The Faculty of Informatics and Communication Quality Management System was externally audited by Sci-Qual International early this month and was successful in obtaining ISO 9001 certification. Professor Marshall, Faculty Dean, announced the department had been issued Certificate of Registration Number 954. Thirty-two staff members across all campuses received Internal Auditor training during the year. “In 2003, the Faculty will be moving into the Continuous Improvement phase in the lead up to being ready for the AUQA Audits expected in 2004,” said Pam Sorohan, Quality Assurance Officer. Significant progress has been achieved in strategic planning to meet the objectives of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) set at Chancellery level and the Faculty Quality Management System. Throughout the year, the Faculty’s commercial partners (CMS) have been continually involved in planning and developing the Quality Management System. This has led to integrated staff development and training which will continue in 2003 with their staff. A joint auditing and reporting system and associated structures has been developed. A robust two-way flow of information has been the result of this integration and is supporting ongoing continuous improvement planning and development negotiations that have been especially constructive for both parties.

“Development of the Quality Management System including the significant policy and procedural analysis; planning and implementation; and internal self-scrutiny is a great achievement for the Faculty of Informatics and Communication. It has also given the Faculty a foundation of knowledge of positive achievements, as well as indications of areas where improvement is needed. Across all staff, involvement has been very high ensuring a system with ownership at all levels,” said Professor Marshall.