Problems of Auditing Using Quality Management Systems for Sustainable Development of Organizations ; Kokybės vadybos sistemų audito problemos siekiant darnaus organizacijų vystymosi

Abstract

The role of international standards is analyzed in accordance with the quality management of organizations by the requirements of sustainable development. Organizations and companies become increasingly dependent on each other and foreign partners in business, prosperity, socio-economic change and environment responsibility. There is an essential necessity for using International Standards under these changing conditions. The management systems standards ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) have gained recognition in Lithuania. ISO 9001:2000 is approaching 750 and ISO 14001 is approaching 140 certifications across a diverse range of organizations in the manufacturing, service and government areas. The narrow view of quality management has now been swept aside by ISO 9000:2000 quality management principles that aim to help organizations achieve sustained success. But there are some difficulties in implementing these principles. Auditors are responsible for correct implementation of standards. For the auditors they represent a key for transforming the way quality system audits, as recognised by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Too many auditors lack real interpersonal skills or experience to engage effectively both main board directors and the shop floor workers. It is very important that auditors must have sufficient preparation, training and gravitas and will be reluctant to engage top management and have capability to interface at this level. The main topics of how to manage quality audit according to the requirements and new quality management principles of ISO 9000:2000 standards are presented in this article. It also provides recommendations on the management of audit programmes, the conduct of internal or external audits of quality management systems, as well as on the competence and evaluation of auditors.