The traditional models and approaches to quality management form the foundation for more advanced process improvement and maturity. In the headlong rush to implement more recent models such as Six Sigma and Lean, practitioners often forget that these advanced approaches have their roots in traditional TQM. This series of courses covers the foundational skills of quality culture, standards and procedures, quality control techniques, measures and metrics, and continuous improvement.

Introduction to Quality Principles

This course teaches the basic quality principles needed to form a foundation for future learning. It includes an overview of an entire thought map related to applying quality principles in an information technology organization. It begins with basic definitional and cultural concepts, before exploring how to define quality through standards and procedures that embody stakeholder requirements. Standards then form the basis for quality control, which in turn provides the metrics that drive continuous improvement. Improvement is implemenmted through revised standards that begin the cycle of control, measurement, and improvement again. This course serves as a standalone model for individuals simply looking for a comprehensive introduction to basic quality principles and models. (1 day, $6,500)

Process Management Through Standards & Procedures

This course presents an effective process for managing processes in an organized standards and procedures program. Topics include: Building a Standards Insfrastructure, and Defining Processes. (2 days, Prerequisite: Introduction to Quality Principles)

Process Control Through Walkthroughs & Reviews

This course provides a cost-effective approach for early detection of system development defects from both the customer and producer viewpoints.
Topics include:
Walkthroughs
Checkpoint Reviews
Inspections
(2 days, Prerequisite: Process Management)

Verification & Validation

A sound test process parallels the systems development process, allowing testers to add value earlier in the process, resulting in earlier detection of defects, reduced cost, and the elimination a bottlenecks associated with traditional testing. This course provides a comprehensive process for system test planning, execution, and reporting that validates that a system meets requirements.
Topics include:
Setting Test Objectives
Developing Test Plans
Executing Tests
Summarizing & Reporting Results
(2 days, Prerequisite: Process Management)

Measurement & Metrics

This course provides a measurement process designed to support information technology management's objectives using measures/metrics to manage and improve information technology processes.
Topics include:
Setting Measurement Objectives
Building a Measurement Model
Developing a Measurement System
Implementing & Using Measures
(2 days, Prerequisite: Process Control or Verification & Validation)

Management by Fact

Many information technology organizations collect quantitative data but fail to use that data effectively. This course provides the tools and methods necessary to enable management to effectively "manage by fact" within the information technology function.
Topics include:
Tactical & Strategic Dashboards
Focusing Decisions on Critical Problems
Identifying Root Causes & Concerns
Quantitative Decision-Making
(2 days, Prerequisite: Measurement & Metrics)

Introduction to Quality Engineering

This course teaches the application of quality principles to the design process of building systems.
(2 days, Prerequisite: Measurement & Metrics)