Standards for Management Systems: Overview and Main Ingredients

Abstract

This chapter offers an introduction to the topic of management system standards and why they are needed. The general architecture of these standards is presented, and the universal modern high-level design of management system standards is explained. The interplay of generic and industry-specific standards is touched as well. It is shown how these standards are created by the International Organization for Standardization and other standard-giving bodies. The crucial role of processes is explained by some introductory examples—topics that will be reiterated much more in depth later in the book. The importance of risk-based thinking which is one of the pillars of all management system standards is demonstrated.