First Edition Dated September, 2000 54
7. Management Review
Section 4.1.4 The supplier shall conduct periodic
management reviews of these improvement activities,
paying close attention to the effect on the performance
measures, and modifying these activities as necessary.
One of the most critical aspects of AQS is that management be involved in
continuous improvement and provide leadership for it. Although quality is
actually built in by the process owners, it is essential for the achievement
of lasting improvement to have strong, involved and committed executives
who create the expectation and provide the leadership for continuous
improvement.
An active management will have the following attributes:
• Focused on improvements, but tolerant of disappointing results
• Knowledgeable (and interested) about the details of improvement
projects
• Knowledgeable of the various continuous improvement tools and
their use
• Data- and fact-driven, using measurement systems that track both
processes and outcomes
• Holds regular formal meetings on project progress
• Holds informal meetings with project members
• Integrates continuous improvement with “running the business”
• Has enough power to provide resources for new projects (including
money, time, personnel, equipment, gages, etc.)
• Able to redirect or stop projects that are not yielding the proper
expected results.
Management reviews provide a forum for setting direction, establishing
and monitoring performance measures, anticipating problems and
changes, applying facts and data, reviewing and directing improvement
activities, prioritizing resources and breaking down obstacles to success.
