Within the next few weeks we (William Howard Taft University) will be making a final decision on whether to begin the process of obtaining ISO 9001 registration. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions from administrators or faculty members who have participated in this process. (Either posted here or via private message.) Also, are there any students or prospective students that would consider ISO registration to be a positive factor in the selection of a college or university? I’m particularly interested in comments from students outside of the United States. (My impression is that, in general, ISO registration has more value outside of the U.S.) I realize ISO is no substitute for accreditation but does it have value in postsecondary education? Thanks in advance.
That's part of the reason for my questions. Is there value in the process and/or value in the registration?
Academically speaking, I honestly doubt that substantial benefits will accrue from ISO 9001 certification. Ike
I am in a hurry to leave my office. I will post my reasons for suggesting that it's a futile effort later. Meanwhile, you may search Degreeinfo archives to read what Degreeinfo discussion board participants have said about ISO 9000 in the past. Ike
Well, I don't know about the views of prospective students, but I can tell you that it will make a difference to some employers -- principally employers who have gone through, or are in the process of going through, ISO registration. I suspect, though I don't have any info to back it up, that ISO 9001 will be generally beneficial for both the educational process at any institution, as well as the prospects for graduates of that institution. It's a tough process, though, and I have no insight as to the cost/benefit analysis for an educational institution.
I did review the previous posts before I started the thread and I know the Newport University history. But I'm told the standards have changed over the years and it's now more than just doing what you claim you're doing (the "cement life jacket" example) - but I'm certainly no expert. Anyway, thanks Ike and your future comments will be appreciated.
Has it changed from 9002 to 9001 then? When I was researching this for the forthcoming degree mill book -- was it something that bad guys still use -- I found one school -- name escapes me, but it may have been Eastern Michigan -- that was advertising the fact that they were the only ISO approved school. That was from 1998, I think. It can surely do no harm, but if there really only is one (or a small handful), it doesn't seem as if there has been a groundswell of interest.
In my opinion, the ISO 9001 registration is unlikely to be a significant factor for most individual students. But it might be valuable if you want to do a deal with a corporation (such as the Cardean/GM deal).
I have an article based on a presentation at the North Central Association Annual Meeting in 1999. The authors (Daniel Keyes and Ann Alexander) claimed that at that time there were 12 schools in North America that claimed ISO registration. They didn't list the schools but they were from Grand Rapids Community College that went through the process.
The following article may be of interest (though it focuses on ISO 9001:1994 not 2000): ISO 9001 Quality System: An Interpretation for the University
Mr. Boyd: I suggest you research old Dilbert strips regarding ISO (insert number here). There's more truth there than in many a management theory! "Remember, you can't spell 'compliance'without 'liance'!" -pointy haired boss
Actually, no. As I understand the ISO system, it is a bunch of voluntary standards for doing or making various things. The idea, I guess, is compatibility between companies and countries. It's probably a good idea for people in manufacturing.
Yes – ISO 9001 is a 14 page International Standard that defines the "requirements for quality management systems where an organization: (a) Needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide a product or service that meets customer and regulatory requirements, and (b) Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and regulatory requirements". In general organizations develop their quality system per this standard then allow it to be audited/approved by an independent reviewer. ISO is the International Organization for Standardization and more info can be found on their website http://www.iso.ch
ISO Having worked in machine shops that have adopted ISO 9001, it has been my experience 'from the point of view of a craftsman' that it has resulted in an overall reduction in product quality and an increase in paper work. Roy Maybery
