ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the issues concerning why and how to evaluate the organization as well as to prepare the organization for the implementation process of International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000. It presents the issues of need assessment and the mechanics of the ISO 9000 implementation process at all levels of the organization. To adequately assess the perceived needs of a system requires the involvement of representative segments of the corporate culture. By seeking needs information from the representative groups, management can be more responsive to the wishes and real needs of all the employees. Essential to the effective conduct of the needs assessment is the sincere commitment of management at all levels. The focus of the certification ought to be on establishing or improving the quality system. To do that, one must know exactly where to start and how to go about it. Planning for the implementation will start with the needs assessment.
