What does this mean? ( Warnborough University has now been recognised ...)

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Bob Gbar, Oct 13, 2004.

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  1. Bob Gbar

    Bob Gbar New Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 13, 2004
  2. George Brown

    George Brown Active Member

    It means that they have systems and procedures in place to document the information flow within their organisation in order to reduce risk. For example - here is a piece of paper - it came from here, it is version controlled, and it can be tracked back through this process to here. In a nutshell, it is a system of coninous improvement that is documented.

    Has it anything to do with GAAP accreditation and authority to grant degrees, you ask?

    Nothing whatsoever.

    Cheers,

    George
     
  3. Neil Hynd

    Neil Hynd New Member

    Hi,

    It is important to use the words correctly and accurately here.

    Warnborough U. has reportedly been certified to have and operate a Quality Management System (QMS) to the ISO 9001:2000 standard entitled "Quality Management Systems - Requirements".

    It was certified by DAS Certification UK Ltd. (www.dascertification.co.uk) which is itself accredited to award ISO certifications by UKAS.

    As far as I am aware, Warnborough U. has no authority to use the word "accredited" in relation to its own certification to ISO 9001:2000.

    Indeed, one of the ISO QMS audit requirements is to use the ISO logo correctly and without ambiguity. This may indeed be checked by an auditor.

    It is also worth noting that the ISO standard (Clause 7.2.1) has a mandatory requirement to "determine statutory and regulatory requirements related to the product" .... the product here being educational courses leading to degree qualifications.

    I believe a QMS auditor would take this to mean that statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the awarding of degrees would be identified by the organisation concerned - and if the organisation were delinquent in this area it could not satisfy the terms of the ISO standard in delivering the product / service concerned.

    The scope of the ISO 9001:2000 as defined on the certificate is important, and from the web site http://www.warnborough.edu/general/iso.htm:-

    Scope: "Design, Delivery and Assessment of Accredited Education and Training Services Worldwide. "

    I note that Warnborough uses the heading wrongly. It should not be "Scope of Accreditation" but "Scope of Certification".

    The Quality Policy statement, a mandatory requirement is the kind of thing I would expect and is given at: http://www.warnborough.edu/quality.htm

    (Start)

    Quality Policy

    Warnborough University will strive to continually improve the high levels of Service and Courses to their clients, through commitment and dedication of the management, and all staff, in all Warnborough University activities.

    This will be achieved by: -

    * Operating and adhering to, a formal Quality Management System, based on, and compliant with, the requirements of ISO 9001: 2000.

    * Enhancing the skills of Warnborough University staff, through training and career development, recognising that Warnborough University employees are our most important resource.

    * Encouraging and fostering a spirit of teamwork, so that everybody can contribute to the success and improvement of the University.

    * Establishing, and reviewing the success of Warnborough University quality objectives.

    Our key quality objectives are the increased satisfaction of our students and customers, measured by the continued expansion of Warnborough University student and customer numbers, continued expansion of courses, and the improvement of our quality management system through the effective implementation of organisational processes and best practice.

    This Quality Policy will be displayed in prominent positions throughout Warnborough University facilities, and will form part of all new staff induction training. This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued suitability.

    (End)

    I think it would be an open question precisely what "accreditation" Warnborough U. relates to and how this would be interpreted for applicability by a QMS auditor.

    An interesting one from my point of view .....

    Neil Hynd
    ISO 9001:2000 QMS Lead Auditor

    :cool: :cool: :cool:

    :cool: :cool: :cool:
     
  4. adelheid

    adelheid New Member

    you are all wrong, WU is right

    You are all wrong, WU is as always right: They write in "Common Questions":

    "Is Warnborough accredited?
    Yes. Warnborough University became the first global university in the world to achieve ISO9001:2000 quality accreditation for all its educational, research and training services worldwide, and may display the prestigious UK government Charter Mark. This accreditation is for Quality Management and Quality Assurance. ISO9001:2000 is recognised by governments in 148 countries. The scope of our accreditation covers: gDesign, Delivery and Assessment of Accredited Education and Training Services Worldwideh."

    http://www.warnborough.edu/general/faq1.htm#1

    So, they are accredited, the accreditation is recognized by governments in 148 countries, and they might even use the UK government charter markin all their publication material, incl. website! They use the term "accredited" I think three hundred times in their website (no, I did not count it!, but that is not the point!)

    I am sure that this will result in a drastic increase in their enrollment of students. Really and seriously, who would not be mislead, I mean we talk about the average guy out there?! They read it, and they feel good about, it, and they enroll and pay. Yea,money baby money!

    What has the world come to? But then, they ARE accredited, which is recognized in 148 countries!

    adelheid:)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 18, 2004
  5. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Crikey! How can Buxton match this?
     

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