Synopsis

The TNI Standard requirement for an annual review by Management was first described as "reports to management." This resulted in many publications (candidates for coffee table books) that discussed the activities in the lab for the past year. These reports were ineffective as a tool to engage management with laboratory activities. With the incorporation of ISO standards into the standard, "Reports to Management" became "Management Review" which implies a more active management role in the laboratory activities. The written standard for management reviews is short, but represents an opportunity for strategic planning, a crucial factor in the success or failure of a laboratory. "Management Review" is defined as an activity conducted by "top management" with the intent of reviewing the effectiveness of laboratory's quality management system in managing the testing and/or sampling activities of the organization. The implied intent is to open a dialog between upper management and laboratory management concerning strengths and weaknesses in the laboratory operations. This is an opportunity for interactions with the laboratory, to gain an understanding of laboratory operations and to reaffirm support of the laboratory's quality objectives and policies. This process not only helps in identifying areas for improvement but also plays a critical role in aligning laboratory objectives with the broader goals of the organization without sacrificing the quality values.

Effective communication during these sessions is key, as it facilitates bridging the gap between technical staff and upper management, creating a unified approach towards achieving quality objectives. Engaged leadership is important in a quality culture, where management demonstrates active support of the laboratory's quality policy and efforts to continually improve their processes.

This webinar will focus on understanding the standard, and how it can be implemented to gain support of upper management to improve laboratory operations.

Learning Objectives

• Know how to define "top management," "upper management" and laboratory
  management.
• Know how to familiarize "non-technical" managers with and gain support for the
  laboratory's quality mission and vision by reviewing the objectives of the quality policy
• Know how to present information that addresses the topics that are identified in the
  standard
• Follow-up on actions items that arise out of the Review.
• Understand the four key parameters to consider:
  • Suitability: Evaluate the processes and operations which support the laboratory
    activities.
  • Adequacy: Evaluate if all the mandatory contractual, organizational, and
    regulatory requirements are met.
  • Effectiveness: Evaluate the extent to which the QMS accomplishes the intended
    or expected result, i.e., doing the right things.
  • Efficiency: Evaluate the best use of resources – the relationship between the
    results achieved and the resources used, i.e., doing things right.

Audience

This course is designed for Quality Assurance Personnel and Laboratory Management

Digital Badges Associated with this Course

None