Quality assurance methodologies

Quality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.

quality assurance arrangements
quality assurance methodology
quality assurance processes
quality assurance plans
quality assurance approaches

knowledge

cross-sector

Quality assurance methodologies is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Telecommunications engineer: Telecommunications engineers design, build, test and maintain telecommunication systems and networks, including radio and broadcasting equipment.
They analyse customer needs and requirements, ensure that the equipment meets regulations, and prepare and present reports and proposals on telecommunication-related problems. Telecommunications engineers design and oversee the service delivery in all it’s phases, supervising the installation and use of telecommunications equipment and facilities, preparing documentation and providing training for company staff once new equipment has been installed.
ICT security administrator: ICT security administrators plan and carry out security measures to protect information and data from unauthorised access, deliberate attack, theft and corruption.
Quality services manager: Quality services managers manage the quality of services in business organisations. They ensure the quality of in-house company operations such as customer requirements and service quality standards. Quality services managers monitor the company’s performance and implement changes where necessary.
Fisheries deckhand: Fisheries deckhands work on fishing vessels where they carry out fishing related activities. They undertake a wide range of fishing and maritime work on land and at sea, such as handling of fishing gears and catches, communications, supply, seamanship, hospitality and stores.
Food production engineer: Food production engineers oversee the electrical and mechanical needs of the equipment and machinery required in the process of manufacturing food or beverages. They strive to maximise plant productivity by engaging in preventive actions in reference to health and safety, good manufacturing practices (GMP), hygiene compliance, and performance of routine maintenance of machines and equipment.
Quality engineer: Quality engineers define quality standards for the creation of products or services. They check to make sure the products and services are in compliance with the quality standards and they coordinate quality improvements.
Food analyst: Food analysts perform standardised tests to determine the chemical, physical, or microbiological features of products for human consumption.
Pulp grader: Pulp graders grade paper pulp based on a number of possible criteria, such as pulping process, raw materials, bleaching methods, yield, and fibre length.
Chemical engineering technician: Chemical engineering technicians transform raw materials in order to develop and test chemical products. They also work on improving chemical plant operations and processes.
Corrosion technician: Corrosion technicians monitor the integrity from a pipeline and provide repairs to it if needed. They ensure that the pipelines are properly connected and are in line with the health and safety regulations. Corrosion technicians inspect cathodic protection systems and pipeline connection points for corrosion. They may also assist in the designing of pipelines, analyse soil and write reports on technical issues.
Oenologist: Oenologists track the wine manufacturing process in its entirety and supervise the workers in wineries. They supervise and coordinate production to ensure the quality of the wine and also give advice by determining the value and classification of wines being produced.
Food technologist: Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
Head waiter/head waitress: Head waiters/waitresses manage the food and beverage service in a hospitality outlet or unit. They are responsible for the customer’s experience. Head waiters/waitresses coordinate all actions involving customers such as welcoming guests, ordering, delivering the food & beverages and supervise financial transactions.
Distillery supervisor: Distillery supervisors coordinate the production processes comprised in the production of spirits and manage the workers engaged in the process. They verify distilled liquors being produced at specified amounts and proofs.

Food production planner: Food production planners prepare production plans, evaluate all the variables in the process and strive to ensure that production objectives be achieved.
Food biotechnologist: Food biotechnologists study the life cycle of food from its preservation up to the spoilage and the food-borne pathogens. They research and understand food-borne diseases in order to prevent them. They ensure that food products abide by government regulations regarding food health and safety.

Capsule filling machine operator: Capsule filling machine operators control the filling of gelatine capsules with the specific medicinal preparations.
Food safety inspector: Food safety inspectors carry out inspections in food processing environments from a food safety standpoint. They are part of official control bodies who check and control food products and processes to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing safety and health.
Beverage filtration technician: Beverage filtration technicians operate machines that clarify beverages prior to filtering. For the purpose, they transfer fermented beverages from settling casks into clarifying tanks and spreads chemicals over the surface of beverages to aid their clarification. Then, they pump beverages to transfer them to filtering tanks.
ICT network administrator: ICT network administrators maintain operation of a reliable, secure, and efficient data communications network, including LAN, WAN, intranet, and internet. They perform network address assignment, management and implementation of routing protocols such as ISIS, OSPF, BGP, routing table configurations and certain implementations of authentication. They perform maintenance and administration of servers (file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems), desktop computers, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, phones, IP communications, personal digital assistants, smartphones, software deployment, security updates and patches as well as a vast array of additional technologies inclusive of both hardware and software.
Food and beverage packaging technologist: Food and beverage packaging technologists assess appropiate packaging for various food products. They manage matters in relation to packaging while ensuring customer specifications and company targets. They develop packaging projects as required.
Dairy processing technician: Dairy processing technicians supervise and coordinate production processes, operations, and maintenance workers in milk, cheese, ice cream and/or other dairy production plants. They assist food technologists in improving processes, developing new food products and establishing procedures and standards for production and packaging.

Brewmaster: Brewmasters ensure brewing quality of current products and create mixtures for the development of new products. For current products, they oversee the whole brewing process following one of many brewing processes. For new products, they develop new brewing formulas and processing techniques or modify existing ones as to come up with potential new products.
Quality engineering technician: Quality engineering technicians work with quality engineers or managers to analyse and solve quality problems and improve productivity. They examine machines for imperfections and inspect products to make sure they meet the standards. They also provide personnel with training in inspection techniques and prepare inspection plans.
ICT system administrator: ICT system administrators are responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer and network systems, servers, workstations and peripheral devices. They may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; automate routine tasks; write computer programs; troubleshoot; train and supervise staff; and provide technical support. They ensure optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance.
ICT quality assurance manager: ICT quality assurance managers establish and operate an ICT quality approach through quality management systems, in compliance with internal and external standards and the organisation’s culture. They ensure that the management controls are correctly implemented to safeguard asset, data integrity and operations. They focus on the achievement of quality goals, including the maintenance of the external certification according to quality standards and monitor statistics to forecast quality outcomes.
Food production manager: Food production managers oversee and monitor production and have overall responsibility for staffing and related issues. Hence, they have a detailed knowledge of the manufacturing products and their production processes. On the one hand, they control process parameters and their influence on the product and on the other hand, they ensure that staffing and recruitment levels are adequate.
Lumber grader: Lumber graders inspect lumber, or wood cut into planks. They test the lumber, look for irregularities and grade the wood based on quality and desirability of the pattern.
Food technician: Food technicians assist food technologists in the deveolpment of processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles. They perform research and experiments on ingredients, additives and packaging. Food technicians also check product quality to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations.
Food grader: Food graders inspect, sort and grade food products. They grade food products according to sensory criteria or with the help of machinery. They determine the product’s use by grading them into the appropriate classes and discarding damaged or expired foods. Food graders measure and weigh the products and report their findings so the food can be further processed.
Veneer grader: Veneer graders inspect slices of veneer for quality. They look for irregularities, blemishes and production errors, and grade the slices for the desirability of the patterns.
Venue director: Venue directors plan and manage conference, banqueting and venue operations in a hospitality establishment to reflect clients’ needs. They are responsible for promotional events, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, business events, social events and venues.
Metal product quality control inspector: Metal product quality control inspectors perform preventive and operational quality control on the metal products. They examine the materials at various stages to make sure it conforms to the desired standard, test the products, and send them back for repair if necessary.
Malt house supervisor: Malt house supervisors oversee the malting processes in its integrity. They supervise the processes of steeping, germination, and kilning. They monitor each one of the processing parameters aiming to meet customer specifications. They provide assistance and leadership to malt house production employees and ensure that they operate in a safe and professional manner.
Animal feed supervisor: Animal feed supervisors supervise the manufacturing process of animal feeds. They control quality, take samples for labs, follow up on lab results and take measures according to the results.
Food regulatory advisor: Food regulatory advisors are extra-judicial or judiciary technical experts. They ensure food industry practices comply with the regulatory norms. They perform audits, make diagnosis and monitor activities of inspection. These experts have expertise in food processing, food analysis, quality, safety, certification, traceability. They update, review, and approve labelling designs, develop nutrition facts panels, and ensure that products and labels meet appropriate standards and regulations.
Green coffee coordinator: Green coffee coordinators organise and manage the operations performed by workers in coffee plants and plan the functioning of machines that blend various types of green coffee beans.

Cider master: Cider masters envision the manufacturing process of cider. They ensure brewing quality and follow one of several brewing processes. They modify existing brewing formulas and processing techniques in order to develop new cider products and cider-based beverages.
Restaurant manager: Restaurant managers are in charge of managing food and beverage operations in the kitchen and other food and beverage outlets or units in a hospitality establishment.
Telecommunications engineering technician: Telecommunications engineering technician deploy, maintain and monitor a telecommunication system that provides interactions between data and voice communications, such as telephone, video conferencing, computer, and voicemail systems. They are also involved in the design, manufacturing, construction, maintenance and repair of telecommunication systems. Telecommunications engineering technicians provide technical assistance in the research and development of telecommunication equipment.
Malt master: Malt masters evaluate and grade different malts on a sensory basis for brewing purposes. They assess the look, the smell, and the taste of raw materials and unfinished products in order to maintain the consistency of products. They use their knowledge to prepare mixtures as part of product development.
Webmaster: Webmasters deploy, maintain, monitor and support a web server to meet service requirements. They ensure optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance. They coordinate the content, quality and style of websites, execute the website strategy and update and add new features to websites.
Software manager: Software managers oversee the acquisition and development of software systems in order to provide support to all organisational units. They also monitor the results and quality of the different software solutions and projects implemented in the organisation.
Welding inspector: Welding inspectors examine the connections and bonds between metals. They utilise visual tools and electrical instruments to inspect and ensure the quality and safety of connections. Welding inspectors ensure that all related welding activities, plans and materials follow the appropriate guidelines, in accordance with safety regulations. In addition to working in the field completing their examinations of welding projects, inspectors spend time in an office setting compiling their reports.

Quality assurance methodologies is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Container equipment assembly supervisor: Container equipment assembly supervisors monitor the assembly process of containers such as boilers or pressure vessels. They train and coach the workers involved in the assembly to achieve production goals.
Chief marketing officer: Chief marketing officers manage the high level marketing operations in a company. They coordinate all the efforts related to the marketing, promotional, and advertising activities across units or geographical areas. They make sure that different activities aimed at creating awareness of products are profitable for the company. They take decisions and prepare reports on marketing projects and the costs they entail.
Cosmetic chemist: Cosmetic chemists develop formulas in order to create and test new cosmetic products and improve existing cosmetic products such as perfumes and fragrances, lipstick, waterproof lotions and makeup, hair dye, soaps and detergents with special properties, topical medicines or health supplements.
Machine operator supervisor: Machine operator supervisors coordinate and direct workers who set up and operate machines. They monitor the production process and the flow of materials, and they make sure that the products meet the requirements.
Machinery assembly supervisor: Machinery assembly supervisors monitor the machinery assembly process. They train and coach assembly workers to achieve production goals.
Winding machine operator: Winding machine operators tend machines that wrap strings, cords, yarns, ropes, threads onto reels, bobbins, or spools. They handle materials, prepare them for processing, and use winding machines for the purpose. They also perform routine maintenance of the machinery.
Industrial pharmacist: Industrial pharmacists are involved in the research and creation of medications. They develop new medicines, perform tests, assure quality and ensure that medication complies with regulations.
ICT documentation manager: ICT documentation managers are in charge of managing the documentation development process in accordance with legal requirements, standards, organisational policies and goals. They schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities of the documentation department (including establishing budgets and timelines, risk analysis and quality management). They also develop documentation standards, structuring methods and media concepts to effectively communicate product concepts and usage.
Synthetic materials engineer: Synthetic materials engineers develop new synthetic materials processes or improve existing ones. They design and construct installations and machines for the production of synthetic materials and examine samples of raw materials in order to ensure quality.
Consumer goods inspector: Consumer goods inspectors evaluate assembled parts of consumer goods and products for compliance with specifications and defects in-line with clients’ requirements and organisational policies. Consumer goods inspectors provide results and findings for reports. Inspected defects can be identified as being cracks, scratches, errors in sanding, and defects of moving parts.
Paper mill supervisor: Paper mill supervisors coordinate and monitor the operations at a paper mill during production of products such as corrugated board, cardboard boxes or padded envelopes. They ensure that production targets, such as quantity and quality of products, timeliness and cost-effectiveness can be achieved. They have a clear overview of ongoing processes, and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Product assembly inspector: Product assembly inspectors evaluate products for compliance with specifications and defects in-line with clients’ requirements and organisational policies. They use measuring and testing equipment to ensure conformity to engineering and manufacturing specifications, quality, and safety standards and regulations. They also provide detailed inspection documentation and recommend action where problems are discovered.
ICT project manager: ICT project managers schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities to achieve the objectives of ICT projects. They establish budgets and timelines, perform risk analysis and quality management, and complete project closure reports.
Database administrator: Database administrators test, implement and administer computer databases. They use their expertise in database management systems to plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. They also use scripts and configuration files to tailor a database to users’ needs.
Industrial assembly supervisor: Industrial assembly supervisors are in charge of organizing, planning and coordinating assembly operations. They keep track of all the work activities and manage the process for efficient functioning in order to tackle problems such as production loss. They answer to the industrial production and the manufacturing manager.
Construction general contractor: Construction general contractors take on the responsibility to deliver a construction project. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and hire subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They make sure subcontractors hold up their part of the agreement and work in the construction site to make sure the project is delivered in time and according to agreed standards.
Wood production supervisor: Wood production supervisors monitor processes involved in the conversion of felled trees into usable lumber. They follow the production process and make quick decisions to resolve problems. ​They ensure that production targets, such as quantity and quality of products, timeliness and cost-effectiveness, can be achieved.
Project manager: Project managers ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and that its objectives are met. They oversee the project, manage the team, ensure the most efficient resources are used and ensure that all parties involved are satisfied.
Operations manager: Operations managers plan, oversee and coordinate the daily operations of production of goods and provision of services. They also formulate and implement company policies and plan the use of human resources and materials.
Product grader: Product graders perform preventive and operational quality control on products and rescources. They inspect, grade and evaluate the materials at various stages to make sure it conforms to the desired standard, and send the product back for repair or improvement if necessary. They work in companies and industrial facilities to ensure the produced commodities achieve quality standards.
Pharmaceutical engineer: Pharmaceutical engineers design and develop technologies used in pharmaceutical research and drugs manufacture, advising the pharmaceutical manufacturing plants to maintain and operate those technologies and ensuring the customers` and workers` safety requirements are met. They may also be involved in the conception and design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and research centers.
Wood assembly supervisor: Wood assembly supervisors monitor the various processes in the assembly of wood products. They have a thorough understanding of the production processes under their supervision and take quick decisions when required.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
Biologist: Biologists study living organisms and life in its broader extent in combination with its environment. Through research, they strive to explain the functional mechanisms, interactions, and evolution of organisms.

References

1. Quality assurance methodologies – ESCO