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About SAMsn |
DefinitionsWithin the broader scope of QA/EMS there are a range of types programmes, each has an individual focus, but underlying all are principles that seek to develop quality systems. Each programme reflects the requirements of the industry or sector for which the programme was developed. To this extent an analysis of programmes must clearly recognise that it is difficult to compare programmes, because of the distinct differences in perspective and scope. However the scope of the current analysis is to identify underlying principles and factors, which have led to, programmes being effective. To ensure clarity the different generic types of systems are described below.
Codes of Practice COPCodes of Practice set out best management practices usually on specific issues or for specific sectors. They are usually voluntary, although they may form the basis for standards or other regulatory systems.
Environmental Management Systems EMSEnvironmental Management Systems (EMS) are a set of procedures developed and used by businesses to reduce environmental risk and impacts on the environment. The nature of the EMS will vary depending on the organisation and its requirements. In most cases the EMS will include:
Integrated Management System IMSAn Integrated Management System is similar to a Sustainable Management System in that it looks at an operation in a systemic way. However the approach does not necessarily focus on the three components of sustainability.
Integrated Pest Management IPMIPM strategies are focused on the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and the subsequent integration of appropriate measures that:
IPM emphasises the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control measures.
International Standards Organisation ISOISO systems focus on the quality of organisations management processes. The ISO 14001 is an environmental standard which specifies the structure of an EMS and sets the framework for the organisation to determine organisation environmental objectives. It is a process-based system. ISO establishes a set of 'Standards', which participants seek to achieve to be compliant with the requirements of the ISO Standard
Quality Assurance QAQuality Assurance programmes have a focus on ensuring the quality of the product to the consumer requirements. Safety is a key component of food based QA systems. While such programmes may include components that address wider issues, such as environmental matters, this is subsidiary to the focus on a quality product.
StandardsThe term 'standards' is used in a number of different ways and it is important to establish the context in which it is used. A 'Standard' may be a required set of principles or practices which have a degree of regulatory force - that is a set of criteria that must be met. A 'standard' may be an industry developed set of protocols which establish 'best practice' and are a benchmark for the industry, but are not necessarily required or legally have force.
Sustainable Management System SMSSustainable Management Systems are based on the three components of sustainability - environment, social and economic. An SMS would consider all components as part of a management system. This provides a more 'systems' approach to issues in that components are not considered in isolation.
Total Quality Management TQMTotal Quality Management seeks to improve total performance, coordination and productivity of an organisation and focuses on the development of a corporate culture committed to the achievement and maintenance of quality and continual improvement. It is not specifically environmental or sustainability focused, rather taking in all aspects of any organisation. |
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