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Certified Manager of

Quality/Organizational
Excellence

Quality excellence to enhance your career


and boost your organizations bottom line

asq.org/certification
Certification from ASQ
is considered a mark of
quality excellence in many
industries. It helps you advance your career, and boosts
your organizations bottom line through your mastery
of quality skills. Becoming certified as a Manager
of Quality/Organizational Excellence confirms your
commitment to quality and the positive impact it will
have on your organization.

2 Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence


Information
Certified Manager of Quality/
Organizational Excellence

The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence is a


professional who leads and champions process-improvement
initiativeseverywhere from small businesses to multinational
corporationsthat can have regional or global focus in a variety
of service and industrial settings. A Certified Manager of Quality/
Organizational Excellence facilitates and leads team efforts to
establish and monitor customer/supplier relations, supports
strategic planning and
deployment initiatives, and
helps develop measurement
systems to determine
organizational improvement.
The Certified Manager
of Quality/Organizational
Excellence should be able to
motivate and evaluate staff,
manage projects and human
resources, analyze financial
situations, determine and
evaluate risk, and employ
knowledge management tools
and techniques in resolving
organizational challenges.

For comprehensive exam information on the


Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence,
visit asq.org/certification.

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 3


Examination If youve been certified by ASQ as a Quality
Auditor, Reliability Engineer, Software
Each certification candidate is required to Quality Engineer, or Quality Engineer,
pass a written examination that consists experience used to qualify for certification
of multiple-choice questions that measure in these fields applies to certification
comprehension of the Body of Knowledge. as a Manager of Quality/Organizational
The Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, as long as the 10-year minimum
Excellence examination is a four-hour, requirement is met.
two-part examination150 multiple-choice
questions and two constructed-response If you have completed a degree from a
(essay) questions. It is offered in English. college, university, or technical school with
accreditation accepted by ASQ, part of the
Education and/or Experience 10-year experience requirement will be
waived (only one of these waivers may
You must have 10 years of on-the-job be claimed):
experience in one or more of the areas
of the Certified Manager of Quality/ Diploma from a technical or trade
Organizational Excellence Body of schoolone year will be waived
Knowledge. A minimum of five years of this Associate degreetwo years waived
experience must be in a decision-making
position, defined as the authority to define, Bachelors degreefour years waived
execute, or control projects/processes and Masters or doctoratefive years waived
to be responsible for the outcome. This
may or may not include management or Degrees or diplomas from educational
supervisory positions. institutions outside the United States
must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

4 Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence


Body of Knowledge
Certified Manager of Quality/
Organizational Excellence
The topics in this new BOK include descriptive details (subtext) that will be used
by the Exam Development Committee as guidelines for writing test questions. This
subtext is also designed to help candidates prepare for the exam by identifying
specific content within each topic that may be tested. The subtext is not intended
to limit the subject matter or be all-inclusive
of what might be covered in an exam but is
intended to clarify how the topics relate to a
managers role. The descriptor in parentheses
at the end of each entry refers to the
maximum cognitive level at which the topic
will be tested. A complete description of
cognitive levels is provided at the end of
this document

4. Leadership techniques
I Leadership (25 Questions) Develop and implement techniques
A. Organizational Structures that motivate employees and sustain
 Define and describe organizational their enthusiasm. Use negotiation
designs (i.e., matrix, flat, and parallel) techniques to enable parties with
and the effect that a hierarchical different or opposing outlooks to
management structure can have on an recognize common goals and work
organization. (Apply) together to achieve them. Determine
when and how to use influence to
B. Leadership Challenges resolve a problem or move a project
1. Roles and responsibilities of leaders forward. (Create)
Describe typical roles, responsibilities, 5. Empowerment
and competencies of people in Apply various techniques to empower
leadership positions and how those individuals and teams. Identify typical
attributes influence an organizations obstacles to empowerment and
direction and purpose. (Analyze) appropriate strategies for overcoming
2. Roles and responsibilities them. Describe and distinguish
of managers between job enrichment and job
 Describe typical roles, responsibilities, enlargement, job design and job
and competencies of people in tasks. (Apply)
management positions and how C. Teams and Team Processes
those attributes contribute to an
organizations success. (Analyze) 1.
Types of teams
Identify different types of teams and
3. Change management their purpose, including process
Use various change management improvement, self-managed,
strategies to overcome organizational temporary or ad hoc (special project),
roadblocks and achieve desired and work groups or workcells.
change levels, and review outcomes (Understand)
for effectiveness. Define and
describe factors that contribute to an 2. Stages of team development
organizations culture. (Evaluate) Define and describe the classic stages
of team development: forming,
storming, norming, performing.
(Apply)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 5


3. Team-building techniques II Strategic Plan Development and
Apply basic team-building steps
such as using ice-breaker activities Deployment (18 Questions)
to enhance team introductions and A. Strategic Planning Models
membership, developing a common Define, describe, and use basic elements
vision and agreement on team of strategic planning models, including
objectives, identifying and assigning how mission, vision, and values as
specific roles on the team. (Apply) guiding principles relate to the plan.
4. Team roles and responsibilities (Apply)
Define and describe typical roles B. Business Environment Analysis
related to team support and
effectiveness such as facilitator, 1. SWOT analysis
leader, process owner, champion, Analyze an organizations strengths,
project manager, and contributor. weaknesses, opportunities, and
Describe member and leader threats, and develop and prioritize
responsibilities with regard to group actions to take in response to that
dynamics, including keeping the team analysis. Identify and analyze risk
on task, recognizing hidden agendas, factors that can influence strategic
handling disruptive behavior, and plans. (Analyze)
resolving conflict. (Analyze) 2.
Market forces
5. Team performance and evaluation Define and describe various forces
 Evaluate team performance in that drive strategic plans, including
relation to established metrics to existing competition, the entry of
meet goals and objectives. Determine new competitors, rivalry among
when and how to reward teams and competitors, the threat of substitutes,
celebrate their success. (Evaluate) bargaining power of buyers and
suppliers, current economic
D. ASQ Code of Ethics conditions, and how well the
Identify and apply behaviors and actions organization is positioned for growth
that comply with this code. (Apply) and changing customer expectations.
(Apply)

6 Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence


3. Stakeholder analysis
 Identify and differentiate various III Management Elements and
internal and external stakeholders, Methods (30 Questions)
as well as their perspectives, needs,
and objectives to ensure that the A. Management Skills and Abilities
organizations strategic objectives 1. Principles of management
are aligned with those of the Define and apply basic management
stakeholders. (Analyze) principles such as planning, leading,
4. Technology delegating, controlling, organizing,
Describe how changes in technology and allocating resources. (Apply)
can have long- and short-term 2. Management theories and styles
influences on strategic planning. Define and describe management
(Understand) theories such as scientific,
5. Internal capability analysis organizational, behavioral, learning,
Identify and describe the effects that systems thinking, and situational
influence an organizations internal complexity. Define and describe
capabilities: human resources, management styles such as
facilities capacity, and operational autocratic, participative, transactional,
capabilities. Analyze these factors transformational, management by
in relation to strategy formation. fact, coaching, and contingency
(Analyze) approach. Describe how management
6. Legal and regulatory factors styles are influenced by an
Define and describe how these organizations size, industry sector,
factors can influence strategic plans. culture, and competitors. (Apply)
(Understand)
C. Strategic Plan Deployment
1. Tactical plans
Identify basic characteristics of tactics:
specific, measurable, attainable,
relevant, time-specific, and linked
to strategic objectives. Evaluate
proposed plans to determine whether
they meet these criteria. (Evaluate)
2. Resource allocation and deployment
Evaluate current resources to ensure
they are available and deployed
in support of strategic initiatives.
Identify and eliminate administrative
barriers to new initiatives. Ensure that
all internal stakeholders understand
the strategic plan and have the
competencies and resources to carry
out their responsibilities. (Evaluate)
3. Organizational performance
measurement
Develop these measures and ensure
that they are aligned with strategic
goals, and use the measures to
evaluate the organization against the
strategic plan. (Evaluate)
4. Quality in strategic deployment
 Support strategic plan deployment
by applying continuous improvement
and other quality initiatives to drive
performance outcomes throughout
the organization. (Create)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 7


3. Interdependence of functional areas 5. Financial management
Describe the interdependence of Read, interpret, and use various
an organizations areas (human finance tools including income
resources, engineering, sales, statements, balance sheets, and
marketing, finance, research product/service cost structures.
and development, purchasing, Manage budgets and use the
information technology, logistics, language of cost and profitability
production, and service) and how to communicate with senior
those dependencies and relationships management. Use potential return on
influence processes and outputs. investment (ROI), estimated return
(Understand) on assets (ROA), net present value
4. Human resources (HR) management (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR),
Apply HR elements in support of and portfolio analysis to analyze
ongoing professional development: project risk, feasibility, and priority.
setting goals and objectives, (Analyze)
conducting performance evaluations, 6. Risk management
developing recognition programs, Identify the kinds of risk that can
ensuring that succession plans are occur throughout the organization,
in place where appropriate. Develop from such diverse processes as
quality-supportive responsibilities scheduling, shipping/receiving,
to include in job descriptions financials, production and operations,
for positions throughout the employee and user safety, regulatory
organization. (Apply) compliance and changes. Describe
and use risk control and mitigation
methods: avoidance, reduction,
prevention, segregation, and transfer.
(Apply)
7. Knowledge management (KM)
Use KM techniques in identifying core
competencies that create a culture
and system for collecting and sharing
implicit and explicit knowledge
among workers, customers,
competitors, and suppliers. Capture
lessons learned and apply them
across the organization to promote
best practices. Identify typical
knowledge-sharing barriers and how
to overcome them. (Apply)
B. Communication Skills and Abilities
1.
Communication techniques
Define and apply various modes
of communication used within
organizations, such as, verbal,
nonverbal, written, and visual.
Identify factors that can inhibit clear
communication and describe ways of
overcoming them. (Apply)
2. Interpersonal skills
 Develop skills in empathy, tact,
friendliness, and objectivity. Use
open-minded and nonjudgmental
communication methods. Develop
and use a clear writing style, active
listening, and questioning and dialog
techniques that support effective
communication. (Apply)

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3. Communications in a global economy 2. Project planning and estimation tools
 Identify key challenges of Use tools such as risk assessment,
communicating across different benefit-cost analysis, critical path
time zones, cultures, languages, method (CPM), Gantt chart, PERT,
terminology, and business practices, and work breakdown structure (WBS)
and identify ways of overcoming to plan projects and estimate related
them. (Understand) costs. (Apply)
4. Communications and technology 3. Measure and monitor project activity
Identify how technology has  Use tools such as cost variance
affected communications, including analysis, milestones, and actual
improved information availability, its vs. planned budgets to monitor
negative influence on interpersonal project activity against project plan.
communications, and the new (Evaluate)
etiquette for e-communications. Use 4.
Project documentation
appropriate communication methods Use written procedures and project
to deliver different kinds of messages summaries to document projects.
in a variety of situations. (Apply) (Apply)
C. Project Management D. Quality System
1. Project management basics 1. Quality mission and policy
 Use project management Develop and monitor the quality
methodology and ensure that each mission and policy and ensure that
project is aligned with strategic it is aligned with the organizations
objectives. Define the different broader mission. (Create)
phases of a project: initiation,
planning, execution, monitoring and 2. Quality planning, deployment,
controlling, and closure. Recognize and documentation
the importance of keeping the project Develop and deploy the quality plan
on time, and within budget. (Apply) and ensure that it is documented
and accessible throughout the
organization. (Create)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 9


3. Quality system effectiveness 4.
Quality philosophies
 Evaluate the effectiveness of the Describe and apply basic
quality system using various tools: methodologies and theories proposed
balanced scorecard, internal audits, by quality leaders such as Shewhart,
feedback from internal and external Deming, Juran, Crosby, Feigenbaum,
stakeholders, skip-level meetings, and Ishikawa. (Apply)
warranty data analytics, product
traceability and recall reports, and IV Quality Management Tools
management reviews. (Evaluate) (30 Questions)
E. Quality Models and Theories A. Problem-Solving Tools
1. Performance excellence models 1. The seven classic quality tools
Define and describe common  Select, interpret, and evaluate output
elements and criteria of performance from these tools: Pareto charts, cause
excellence models such as the and effect diagrams, flowcharts,
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality control charts, check sheets, scatter
Award (MBNQA), Excellence Canada, diagrams, and histograms. (Evaluate)
and the European Excellence Award
(EFQM). Describe how their criteria 2. Basic management and
are used as management models to planning tools
improve processes at an organization Select, interpret, and evaluate output
level. (Understand) from these tools: affinity diagrams,
tree diagrams, process decision
2. ISO quality management standards program charts (PDPCs), matrix
 Define and describe how the ISO 9001 diagrams, prioritization matrices,
standards can be used to support interrelationship digraphs, and
quality management systems. activity network diagrams. (Evaluate)
(Understand)
3. Other quality methodologies 3. Process improvement tools
 Describe and differentiate methods  Select, interpret, and apply tools
such as total quality management such as root cause analysis, PDCA,
(TQM), continuous improvement, and Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure,
benchmarking. (Apply) analyze, improve, control), and failure
mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
(Evaluate)

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4. Innovation and creativity tools and data gathering methods affect
 Use various techniques and exercises resources and vice-versa. (Apply)
for creative decision making 2. Sampling
and problem solving, including  Define and describe basic sampling
brainstorming, mind mapping, lateral techniques such as random and
thinking, critical thinking, the 5 whys, stratified. Identify when and why
and design for Six Sigma (DFSS). sampling is an appropriate technique
(Apply) to use. (Understand)
5. Cost of quality (COQ) 3. Statistical analysis
 Define and distinguish between  Calculate basic statistics: measures
prevention, appraisal, internal, and of central tendency (mean, median,
external failure cost categories and mode), and measures of dispersion
evaluate the impact that changes in (range, standard deviation, and
one category will have on the others. variance). Identify basic distribution
(Evaluate) types (normal, bimodal, skewed) and
B. Process Management evaluate run charts, statistical process
1. Process goals control (SPC) reports, and other
Describe how process goals control charts to make data-based
are established, monitored, and decisions. (Evaluate)
measured and evaluate their impact 4. Measurement systems analysis
on product or service quality. Define basic measurement
(Evaluate) terms: accuracy, precision, bias,
2. Process analysis and linearity. Understand the
Use various tools to analyze a difference between repeatability and
process and evaluate its effectiveness reproducibility in gauge R&R studies.
on the basis of procedures, work (Understand)
instructions, and other documents. 5. Trend and pattern analysis
Evaluate the process to identify and Interpret graphs and charts to identify
relieve bottlenecks, increase capacity, cyclical, seasonal, and environmental
improve throughput, reduce cycle data trends. Evaluate control chart
time, and eliminate waste. (Evaluate) patterns to determine shifts and
3. Lean tools other trend indicators in a process.
Identify and use lean tools such as (Evaluate)
cycle-time reduction, 5S, just-in- 6. Process variation
time (JIT), kanban, value stream Analyze data to distinguish between
mapping, single-minute exchange common and special cause variation.
of die (SMED), poke-yoke, kaizen, (Analyze)
and overall equipment effectiveness 7. Process capability
(OEE). (Apply)  Recognize process capability (Cp and
4. Theory of constraints (TOC) Cpk,) and performance indices (Pp and
Define key concepts of TOC: Ppk). (Understand)
systems as chains, local vs. system 8. Reliability terminology
optimization, physical vs. policy  Define and describe basic reliability
constraints, undesirable effects measures: mean time between
vs. core problems, and solution failures (MTBF) and mean time
deterioration. Classify constraints in to repair (MTTR). Understand the
terms of resources and expectations value of reliability for estimating the
as defined by measures of probability of being able to meet
throughput, inventory, and operating requirements or specifications,
expense. (Understand) typically for a specific period of time.
C. Measurement: Assessment and Metrics NOTE: Reliability calculations will not
1. Basic statistical use be tested. (Understand)
 Use techniques such as the goal-
question-metric (GQM) model
and others to identify when, what,
and how to measure projects and
processes. Describe how metrics

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 11


9. Qualitative assessment customers. Develop corrective actions
Identify subjective measures such as and proactive methods to improve
verbatim comments from customers, customer satisfaction, loyalty, and
observation records, and focus group retention levels. (Create)
output. Describe how they differ from 3. Customer service principles
objective measures, and determine Develop and deploy strategies
when measurements should be that support customer service
captured in categories rather than principles: courtesy, politeness,
numeric value. (Analyze) smiles, cheerfulness, attention to
detail, active listening, empathy,
V Customer-Focused rapid response, and easy access for
Organizations (17 Questions) information and service. (Apply)
A. Customer Identification and 4. Multiple and diverse
Segmentation customer management
Establish and monitor priorities to
1. Internal customers avoid or resolve conflicting customer
Define and describe the impact an requirements and demands. Develop
organizations treatment of internal methods and systems for managing
customers will have on external capacity and resources to meet
customers. Develop methods for the needs of multiple customers.
energizing internal customers to Describe the impact that diverse
improve products, processes, and customer groups can have on all
services and evaluate the results. aspects of product and service
(Evaluate) development and delivery. (Evaluate)
2. External customers
Define external customers and VI Supply Chain Management
describe their impact on products (15 Questions)
and services. Develop strategies for
working with them and integrating A. Supplier Selection
their requirements and needs to Define, develop, and use criteria
improve products, services, and for selecting suppliers, including
processes. (Evaluate) internal rating programs and external
certification standards. Assess and
3. Customer segmentation manage the impact these programs can
Define and describe the process have on various internal processes of
of customer segmentation and its the organization. (Create)
impact on aligning service and
delivery to meet customer needs. B. Supplier Communications
(Evaluate) Develop and implement specific
communication methods with
B. Customer Relationship Management suppliers, including regularly scheduled
1. Customer needs meetings and routine and emergency
Use quality function deployment reporting procedures. Develop explicit
(QFD) to analyze customer expectations and confirm that the
needs in relation to products and supplier is aware of critical product and
services offered. Use the results delivery requirements. (Create)
of the analysis to prioritize future C. Supplier Performance
development in anticipation of Define, develop, and monitor supplier
changing customer needs. (Analyze) performance in terms of quality,
2. Customer satisfaction and loyalty cost, delivery, and service levels,
Develop systems to capture positive and establish associated metrics
and negative customer perceptions for defect rates, product reliability,
and experiences using tools such functional performance, timeliness,
as voice of the customer, listening responsiveness, and availability of
posts, focus groups, complaints technical support. (Create)
and warranty data, surveys, and
interviews. Use customer value
analysis to calculate the financial
impact of existing customers and
the potential results of losing those

12 Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence


D. Supplier Improvement B. Training Needs Analysis
Define and conduct supplier audits, Use various tools and techniques such
evaluate corrective and preventive as surveys, performance reviews,
action plans, provide feedback, and regulatory guidances, and gap analysis
monitor process improvements. to identify training needs. (Create)
(Create) C. Training Materials, Development,
E. Supplier Certification, Partnerships, and Delivery
and Alliances Use various tools, resources, and
Define and implement supplier methodologies to develop training
certification programs that include materials and curriculum that address
process reviews and performance adult learning principles and the
evaluations. Identify strategies learning needs of an increasingly
for developing customer-supplier diverse workforce. Describe various
partnerships and alliances. (Create) methods of training delivery: classroom,
F. Supplier Logistics and workbooks, simulations, computer-
Material Acceptance delivered, on-the-job, and self-directed.
Describe the impact that purchased Use mentoring and coaching to support
products and services can have on training outcomes. (Apply)
final product assembly or total service D. Training Effectiveness and Evaluation
package, including ship-to-stock, and Assess training effectiveness and make
just-in-time (JIT). Plan and conduct improvements based on feedback
incoming material inspections. from training sessions, end-of-course
(Understand) test results, on-the-job behavior or
performance changes, and departmental
VII Training and Development or area performance improvements.
(15 Questions) (Create)
A. Training Plans
Develop and implement training plans
that are aligned with the organizations
strategic plan and general business
needs, including leadership training
and alignment of personal development
plans. (Create)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 13


Topics for the Constructed-Response (Essay)
Portion of the Certified Manager of Quality/
Organizational Excellence Exam

Candidates will be presented with three open-ended


questions from which they can select the two that they
prefer to answer. Candidates will have 45 minutes in
which to write responses to the two chosen situations.
Prior to the start of the constructed-response portion
of the exam, candidates will be given five minutes to
review and select their situations. Candidates may
split their time spent on the problems as they like.
Their responses will be graded on their knowledge
of quality management as it relates to the content
areas listed below and in the following skills and
abilities: communication, critical-thinking, personnel
management, general management.

CR-1. Leadership
 Demonstrate knowledge of the quality managers role in organizational leadership
and as quality champion and customer advocate. Deploy change agent strategies in
support of organization-wide continuous improvement efforts. Develop teams and
participate on them in various roles.

CR-2. Strategy Development and Deployment


Develop and maintain organizational focus on the importance of quality and
performance excellence. Create quality policies and procedures in support of the
strategic plan, and integrate those policies and processes into the tactics developed
to support the strategic plan.

CR-3. Management
Demonstrate management abilities in human resources, financial, risk, and
knowledge management applications. Use effective communication methods in
various situations to support continuous improvement efforts. Select and use
appropriate tools and methodologies to plan, implement, and evaluate projects.
Develop, deploy, and evaluate quality plans that can be used throughout the
organization. Evaluate and recommend appropriate quality models or systems to
implement in various situations.

CR-4. Customer Focus


Identify and segment customers using a variety of criteria and tools. Identify and
prioritize product or service design and development on the basis of customer
requirements and feedback. Solicit customer input proactively and combine with
market analysis and other research to achieve organizational goals. Use customer
expectations and feedback to manage continuous improvement projects.

CR-5. Supplier Management


 Develop and deploy supplier management systems from selection process through
partnership agreements, including mutually beneficial continuous improvement
programs. Identify methods for assessing supplier performance at various levels of
customer-supplier relationships.

CR-6. Training and Development


Demonstrate knowledge and ability in developing, implementing, and evaluating
needs assessment, training delivery methods, and outcomes of training efforts.

14 Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence


Visit asq.org/certification
for comprehensive exam information.

Levels of Cognition
Based on Blooms TaxonomyRevised (2001)
In addition to content specifics, the subtext for each topic in this BOK also indicates the
intended complexity level of the test questions for that topic. These levels are based on
Levels of Cognition (from Blooms TaxonomyRevised, 2001) and are presented below
in rank order, from least complex to most complex.

Remember Evaluate
Recall or recognize terms, definitions, Make judgments about the value of proposed
facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, ideas, solutions, etc., by comparing the
methods, principles, etc. proposal to specific criteria or standards.
Understand Create
Read and understand descriptions, Put parts or elements together in such a way
communications, reports, tables, diagrams, as to reveal a pattern or structure not clearly
directions, regulations, etc. there before; identify which data or information
Apply from a complex set is appropriate to examine
Know when and how to use ideas, procedures, further or from which supported conclusions
methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc. can be drawn.
Analyze
Break down information into its constituent
parts and recognize their relationship to
one another and how they are organized;
identify sublevel factors or salient data from
a complex scenario.

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence 15


Enhance your career with ASQ certification today! Visit www.asq.
org/certification for complete certification information including:

Applications
Enhance your career
Available certifications and language options

with
Reference ASQ
materials certification today!
Study guides and test-taking tips
Comprehensive exam information
Visit
ASQ Sections asq.org/certification
for additional
International contactscertification
information including:
Endorsements

Applications
A
 vailable certifications and
international language options
Reference materials
Study guides and test-taking tips
C
 omprehensive exam
information
ASQ sections
International contacts
Endorsements

Item B0070

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