6.2: How to Plan for Achieving Quality Objectives​

After determining what their quality objectives are, organizations seeking certification must also develop improvement plans to achieve those objectives by addressing 5 questions as listed in section 6.2.2 of the ISO 9001/AS9100/AS9120 standard. Each improvement plan must have an answer for:

• • What actions will be taken for these objectives?
    • The organization must answer this question by being specific about what actions they will take to reach their objectives. For example, it is not enough to state “processes will be revised/changed”. In this situation, the organization should specify what processes are being changed and how they plan to change them. It is important that the steps for achieving the objectives are laid out in a logical manner so that they can be implemented effectively.

• • What resources will be required?
    • Whenever adjustments are made to any part of the quality management system, resources are typically required to make these adjustments. For instance, when making improvements to a process, some resources that may be necessary include staff, equipment, facilities, etc. If a new project is part of achieving certain objectives, then resources that may be required can include funds, time, equipment, and information. Although recording these resources is necessary, before attempting to execute their plans, the company must also ensure that these resources are available.

• • Who will be responsible?
    • This step may seem self-explanatory, and while it is in fact quite simple, it is important to not overlook it. Just like the previous steps, this question must be answered with specific detail and clarification. The company should record who is accountable for each step in the plan and ensure that each person understands their roles and responsibilities clearly.

• • When will it be completed?
    • It takes time to incorporate methods for achieving these goals. The organization should use their best judgement to come up with an estimated time frame for completion of each step in the plan. These time frames, especially when several steps are related, shall be recorded.

• How will you evaluate the effectiveness?
  • There are a few different ways in which a company can accurately assess the effectiveness of its quality objectives plan. The most practical way to evaluate the effectiveness of these steps is within the management review since management review already includes data inputs, methods for analysis, and top management oversight and involvement. 

Addressing these five areas during planning of Quality Objectives can improve the organization’s ability to successfully achieve their goals, while minimizing the likelihood of complications and risk.