Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus
      Emc2 Quality Assurance Approach


Emc2's Quality Management Program (QMP) is built in accordance with ISO 9001 standards. The QMP focuses on adoption of a process approach to quality management to enhance customer satisfaction through meeting customer requirements. This QMP emphasizes the importance of:
  • Understanding and meeting customer requirements
  • Considering processes in terms of added value to the customer
  • Obtaining results of process performance for corrective action and program status
  • Improving processes continually based on objective measurements
The QMP begins with Emc2's Program Managers (PMs). The PMs are experienced employees within the organization trained to manage projects within the QMP. The QMP promotes an atmosphere that is safe and environmentally conscious, and that also will meet customer requirements. The QMP encompasses methodologies for maintaining, implementing changes to the program quality processes and standards, status reporting, lessons learned in addition to the application of best practices and continuous improvement methods. The QMP considers problem identification and resolution as a set of key elements for effective project execution. Effective project planning is a proactive process aligning staffing efforts to support customer goals, objectives and targets. The QMP requires all key management, administrative and personnel to be familiar with the contract scope of work and respective corporate commitments to ensure complete contract compliance.

The focus of specific Emc2 Quality Plans for programs is clearly centered on delivering "Quality in Technical Performance." Quality in Technical Performance is defined as meeting all contract requirements; achieving Quality of Work and providing Customer Responsiveness.

The project performance is managed daily, completed to internally defined standards, and accomplished in an ethical and professional manner. Work is validated by peer reviews with emphasis on performing tasks and services to meet the customer requirements. If problems are encountered, they are resolved quickly and incorporated into lessons learned. Emc2 uses industry best practices, works in accordance with existing standards and procedures, and trains employees to provide continuous improvements that enhance overall program and customer satisfaction.

Emc2's standard QA system for verifying results and procedures in their research and development is founded on the principles of both technical and programmatic review. All documents prepared by Emc2 staff undergo a rigorous technical review by senior research staff with the focus on identifying such items as: information gaps, confusing or unclear conclusions and recommendations, errors of commission and omission, and alternative approaches, if possible, are sought to determine if results can be supported using parallel pathways. A Technical Review team is kept aware of progress on each program by PMs. These teams are brought in at key points to validate processes, discuss potential approaches, and review critical documents prior to release in draft form to the client.

In addition to the Technical Review team, Emc2 generally maintains a Project QA team that insures that contractual, financial and administrative details required in the program are handled efficiently and effectively by both the PM and the Support Services group.


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