Page 306 - Global Project Management Handbook

PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS 15-7

CERTIFICATION OF CAPABILITIES

Many different certifications are present for different tasks and organizational capabil-
ities. These certifications typically meet the requirements of the country in which
work is accomplished but do not necessarily translate to the quality requirements of
the project. Certifications must be validated against the project’s needs to ensure that
the standards for quality of work are met.
An example of certification without the requisite capability was identified in a
project where a foreign manufacturing company bid on a proposal to build bridges.
The company showed a certificate from an audit agency attesting to the fact that the
organization met all the requirements of ISO 9001. A check of the organization deter-
mined that there were no processes in place or instructions for fabrication of bridges.
One of the fundamental requirements is to have instructions that describe the process
for handling materials. No instruction was ever written, and therefore, the ISO 9001
certificate was invalid.
Individuals are often required to have certifications in various skills as well as the
requirement to meet some basic knowledge and skill requirements. Several years ago a
warehouse supervisor was charged with receiving and issuing parts for different pro-
jects. The basic skills were to be able to read, write, and speak in simple English so
that the documents could be read and pieces counted on receipt and shipment. On pay-
day, the warehouse supervisor was observed being paid, which required that he sign
his name or alternatively place his thumbprint on a document indicating receipt of
wages. He elected to use the thumbprint because he could neither read nor write in
English. For several months this individual had copied numbers from one block on a
form to another block without being able to read the document. This resulted in an
inventory of the entire warehouse to reconcile the parts versus the records.
Certification of capabilities must be validated to give assurance that an individual
or organization meets the certification requirements. Currency of certification and the
certifying agency often build on the credibility of one’s capabilities. It may be neces-
sary to conduct an informal review to ensure that the individuals and organizations are
actually conducting work processes in accordance with the certification criteria.

REVIEWING PARTNERS’ QUALIFICATIONS

One way to ensure that the performing activity has the capability to perform the work is
through a review of the operations. A visiting team may be used to validate processes,
procedures, practices, and human competence in the required field. Identified weaknesses
or shortfalls may be overcome through training or working with the partner to build on
existing capabilities.
In addition to processes, procedures, practices, and human competence, there may be a
need to assess tools and jigs, as well as the availability of materials. Tools should be
matched to human skills to ensure proper use to achieve the desire results. Jigs may be
unsophisticated and rough for one-time use or low usage, or there may be a need for techni-
cally complex jigs.
The availability of materials from local sources or by external purchase to meet the
grade requirements must be ensured through evaluation of the planned use of specific
types. The availability of materials in the proper quantity also can be critical to the
success of the project, whether the materials are from local or from offshore suppliers.
Services that are an item for the contract or services that are required to support the
project require special consideration because of the different cultural aspects of countries.