A process approach-based system for management systems documentation

Abstract EN

During the last decade, the process approach has gained more concern and was adopted by many organizations as a concept in building their management systems.

However, a very few number of organizations are correctly applying this concept because of the incomplete understanding.

Scanning the quality management systems for many organizations revealed that most of them are theoretically implementing this concept but in fact, their systems are built and are running depending on the traditional documentations methods that appeared in the late 70s.

This paper comprehensively explains the reasons for this misunderstanding and shows the basics and main differences among the process, activity and task.

The paper also shows a new proposed documentation system that takes into considerations all needed components of the process model (input, process, output, resources and control).

The tabulated format and the process flowcharting are the main features of the proposed system which was implemented effectively in a large governmental organization in the Arabian gulf region through its journey in certifying all of its departmental management systems.

To assure the validity of the proposed system, it was comprehensively assessed by a well recognized international 3rd party organization.

The paper also lists the main advantages and outcomes of the proposed system as a result of its implementation in the financial department of the organization.

Finally, the paper cites the recommendations needed to to develop and use the proposed system in an effective manner.