Title: M3 - What the Heck is ISO 9001 - 2008?
Course: Open PRO230 Quality in Process Technology > Section: MODULE 3: Systems of Management, Quality Reliability Planning, "Lean," & the Cost of Quality

The vast majority of ISO Standards consist of very detailed specifications, and usually say exactly how things must be done to ensure total quality management. ISO 9001 is the most widely known and internationally accepted model for a quality management systems across the globe.  It's different from most standards in that it is generic, as is ISO 14001 (environmental management).  Rather than being specific in their language, the ISO 9001 criteria say what must be done (e.g., having competent people) but not how it must be done (e.g., hire trained people? or hire and then train them? etc). The “how” is up to the organization.  So this Standard can be used by any organisation in any industry or field in any country, regardless of your product or service, or size, or even whether you're a profit-making business or a nonprofit organisation, government or other organisation.

To supplement your understanding of the text overviews of the ISO 9001 & 14001 standards, please view the following two videos which explain the most recent versions of the ISO 9001..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0_1L5uRgkY&NR=1&feature=fvwp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8UzEO1GrLc

An additional resource of interest which provides the ISO 9001 requirements in a nutshell can be found at:

http://www.iso9001consultant.com.au/9001_nutshell.html