An interpretive guide to an internationally accepted system for quality-management philosophy, function, and assignment, this book introduces the philosophy of quality management. It provides a framework that allows all those working in this field to measure and improve organization, responsibilities, procedures, and results. The ISO 9001:2000 tool helps readers control the way they and their teams perform their duties and highlights the dialogue between departments that give staff members a common structure within which to grow toward individual and team accountability. The system helps to define efficiency and competence, to pass on management information, and to solve problems effectively.