and the opinion of in-patients on their experience and satisfaction with night nursing care. Material and methods. A questionnaire developed by the authors and the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale were used in this study. This study was conducted in the eastern region of Poland in the Podkarpackie province. The study included 585 patients. Results. Tasks analyzed resulting from care and therapeutic functions, in the patient’s opinion, had a significant impact on the overall assessment of nursing care. Meeting the expectations regarding night rest (experience of nursing care) and satisfaction showed the strongest correlation. Tasks resulting from therapeutic functions showed an average correlation with the exception of planned medical care. Conclusion. The level of implemented health services by nurses at night significantly influences the overall assessment of the quality management system in health care.

Функционально-трудоемкостный анализ кадровых процессов системы менеджмента качества организации

The article discusses an approach to improving personnel (supporting) processes in the organisation’s quality management system based on the methodology tool modification of the functional-cost analysis (FCA) and the qualimetric substantiation of critical indicators of the studied process function parameters. The paper analyses tools and technologies for structuring, correcting, and improving personnel processes in the organization’s quality management system as well as problems associated with their application in practice. The expediency for operational determination of the direction for improving the personnel process quality is substantiated by studying a limited number of their parameters. Importance (significance) and labour intensity of personnel process functions are considered as the studied parameters. A procedure for functional and labour-intensive analysis (FLIA) is proposed, which is the personnel process improvement based on analysing the importance-labour intensity ratio of function implementation, allowing the process owner to quickly obtain information about the process state. The procedure of functional and labour-intensive analysis is considered through the approbation on the example of the personnel process “Personnel Recruitment.” Critical indicators of “Personnel Recruitment” structure are compared with similar indicators obtained based on applying functional-cost analysis to the process under consideration. The article argues for the promising use of the proposed procedure for enhancing the personnel processes of the organization’s quality management system, aimed at identifying the direction for their improvement.

An Exploratory Study: Evaluation of the Customer Happiness Based on the Administrative Services Provided by A Low-Cost Airline

The current research as presented in this report, was carried out on a selected organization, which is Fly Dubai Airlines, operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of the study was to analyse whether the company is offering high quality of administrative services, and how well the services are satisfying and making its customers happy. The study attempted to determine the effectiveness of the administrative services suggest improvement its services over time. A mixed methods research approach was considered for the study, based on which a combination of the qualitative and quantitative data were used. Primary and secondary data collection tools were combined. Primary surveys were conducted with employees of Fly Dubai, including employees in different positions in the company. Of the 100 selected members, 30 responded to the questions that were asked, and their responses were analysed based on a comparative analysis technique by plotting the responses on graphs and charts. Secondary sources such as journals, researched publications, books, and articles were also used to obtain information on the current state of quality performance in the airline sector in UAE. It could be obtained from the findings that Fly Dubai has its focus significantly placed on the factor of quality. High service quality is offered by the company, and the company continuously makes efforts to improve its service quality as well. The quality has been improved over time, and the company follows the ISO standards of quality for measuring the quality levels being provided by the company. Quality Management Systems, Safety Management Systems, and the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) could be found as significantly followed by the company. Customers and their satisfactions are considered as extremely important by the company, and the quality measures of the company are therefore targeted towards achieving improved levels of customer satisfaction. The findings also revealed that there is an overall improvement in quality considered in the airline sector in the region. Quality service could be found as one of the key factors leading to the success of the company too, and hence significant importance being given by the management. Also, a positive link could be found to be existing between the quality of service and operational efficiency of the company, with operations influencing the financial performance of the company as well. At the same time, it could be obtained that the company has scope of improvement too, to consider in its quality approaches, to identify, address and fulfil specific quality preferences of its customers and employees. Accordingly, certain recommendations have been suggested to the company. It has been suggested that the company gives important to every customer and every employee, and try to identify their needs and quality demands, which would help the company to achieve overall quality improvement in its services targeting long term effectiveness of the processes. Also, the company has been recommended to consider an integrated organization-wide data quality management and information governance, as well as focus on continuous improvement in its operations to achieve improved service quality on a continuous basis.

Impact of Critical Success Factors on International ISO Accreditation for the Botswana Public Health Laboratories

The purpose of this study is to identify critical success factors and their impact on implementation of quality management system at selected Public Health Laboratories in Botswana. The study population was from the targeted seven accredited Public Health Laboratories in Botswana. Data on critical success factors was collected using a questionnaire. The questions were based on the critical success factors for implementation of total quality management identified during the literature review. Ten Critical Success Factors for successful implementation of the quality management system were rated by a group of questions using a five point Likert scale method. The 5-point Likert scale includes the items: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. Strongly agree was assigned a score of 5, agree is assigned a score of 4, neutral is assigned a score of 3, disagree is assigned a score of 2 and strongly disagree a score of 1. The mean of the assigned ratings is 3.0. Critical success factors which score mean greater than 3.0 will be classified as agree while those mean less than 3.0 will be classified as disagree. All the ten critical success factors had a mean above of 3.0, with a range of 4.77 to 3.57. All the ten success factors were deemed critical; Employee empowerment Strategic quality planning, Process management, Performance management, Quality culture, Management and leadership, Training, Supplier Management, Customer focus, Information analysis.

FEATURES OF THE FOREIGN STUDENTS TRAINING IN THE ELECTIVE DISCIPLINE "QUALITY SYSTEMS IN PHARMACY"

The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly developing and implementing new innovative approaches and legal regulation of the drugs quality management system, which includes a set of process methods and resources that are necessary for quality management. Therefore, the mastery by students of the specialty 226 "Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy" of the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" is an important issue of their professional training which will help them to master the methodology of quality management, normative-legislative and organizational-economic aspects of quality control of medicinal products at pharmaceutical enterprises. The elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" is closely connected to some other disciplines, such as “Pharmacy and Industrial Technology of Drugs”, and “Technology of Cosmetic Drugs”. Training takes place according to the credit-module system in accordance with the basic requirements of the Bologna Convention.
 The main tasks of the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" are: providing the students with general knowledge about the quality indicators of medicines depending on the stage of their life cycle by fulfilling the requirements of good pharmaceutical practices and developing documentation in accordance with their requirements; formation of practical skills related to the rules and requirements for the creation, manufacture, research, distribution, sale, and storage of medicines in accordance with the requirements of good pharmaceutical practices operating in the European Union; improvement of the level of general and scientific development of students, formation of their outlook and perspective as modern qualified specialists in the field of pharmacy.
 The aim of the research is to study the peculiarities of the training of foreign students of the specialty 226 "Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy" in the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University (IFNMU) in the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy". The subject of study of the discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" is the methodology of pharmaceutical development, the components of the quality assurance system of medicines, including the requirements of the Guidelines of good practices in pharmacy for each stage of the life cycle of a medicinal product. The discipline is usually chosen by the well formed specialists.
 Teaching the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" at the specialty 226 "Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy" of IFNMU is necessary for students to thoroughly master the quality management system of medicines, it contributes to the optimization of the educational process and the improvement of the new principle of problem-oriented education of students and its control. This discipline orients students to the importance of the following issues: ensuring the quality of medicines at all stages of their life cycle; regulatory activities in the field of quality control of medicines; implementation of medicines; optimization and monitoring of pharmaceutical quality systems processes. This discipline forms the important competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities, and aspirations of students for self-development, while their teacher also develops and improves in the professional field together with students. Taking into account the trend of the European development of the pharmaceutical industry, the quality management system of medicines also should be harmonized with European standards.

ACCREDITATION AND PROSPECTS OF HACCP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN FOOD PRODUCTION

The need for accreditation, implementation of the system of analysis of hazardous factors and determination of critical control points (HACCP) at food industry enterprises as a quality management system based on environmental friendliness and product safety is well-founded. The main task in the development of the industry is to increase the competitiveness of products, to strengthen the innovative focus by implementing quality management systems that ensure the quality of products at all stages of its production (life) cycle and contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the work of enterprises [4]. Such a food safety management system, which has proven its effectiveness and is accepted at the international level, is the HACCP system. Guaranteeing food safety is the main goal of applying the HACCP concept to the production process. There are many factors that are not related to the production and processing of products, but have a negative impact on the safety of food products. One aspect of the spread and implementation of this product safety management system is that it is a kind of basis for forming the quality of organic products. When certifying organic products, the necessary prerequisites are documentation of all stages of production and the ability to trace the path "from the doe to the table". Accordingly, the lion's share of the documents that should be at the processing enterprises of organic agricultural products have already been developed, provided that the HACCP system is implemented, and the requirements for product safety are also met. The implementation of the HACCP system requires planning the control of all areas of the technological process, defining the limits of research, application and maintenance of this system. The HACCP plan is drawn up at the enterprise - a document that, in accordance with the principles, determines the procedures and sequence of actions to ensure the control of hazard factors. The HACCP plan covers all areas of product production, from raw material acquisition to product processing or packaging, as well as supply to retail.

Integrated quality 4.0 framework for quality improvement based on Six Sigma and machine learning techniques towards zero-defect manufacturing

PurposeThis research paper aims to analyze the scientific and grey literature on Quality 4.0 and zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) frameworks to develop an integrated quality 4.0 framework (IQ4.0F) for quality improvement (QI) based on Six Sigma and machine learning (ML) techniques towards ZDM. The IQ4.0F aims to contribute to the advancement of defect prediction approaches in diverse manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the work enables a comprehensive analysis of process variables influencing product quality with emphasis on the use of supervised and unsupervised ML techniques in Six Sigma’s DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) cycle stage of “Analyze.”Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology employed a systematic literature review (SLR) based on PRISMA guidelines to develop the integrated framework, followed by a real industrial case study set in the automotive industry to fulfill the objectives of verifying and validating the proposed IQ4.0F with primary data.FindingsThis research work demonstrates the value of a “stepwise framework” to facilitate a shift from conventional quality management systems (QMSs) to QMSs 4.0. It uses the IDEF0 modeling methodology and Six Sigma’s DMAIC cycle to structure the steps to be followed to adopt the Quality 4.0 paradigm for QI. It also proves the worth of integrating Six Sigma and ML techniques into the “Analyze” stage of the DMAIC cycle for improving defect prediction in manufacturing processes and supporting problem-solving activities for quality managers.Originality/valueThis research paper introduces a first-of-its-kind Quality 4.0 framework – the IQ4.0F. Each step of the IQ4.0F was verified and validated in an original industrial case study set in the automotive industry. It is the first Quality 4.0 framework, according to the SLR conducted, to utilize the principal component analysis technique as a substitute for “Screening Design” in the Design of Experiments phase and K-means clustering technique for multivariable analysis, identifying process parameters that significantly impact product quality. The proposed IQ4.0F not only empowers decision-makers with the knowledge to launch a Quality 4.0 initiative but also provides quality managers with a systematic problem-solving methodology for quality improvement.

Process approach to improving the quality of medical care for patients suffering with hypertension disease

The relevance of the study is determined by the search for new approaches to organizing the provision of medical care to the population, from the standpoint of the principles of ensuring and continuously improving the qualit y of medical ser vices. Target. To study the effectiveness of the influence of the process approach on the quality of medical care provided to patients suffering from arterial hypertension and, on this basis, to develop recommendations for increasing the ef ficiency of nursing staf f. Results. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the quality management system in healthcare were studied with the actualization of the process approach; the quality of outpatient care provided was assessed using a process approach; based on expert assessment, problems were identified in the provision of medical services; the results of implementing the process approach were analyzed. Conclusion. The expert assessment of the activities of nursing staff made it possible to identify inconsistencies, analyze the reasons for their occurrence, develop corrective actions, and plan actions aimed at improving the performance of the process and the final ser vice.

Peculiarities of safety assessment and quality assurance for automotive vehicles produced in Russia under present-day conditions

The paper is dedicated to systematization and description of technical regulation measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of automotive vehicle safety assessment to ensure stable production under the sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries, interruption of logistic chains in vehicle component supplies and deficiency of such components. The paper analyzes differences in technical requirements for new-type vehicles released for circulation in the territory of Russia, and procedures to assess compliance with those requirements stated by the Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulations “On Wheeled Vehicles Safety” and temporary procedure for application of obligatory requirements for wheeled vehicles and their compliance assessment introduced by the decree of the Russian Government, as well as dynamic of changes in such differences. There is also a description given for the quality management systems voluntary certification system developed within the Association of Russian Automakers (OAR), and proposals drawn up to supplement Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 719 dated July 17, 2015, On Confirmation of Industrial Manufacturing in the Russian Federation with conditions for additional scoring in case vehicle assembly plants have a certain number of Tier I suppliers that have certified their quality system in terms of compliance with the OAR voluntary certification system

Readiness of Local Educational Institution for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification: A Comprehensive Analysis

Business certifications and accreditations are increasingly crucial for organizations, especially in educational institutions, to demonstrate service quality and gain a competitive edge. Quality management systems (QMS) will support these objectives and enhance product and service quality. This study specifically examines the readiness of local educational institution for ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification. It also evaluated the degree of impact among the respondents in terms of compliance with the QMS standard clauses. Additionally, the study identified the challenges faced by local educational institutions in obtaining ISO certification. The research design employed a descriptive approach and a survey questionnaire. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 215 administration and academic personnel. The findings indicated that the assessment level for ISO 9001 is ready. However, among independent variables, leadership is the most important factor in demonstrating a high level of readiness for ISO certification. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to quality management requirements. Furthermore, the assessment differed when respondents were grouped according to their profiles. In addition, the respondents identified moderate issues related to resistance to change and a lack of proper organizational structure. Therefore, local educational institution must view certification as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time project. They should establish routine processes to maintain the ISO standard, improve the institution’s image, and raise employees’ awareness of the QMS in their day-to-day operations.

Estimation of Suspended Particulate Matter Using Landsat 9 Imagery: Generating Algorithms and Spatio-Temporal Distributions

The fluctuation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) is essential to the biogeochemical cycle and ecological health of coastal waters. Anthropogenic activities potentially trigger an increase in SPM, so it needs to be monitored continuously. Spatial and temporal monitoring of SPM can be carried out cost-effectively with broad coverage using a remote sensing application. This study aims to build the SPM algorithm and estimate its temporal variability. The algorithm model in this study is based on an empirical formula between field data and reflectance data with the same acquisition. Water samples were taken from 100 stations in July 2022. Half were used for model building and the other for model validation. Suspended Particulate Matter was determined gravimetrically and estimated their temporal variability was based on Landsat 9 image records from December 2021 - November 2022. The results of the analysis show that the best algorithm for SPM estimation can be built based on coastal aerosol canals (B1), blue canals (B2), and green canals (B3) with the accuracy test result of (R2 = 0.68; RMSE = 5.551 mg.L-1; MAPE= 7.07%; Bias= 0.28). The SPM temporal fluctuations were generally higher in the west monsoon and lowered in the east monsoon, ranging from 30 to 70 mg.L-1. On the other hand, the spatial distribution shows a higher magnitude in the estuary than in the offshore waters, with a deviation of about 30 mg.L-1. Regional authorities can use the results obtained to improve the management of coastal water quality and monitoring systems.