NUTS & BOLTS

This section is intended to give an overview on some basic fundamental concepts related to Business processes, Quality Management System, Information security, Knowledge Management etc...
Here we go …!!

Right from the early days when, “Management” evolved as a separate discipline, there has been lot of theories and concepts. The four schools of thought-Classical approach, Behavioral approach, Quantitative approach, & Modern approach on Management gained prominence with their own merits and demerits. The various thought models and frameworks like Maslow’s needs theory, Theory X and Theory Y, Taylor’s Scientific Management, Hawthorne effect, Systems theory etc.. complemented the evolution of Management practices. Once these practices were well established , there came the time to standardize the Management systems on a common line of understanding to facilitate business in the international arena.
To cater to this need of business community - Quality Management models, standards and frameworks were developed .

The latest Quality models and frameworks that are well prevalent in few industries are listed below.
Standard/Frameworks/Concepts :CMMI
Acronym :Capability Maturity Model Integration
Industry :Software and System (Manufacturing industries )Though proclaimed to be applicable for any standards
Description :
§ Process improvement framework , to establish and maintain effective and efficient processes § Has two representations-Continuous and Staged
§ Assessments are carried out by external agencies
§ Once assessed at particular level ,it holds good for the entire life span of organization !!
§ Replaces the earlier existed CMM model
§ Governed by Software Engineering Institute (SEI)of Carnegie Mellon University
www.sei.cmu.edu

Standard/Frameworks/Concepts : TS 16949 :2002
Acronym : Technical Specification
Industry : Automobile
Description :
§ Automobile industry specific standards
§ Completely aligned with ISO 9001:2000
§ Replaces the earlier existed QS 9000 standards
§ Certification system similar to ISO 9001:2000

Standard/Frameworks/Concepts : CoBIT
Acronym : Control of Business Objectives for Information Technology
Industry : IT related systems for any industries
Description :
§ Comprehensive IT governance framework which elaborately address the best practices of Information security
§ Issued by IT Governance Institute, which is a part of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
http://www.isaca.org/

More standards and frameworks will be presented in subsequent sections of 'Nuts & Bolts '..