Section 0401
NEWSLETTER

November 2014 (Volume 64 - Issue 9)

Our objective: To increase awareness, interest, and involvement in Section

activities and quality-related subjects. 

Visit our web site at http://www.asqmontreal.qc.ca/

1 - Next Event

7- 2014-15 Planned Events 

13 - Executive Committee Meetings & Officers

2 - Ad / Publicité

8 - Welcome to our New Members

14 - Recertification

3 - The Editor's Corner

9 - Site Members

15 - Unemployed Member Dues

4 - A Word from Your Section Chair

 10 - Other ASQ Events 16 - Feedback/Advertising Rates

5 - Had You Come to the Last Event

11 - ASQ News

6 - ASQ Montreal Section 0401 Officers for 2015

12 - Section Education Program

1. Next Event

Date

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Time

6:00 PM

Place

Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel

     555 McMillan Avenue
Dorval, Quebec
H9P 1B7
(MAP - DIRECTIONS)

Software Quality:
So what is it all about anyway?

Brenda Fisk

Software Quality Solutions

Director


**************************************

Please join us on Wednesday, November 19th to hear our guest speaker present the topic of Software Quality. 

2. Ad / Publicité
What is Software Quality all about? What are the best practices (process, tools, considerations, etc.) to follow to ensure what we develop as software meets the user’s requirements?

Our speaker will briefly review what ASQ thinks you need to know, i.e. the body of knowledge, regarding their Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) certification. She’ll also discuss some key definitions, the relationship between Customer Satisfaction and Quality, the impact and benefits of Software Quality, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models, and software requirements, testing, and costs. This presentation should interest all Quality practitioners, even if they’re not immediately involved in software development, as it contains several good practices about developing a Quality product or service.

Brenda Fisk, Software Quality Solutions, Director, has over 35 years of professional experience in software quality assurance/quality control and project management experience. Brenda provides consulting, facilitating and software quality assurance training to a wide range of type and size of organizations.

She has worked primarily with business units; liaising with business analysts and systems developers to assist in preparing systems development life cycle deliverables for large and small projects. Brenda has designed and facilitated over 70 different training programs for staff at all levels. She specializes in productivity improvements within the systems development community. Prior to consulting Brenda held positions as: Project Management Officer, Database Administrator, Manager, Senior Business Analyst, Systems Testing Specialist primarily in the trust, insurance and banking industries.

Brenda works on increasing customer satisfaction through continuous improvement and promoting in-house use of quality techniques in day-to-day operations. Her specific strengths include: analytical and presentation skills, problem solving techniques, technical writing, database administration and application of quality assurance principles to day-to-day environments. She has an excellent track record of successfully completed projects.

One of her proudest accomplishments includes the designing and implementation a software development methodology process for a department of 350 software developers that received the highest possible audit rating within a major financial institution. Brenda recently completed a contract with American Express where she worked in the Project Management Office developing a Quality Management System.

Brenda has 5 ASQ certifications; CQIA, CQPA, CQA, CSQE and CQT.

Brenda’s professional affiliation with ASQ began in 1990 in the Toronto Section. She rose through the ranks to be the ASQ Regional Director for ASQ Canada and served on the Board of Directors for the maximum 6 year term, ending in 2008. Since then Brenda’s affiliation has been with the Software Division serving as Treasurer for 5 years and is now the Vice Chair of Communications.

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Cost
ASQ Members ($40)
Non-Members ($50)

For STUDENT MEMBERS ONLY ($30)
NOTE: For students wanting to get to the Sheraton Hotel, you can easily take the STM Express City Bus 747 which will drop you off at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport.  After which, you may take the Sheraton's free shuttle to get to the hotel.  Click HERE for more details.
After the meeting, an ASQ member will often be available to drop off a student at a nearby bus or metro station.

Bring your business cards and be ready to network.

To register for any event or for more information on events please contact:
Mr. David Tozer
at
514-694-2830  or
E-mail: event@asqmontreal.qc.ca

3. The Editor's Corner

By Michael Bournazian, Eng., Newsletter Editor


Our final dinner event of 2014 will be held on the 19th of November, and you find information regarding the event in the section directly above.  We hope to see many of you come out and hear our speaker.

On behalf of the entire Section 401 Leadership Team, thank you for coming out to the events in 2014.  We sincerely hope that they have been beneficial to you.

Our next cycle of events begins in earnest in January 2015, and the Leadership Team spent time during the last monthly meeting to develop the events calendar.  You can see the results below in Section 7, as well as in my rough, handwritten notes here.


Hopefully you can make it out to some, or even all, of these events.  And of course, the golf tournament continues in July 2015.

Thank you, and all the best.
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Any feedback?  Click on the link in the bottom right corner of this section and let me know.  Thanks.


4. A Word from your Section Chair

By Bill Wilson, Section Chair


As announced during the annual meeting, my term as Section Chair is coming to an end next month. At this time I would like to thank all the members of the executive committee for their patience and support during my term, they are a wonderful team and make being a member at any level easy. There are many aspects to the executive, maybe one you have not had the opportunity to explore, I would suggest this would be the team to try anything with.

I wish Francois all the best as Chair, I and all the team will be behind him to help him with our continued goal to bring interesting news from ASQ, and interesting presentations from the local accumulated local expertise. I would encourage you to contact one of the members if you would like to join us with your willingness to bring value to ASQ membership at the local level.

Thanks and best wishes to all.

Give me your feedback by e-mail

5. Had You Come to the Last Event

By Eric Stern, ASQ Senior Member, CQA, Publicity co-chair

Had you come . . . TRACKING DATA QUALITY

The time allocated for the presentation was shorter than usual; part of the time was dedicated to the Section General Assembly.

David Tozer started his presentation “Tracking Data Quality” with a passionate appeal for data quality control. In the examples he described data how errors cause problems in the pharmaceutical industry, customer service, and health care. He stated that in hospitals half the errors come from data entries. Then he argued that the control of the quality of data is important because it reduces wrong decisions based on erroneous data, reduces adverse effects, improves patient outcomes, reduces the cost of quality and wasted time. To verify the quality of data, he recommended their inspection and recording of the results in attribute control charts that would consider the correctness of transcriptions, data entry and the answer to yes or no questions.

After showing the formulae used to represent the analysis, he had event participants actively participate in a sampling experiment. They had to take randomly 20 paper clips blindly out of a bag, count how many had a different color and return them to the bag. Using the formula for np (number of defectives) and c distribution, he showed how to calculate the control limits to be used in statistical process control. In fact he provided participants with Excel worksheets that help record, calculate and plot the values. Recording and plotting of the information over time allows one to quantify the effects of changes in the process that could be induced by such actions as the introduction of new software or changes in the training of personnel.

I must have missed the title of the presentation that included the word “Tracking”. It took me a while to understand why it is not enough to just get the average values to measure the extent of the problem. It has to do with the desire to monitor the effect of changes over time. To refresh my understanding of SPC, I went to my old manuals. For a while I will be clear again about the distinction between the np plots for nonconforming units and the c plots for nonconformities (sometimes more than one found in the same unit). 
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Eric Stern, CQA, senior member, publicity co-chair, developmental coach and consultant at Expertech CMSC, expressing his own opinions (ericst@iseffective.com).

For networking with local quality professionals explore these groups:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Quality_Montreal/
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=90170


6. ASQ Montreal Section 0401 Officers for 2015

By Raymond E. Dyer, ASQ Senior Member, CMQ/OE, CQA, Nominating Committee Chair


ASQ Montreal Section 0401 is pleased to announce the election of the following officers for 2015.



Chair: Francois Pageau
Vice-Chair: Robert Demers
Secretary: Chantale Simard
Treasurer: William (Bill) Wilson

We wish them a successful year full of learning and professional development amongst our Quality network and community.

7. 2014-15 Planned Events

By David Tozer, ASQ CQE and SSBB, Education and Audit Chair

Date, time, and location will be confirmed as we progress into the year.  Most events are planned for Wednesday evenings and are held at the Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel. Watch the Newsletter and our web site for further details.


Date

Event
January 2015 LinkedIn
February 2015 Supply Chain Quality
March 2015 Lean Maturity Model
April 2015 ISO 9001:2015
May 2015 A Quality Night of Pecha Kucha
July 2015 Golf Tournament
September 2015 Operational Excellence in the Intelligent City
October 2015 Plant Visit
November 2015 AS9100



8. Welcome to our New Members

NOVEMBER 2014
Hichem Deroues
Shahzada Muhammad Adil Khan
Jean-Paul Lemarquis
Arik Loinaz
Reza Mirsalari

9. Site Members

ASQ Montreal Section thanks our Site Members:

QMI - SAI Global

10. Other ASQ Events

ASQ Montreal Francophone Section 404 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)

Our Montreal Francophone section is organizing dinner event for the month of December.  The evening's presentation will be "La gestion d’un chantier de construction". The event will take place at 1981 McGill College Avenue, Suite 1300, Montreal, H3A3A8. To register for the event, click HERE.

ASQ Ottawa Section 407 (Thursday, November 27, 2014)

ISO 9001:2015

Overview
Are you wondering what’s been happening with ISO 9001:2015? Here’s your chance to find out!

This version of the Standard was released in April of 2014 and is has been voted on. The next version (FDIS) is due in January of 2015. Now’s the time to get familiar with the progress of this Standard in order to keep yourself up to date.

During this workshop you can ask specific questions to get clarification on how you will meet the new requirements of ISO 9001:2015. There are interactive exercises to help you really understand not just the words, but the intent of the new requirements.

We will review the new ‘Structured Layer’ approach as well as the major areas of change. We will also cover the timeline from now until the new Standard is released and answer any questions you have about upgrading with your Registrar.

By the end of the session, you will have:

1. An understanding of the key areas of change in the new Standard
2. A picture of how close you are to conforming already
3. A ‘Migration Map’ to get you to the new requirements

To get you there, we will cover:

•Your specific questions about your own QMS and the new requirements
•The ‘Structured Layer’ model for ISO Standards
•Key clauses with new requirements
•Management responsibility
•Risk Management
•Change Management
•How to apply the Process Approach
•What the changes will do for you and to you
•Timeline to implementation
•A transition plan (includes a copy of the SimplifyISO Migration Map)

About your presenter
Jim Moran, MA Ed., President of SimpifyISO.com, has worked with all 5 versions of ISO 9001 - 1987, 1994, 2000, 2008 and now 2105. He has been implementing, auditing and training in the ISO world since 1992.

Jim has been doing ISO 9001:2015 presentations since November of 2014 and has done a number of webinars, ˝ day presentations and full day trainings on ISO 9001:2015 for the British Standards Institute, BSI.

He currently sits on ISO PC 280, an ISO committee formed to participate in the development of a new ISO Standard for Management Consulting.

Email: jim@simplifyISO.com
Website: http://simplifyiso.com/

PLACE: Centurion Conference & Event Center, 170 Colonnade Road, Nepean, ON. K2E 7J5 (613-727-1044)
FOOD: Buffet Style Dinner 6:00 p.m. To 7:00 p.m. ($20.00 Cash only). Students who do not wish to take part in the dinner and networking may arrive at 6:45 for the 7:00 presentation - $5.00 at the door.
TIMES: Networking 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Buffet Style Dinner 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Presentation 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For full information and to register for the event, click HERE.


11. ASQ News

#QualityIs Contest Voting
In October, members of the quality community were asked to submit their definition of quality in our social media #QualityIs contest. These are the finalists! They were chosen based on originality and creativity. Everyone can vote for a favorite definition of quality. The top three finalists will win a World Quality Month gift package. Voting ends at noon Central Time (U.S.) on November 19.
Click here to vote . . .

Forensic Techniques Used to Assess Client’s QMS
Forensic intelligence and forensic interviews can be used to assess the level of compliance and effectiveness of a project’s quality management system (QMS). In this case study, the extent of a contractor’s implementation of the project’s QMS, created for the engineering procurement, and construction of a pipeline in West Africa, was disputed between the contractor and the project owner/client. To assess the effectiveness of the project’s QMS, data collection through forensic intelligence and forensic interviews assisted in resolving the dispute.
Click here to read the case study . . .

How Does Quality Fit Into Social Responsibility?
What’s in a corporate social responsibility program? This is the question posed by Greg Allen, an environmental scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Allen, guest blogging in A View from the Q, discusses some of the essential elements of a corporate responsibility program and how quality has a special place in the equation.
Click here to continue reading . . .

Adding New Voices
Another World Quality Month means another opportunity for you to give the gift of a full ASQ membership. Your friend will receive unlimited access to ASQ’s Knowledge Center, a subscription to Quality Progress, the ability to a join a local section and special interest group, plus exclusive member pricing on all ASQ products. This membership will last until May 31, 2015, at no cost to you or your peer.
Click here to register . . .

12. ASQ Montreal Section Education Program 2014-2015

By David Tozer, Ph.D., ASQ CQE and SSBB, Education & Audit Chair


Having ASQ certification gives you an edge in the market and can significantly increase your income.

ASQ Certification often leads to higher paying employment.  The money invested in education and certification increases chances of finding employment quickly in the down sizing environment we live in.  People who take the section sponsored refresher courses, and spend at least twice as much time as spent in the classroom on self study, have an 80%, or better, chance of passing the examination on the first attempt.

Certified Quality Engineer Topics include: quality concepts, cost of quality, human resources, team formation and group dynamics, inspection, metrology, sampling, reliability, quality standards, quality audit, statistics, design of experiments, process improvement, liability, and modern management methods for improving quality.

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Topics include: quality concepts, cost of quality, enterprise wide deployment, business process management, project management, team formation and group dynamics, define, measure, analyze, improve, control, lean enterprise, statistics, design of experiments, and design for six sigma.

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Topics include: quality concepts, cost of quality, enterprise wide deployment, business process management, project management, team formation and group dynamics, define, measure, analyze, improve, control, and statistics.

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Topics include: quality concepts, quality planning, customer focus, quality standards, project management, cost of quality, team formation and group dynamics, human resources and improvement.


Certified Quality Auditor Topics include: quality concepts, team formation and group dynamics, management responsibility, audit objectives, audit preparation, audit conduct, audit reporting, sampling, and basic statistics.

Certified Quality Inspector Topics include: quality concepts, team formation and group dynamics, geometry, metrology, reading drawings, mechanical processes, statistical process control, inspection, and sampling.

Calendar and Registration Form

Questions? In house courses, etc.: David Tozer:  (514) 694-2830, education@asqmontreal.qc.

13. Executive Committee Meetings & Officers

Section Executive Committee (Leadership Team) Meetings are held at different locations, starting at 6 PM. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for :

December 9, 2014

Consult the List of Your Executive for 2013-14 here

Note that all dates planned are subject to change.  Please call ahead to attend by contacting the Section Chair or the Section Secretary.

Note: Available on request for section members only are minutes of section executive meetings (contact the Secretary) and section operating budget information (contact the Treasurer).

14. Recertification

Revised Recertification Cost

Please note there are revised costs for recertification. Some members are using the old journal which lists the previous cost. Submitting it this way will only delay your recertification while ASQ attempts to contact you for your permission to use the new price. I have attached the front page of the application journal. Two of them. Both are in PDF format. One is merely a form to print out and complete by hand and the other is a fillable form to be printed out after you have completed it.

Basic hand form

Fillable form

If you are a member of Section 0401 Montreal, then contact Norman Dickinson at certification@asqmontreal.qc.ca or at 514-334-6102 to find out where to send your journal. If you are NOT a member of Section 401, then contact ASQ directly at 1-800-248-1946.

15. Unemployed Member Dues

Unemployed ASQ members receive a discount on their membership dues based on consecutive years of membership.

Consecutive Years of Membership Dues Discount
1-4 50%
5 or more 100%

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be a Full, Senior, or Fellow member.
  • Any years as a Forum, Associate, or enrolled student do not qualify.
  • You may submit this application only after being unemployed for at least 90 days.
  • You must be actively seeking employment.
  • Retired or self-employed members are not eligible. ASQ offers a similar benefit for retired members.

Benefits

  • Your basic membership dues for the current membership year will be paid or partially paid by ASQ. Basic membership dues exclude
    additional Forums and Divisions, journals, and additional Sections (Seniors and Fellows—you keep your extra benefit of choice).
  • You may participate in the program for no more than two years in your membership lifetime. You must complete an application for the second
    year of participation.
  • After renewing your membership, please visit Careers in Quality to search for jobs, apply for positions online, and post your resume for employers to view.

NOTE: The following links require that you be logged into your account before you try to activate them.

Download the ASQ Unemployment Program Application PDF (105 KB)

NOTE: The information related to this benefit was correct at the time this Newsletter was issued.  But as the ASQ has the right to revise its benefits, please contact the ASQ for the latest information on this benefit.  It may be revised or discontinued at any time.



16. Feedback

Please send us your comments about the ASQ Montreal Section 0401 E-Newsletter (topics, layout, length, etc.).  Do you want to contribute an article (English or French) or a good idea?  Contact us by e-mail.

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Contact Michael Bournazian for more information


Pass it on

We invite you to forward this Newsletter to friends and colleagues who may be interested.

The ASQ Montreal Section 0401 Newsletter is prepared by and published for its members.
Section web site: www.asqmontreal.qc.ca
Newsletter Editor: Michael Bournazian, Eng.
The opinions expressed in the Newsletter are those of the authors, not those of ASQ. Articles may be reproduced if the source is stated
If you are an ASQ Montreal Section member and wish to receive this Newsletter by e-mail, please go to www.asq.org and revise your profile to add mailings from your section.

How to Opt Out.

This e-mail is being sent in the course of normal Montreal Section  business to the e-mail address of record. We are not responsible for forwarded e-mails. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail communications from the Montreal Section (your section) of ASQ, please visit your ASQ account to unsubscribe or reply to this message, indicating Opt Out in the e-mail body and in the title.

Keep in mind that by doing this you will no longer receive ANY correspondence from your section. If you are concerned about too many emails, ASQ has suggested limitations about how many e-mails may be sent to the section members each month. This does not extend to career notifications.