Navigating eQMP Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities for Quality Management
This presentation by Kevin Hull from Neptune and Company, Inc. discusses the key challenges and opportunities in implementing an electronic Quality Management Plan (eQMP). It emphasizes that an eQMP should be interactive and flexible, exceeding traditional paper documents. Key steps include kickoff meetings, customer analysis, and developing user profiles to ensure needs are met. The talk explores the importance of intuitive formatting, leveraging technology, and training to support eQMP functionality. Establishing an eQMP is not the final goal but a significant milestone in enhancing quality management.
Navigating eQMP Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities for Quality Management
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Presentation Transcript
IMPLEMENTING eQMPs Meeting Challenges, Creating Opportunities Kevin Hull Neptune and Company, Inc. May 13, 2009
What Is the Key Challenge? • An on-line eQMP isn’t (or shouldn’t be) just a paper document displayed on a screen • It becomes something different, e.g.: • Flexible • Searchable • Interactive • The key challenge is to make those features work for you
What Is the Process? • Kickoff meeting(s) with the organization’s reps • Research/familiarization with the organization’s Quality System • Develop web site 1st draft • Demonstrate 1st draft to organization, discuss desired features • Develop revised draft including related features • Demonstrate revised draft to organization • Finalize the eQMP and related features • Handoff to local IT staff
Opportunity #1: Customers • Who are the customers of the Quality Management Plan? Of the Quality System? • What are their expectations? • How can we meet or exceed them?
Each eQMP Is Unique • Analyze your customers • Internal • External • Determine what they need to know/what tools they need • Create “user views”
Region 2 User Profile • QA Manager/Officer • Project Officer/Task Manager • Branch Chief/Section Leader • Division Director • Contracts/Grants Specialist • IT Staff • Field or Laboratory Specialist • Contractors/Grantees • Environmental Community
OAQPS User Profile • Group Leaders/Project Managers • QA Managers • Work Assignment Managers • Funds Certifying Officials • Modelers/Data Users • Rule Writers • Administrative Personnel
Opportunity #2: Format • Accessing a web-based resource is different from reading a paper document • This led us to reconsider the format/ordering of traditional (R-2 based) QMPs • A more intuitive sequencing offers advantages • For quality professionals, an intuitive format leaps to mind…
Region 2 Content Outline • QUALITY SYSTEM FOUNDATION • Introduction • Organizational Structure and Roles • PLANNING • Management of Systematic Planning • Planning for Environmental Information Products • Planning QA for Extramural Agreements • Information Quality Guidelines • IMPLEMENTATION • EVALUATION • Evaluation by the Region • Evaluation of Regional Operations • Quality Improvement • INFRASTRUCTURE • Procurement of Products and Services • Personnel Qualifications and Training • Documentation and Records
OAQPS Content Outline • Foundation • Planning • Implementation of Work Processes • Assessment and Response • Infrastructure • Program-Specific Issues • Ambient Air Quality Monitoring • Emissions Inventory • Air Quality Modeling • Rule Writing • NAAQS Review Process • Economic and Cost Analysis
Opportunity #3: Technology • Even if you understand your customers and choose an intuitive format, an eQMP can still face a familiar fate…
Building Capability Inside the eQMP • Hide/reveal feature • Roll over feature • Hot links • Version control
Building Capability Around the eQMP • Training modules • Fillable forms • FAQs • Newsletter • Help/feedback links
Additional Considerations • Compatibility with Agency and organizational requirements (e.g., Section 508) • Smooth handoff to local IT staff • Procedures for maintaining site and approving/tracking future revisions