Analysis of the operation of accreditation bodies
- Project objective:
The aim of this project is to develop a tool based on objective criteria and indicators which can be used to analyze the operations of accreditation bodies. The tool will be used to systematically assess several European accreditation bodies, enabling a comparative analysis to be made. By investigating current practices, the analysis will generate discussion amongst accreditation bodies on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Methodology:
The tool is based on parameters that enable comparison of various accreditation bodies, despite different operational processes and organizational forms. These parameters will be derived from operational processes with high relevance for accreditation bodies, and mapped to a universal process map which enables comparison between institutions. The processes will be characterized using data from internal databases, reports, financial audits etc., and will be supported by feedback from a qualitativeProject objective:
The aim of this project is to develop a tool based on objective criteria and indicators which can be used to analyze the operations of accreditation bodies. The tool will be used to systematically assess several European accreditation bodies, enabling a comparative analysis to be made. By investigating current practices, the analysis will generate discussion amongst accreditation bodies on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Methodology:
The tool is based on parameters that enable comparison of various accreditation bodies, despite different operational processes and organizational forms. These parameters will be derived from operational processes with high relevance for accreditation bodies, and mapped to a universal process map which enables comparison between institutions. The processes will be characterized using data from internal databases, reports, financial audits etc., and will be supported by feedback from a qualitative self-evaluation of process maturity, carried out by the accreditation bodies themselves. The criteria for evaluating process maturity are based on those used in the excellence model of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), and are applied to the processes identified in the process map. The tool will be validated through application to various accreditation bodies in Europe.
Project outline:
The pilot phase of project comprises three stages. In the first stage the processes of accreditation bodies were systematically analyzed through the development of the process map. Nine processes of special relevance are identified and underpinned by indicators as described above. In the second step the tool was applied to the German accreditation body, DAkkS, in order to check and modify the indicators. The third stage will verify the transferability of the model by extending analysis to selected European accreditation bodies, again refining and optimizing the tool based on this analysis. Finally, after successful conduction of the pilot phase it is planned to extend the analysis to other European accreditation bodies interested in participation in 2018.…