What is Quality Management?
Quality Management is a system in which processes and quality are monitored and standardized to maintain the desired level of quality and excellence consistently to ensure they are fit for purpose, legally compliant, and meet customer expectation.
Quality policies, planning and assurance, quality control, and improvement are all important parts of Quality Management. The role of a quality management system is to ensure every time a process is performed, the same information, methods, skills, and controls are used and applied consistently to meet both external and internal requirements. Quality Managers will advise on the performance of the quality management system as they measure data from reports and measure it against the standards set.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Quality Systems – The study of quality systems and basic management theory, auditing problem solving, and quality improvement.
- Quality Management – The study of business improvements and skills in quality management, processes, and systems management.
- Professional Quality Management Systems – The study of the practical content of the ISO 9001 standards.
- Quality Management Systems Foundation – The study of Quality Management principles, ISO 9001 standards, and its requirements.
- Managing Quality in Higher Education – The study of the concept of quality control in academic institutions and curriculum.
Studying Quality Management in college
Courses in Quality Management will likely have a focus on the ISO 9000 family of quality management systems which is a set of standards related to products and services that helps all organizations to ensure that they meet the customer and the businesses needs within legal, statutory and regulatory
Any courses that focus on the ISO 9001 standard requirements will have an ISO 9001 examination that is 60 minutes in duration and is a closed book exam. The pass mark for this exam is 26. Successful students will receive the ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems Foundation exam certificate.
Courses are available full-time, part-time, or via night courses and there are also some online options so you can choose what suits your schedule best.
Other assessments may take place in multiple-choice format, assignments, or projects depending on the course you choose.
Career options
After completing a course in Quality Management you will have the leadership skills and knowledge to follow a wide variety of career paths. Industries such as Manufacturing, Food Service, Healthcare, Retail, Information Technology, Engineering, Transportation, and even Education all have Quality Management sectors that are always looking for trained professionals. You may work directly in Quality Management as a Quality Manager, Quality Engineer, Quality Director, or Quality Assurance Manager or you may be part of a broader sphere of activity that involves quality and the management of those responsible for the manufacturing or production of goods and services.
The work-life of a Quality Manager can vary greatly depending on both the role you take and the industry you work in; you may have a desk job analyzing data and compiling reports or you may give presentations to large groups of employees for training purposes. You might need to travel to various locations and branches to meet with employees and oversee quality control practices.
Working hours will be the most typical business hours but you may need to have early starts or finish late or even work weekends if you are involved with manufacturing where the production runs constantly.
It is important to note that whichever career path you choose in Quality Management that you are prepared to keep your knowledge up to date with further study as quality management techniques change and develop rapidly.
Self-employment and Freelance work may also be possible once you have gained some experience as smaller companies do not always have their Quality Management teams but will need the use of the services regularly.
Quality management is practiced in all industries in the public and private sectors and by firms and organizations of all sizes so there are plenty of opportunities in the field. You may be able to start work at a lower level and work your way up within a company.
Related jobs include:
- Quality Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Assistant Manager, Quality Control
- Quality Control Inspector
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Quality Assurance Inspector
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Quality Assurance
- Continuous Improvement Manager
- Document Controller
- Validation Specialist
- Department Administrator
Further study
A course in Quality Management is often the first step to go on to further study, and a qualification in a related field, such as business management could be particularly useful to widen your career choices and open more fields to you.
Industries such as Engineering and Manufacturing, Food Science and Technology, Applied Science and Textile Technology all make use of Quality Management regularly and someone skilled in both the specific knowledge of the chosen industry as well as the broader knowledge of Quality Management could be a real asset.
FAQ
Are there any particular qualities you need to study Quality Management?
At the core of Quality Management is attention to detail and the ability to facilitate change; other necessary skills for Quality Management are communication, interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities. Planning and Project Management Skills, persistence, and the ability to influence others are also very important for successful Quality Management.
You may be leading a team depending on the position you take so an ability to lead and motivate a team and an understanding and appreciation of other people’s work disciplines and strengths.
Where can I study Quality Management?
Did You Know?
· The history of quality assurance starts in World War II when ammunition had to be tested for performance.
· Quality Assurance can be associated with every possible field of activity, from banking and education to software and consulting. However, each business employs different tools and methods for QA. In large enterprises; there is usually an entire QA department.
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