Quality Management Systems for Bulk Materials Handling Operations (GEAPS 530)
This course was developed by Iowa State University for the GEAPS-Kansas State University distance-education program.
Course runs Jan. 11-Feb. 12, 2010
Registration is now closed.
Program, Objectives and Syllabus
Quality management systems (QMS) are methods of organizing production operations to effectively meet customer needs and other constraints by providing the documentation necessary for continual improvement. QMS programs, notably the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2008) systems, were originally created to facilitate international trade/collaboration among organizations through effective communication across language and cultural barriers. To verify effectiveness, commitment to quality, and continual improvement, a third party audit and certification process is used.
Organizations that use QMS systems to center their workforces around analyzing the effectiveness/uniformity of operations have found that operational efficiency gains outweigh the costs of increased documentation. Furthermore, business conditions in agriculture are requiring increased procedure verification and documentation of bulk materials. A QMS program within an organization can assist with site security, risk management, traceability, safety programs, regulatory compliance, brand identity, and supplier evaluation. All circumstances requiring documentation and procedure can be addressed collectively with a QMS, which streamlines the documentation process.
Early case studies of ISO and other QMS systems in grain handling have demonstrated substantial net payback, primarily derived from operational improvements, inventory management, and reduced regulatory and risk exposure.
This course will:
- Introduce the structure, format, and characteristics of QMS in a bulk handling scenario.
- Integrate and align normal business activities with the requirements of QMS.
- Apply QMS as a solution to other procedures-based business needs, including inventory management, biosecurity, safety, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Develop a basic framework for management, evaluation, and cost-benefit (ROI) analysis of QMS
At end of this course, students will:
- Be able to do a basic process flow analysis of their operation, and identify points where physical quality or economics are impacted.
- Be able to lay out a quality manual in the ISO 9001:2008 format.
- Be able to write or assist employees in writing basic procedures and work instructions.
- Understand how to organize information for a cost benefit analysis of a quality management system.
- Combine procedures-based business needs into the quality management system.
- Be able to organize data collected in routine operations for use in business improvement.
Course of Study
1. QMS structure in a bulk handling or processing scenario
2. QMS format, organization, efficiency and auditing
3. Data management, statistical control and continuous improvement.
4. QMS role in inventory management
5. Role in biosecurity regulations and traceability
6. Role in safety and public communication programs
7. QMS role in liability, risk management and facility security
8. QMS role in warehouse and other operational regulatory compliance
9. Cost-benefit analysis and evaluation of the system
10. National and International QMS Standards