Class Vocabulary  

audit An examination of a company's activities or products to determine if a company is

doing what it says it is doing.

audit interview A method of collecting information through a series of questions and observations.
The interview is the basis for collecting and interpreting information in the audit.

audit team A group of individuals selected to perform an internal audit. The audit team is
responsible for auditing selected departments in its own company.

auditee An organization or department to be audited.

checklist A document that contains numbers, statements, or other evidence found in the audit.

continuous The belief that an organization must constantly measure the effectiveness of its
improvement processes and strive to meet more difficult objectives to satisfy customers.

corrective action A plan created by management to address a non-conformance. Corrective actions

lead to company improvement.

evidence Information that pertains to the quality of an item, process, or element of a quality
system.

exit meeting A meeting of the audit team and auditee to discuss the results of the audit.

external auditor An individual outside of the organization that objectively assesses the effectiveness
of the organization's quality system. External auditors are required to register with
ISO 9000.

follow-up audit An audit designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a corrective action.

formal audit report A report containing the results of the audit. The report lists all information pertaining
to the audit in a final, formal language.

internal audit An examination of a company's activities or products conducted by the company's own
staff. ISO 9000 requires internal audits.

internal auditor An individual that is selected to perform an internal audit. Internal auditors cannot
audit their own work.

lead auditor The individual responsible for leading the audit team. The lead auditor prepares the
audit plan, conducts the meetings, and submits the formal audit report.

micrometer A U-shaped measuring instrument with a threaded spindle that slowly advances
toward a small anvil. Micrometers are available in numerous types for measuring
assorted dimensions and features.

non-conformance A failure to comply with a requirement of a company's quality system.

observation An item of evidence found during an audit that relates to the quality of the product,
process, or quality system. Observations may or may not require corrective action.

operating procedure A document describing an organization process. An operating procedure contains

moderate detail.

process audit An audit that focuses on processes and not a specific person or product. A process
audit examines the effectiveness of company procedures.

product audit An audit that focuses on a product to determine if it meets specifications. Customers
might request product audits if their products have had consistent problems.

quality policy manual The overall objectives and direction of the organization. Upper management is
 responsible for drafting the quality policy.

quality record A document recording specific information that relates to a procedure or work
instruction. Quality records are proof that an organization is complying with its
procedures and policies.

random sampling The selection of quality records at random to determine if they accurately represent
a company's quality system.

scope The range of activites that are the focus of an audit. The scope includes all areas of
importance in an audit.

work instruction A document describing specific activities and tasks within the organization. It
contains the greatest amount of detail.