Systematic Planning Using
the DQO Process
(Monday, 4/11/05, 8:00 – 12:00 am)
Ronald Shafer & John Warren
Systematic Planning in the development of a project is
essential in order to achieve clearly stated objectives,
quantifiable limits on potential decision error rates, and
efficient expenditure of resources. One of the most
effective planning tools is the Data Quality Objectives (DQO)
Process, which works well for both decision making and
environmental assessments.
This course describes the seven steps of systematic planning
and uses environmental examples to illustrate the concepts.
Class participation is expected during part of the course,
but there are no prerequisites for taking the course.
Understanding and
Evaluating Data Quality Assessment
(Monday, 4/11/05, 1:00 – 5:00 pm)
John Warren & Ronald Shafer
This course examines the five steps of a data quality
assessment: Review DQOs and Sampling Design, Conduct a
Preliminary Data Review, Select the Statistical Method,
Verify the Assumptions of the Statistical Method, and Draw
Conclusions from the Data.
Statistical formulae and specific methods will not be
discussed, as this is an overview course. The course is
intended for project managers wishing to have a better
understanding of Data Quality Assessment, and there are no
prerequisites for taking the course.
The Quality System As
Applied to the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (Or How
To Survive an Assessment/Audit)
(Monday, 4/11/05, 8:00 – 12:00 am)
Margo Hunt
During this half-day session we will discuss key elements of
an effective quality program in the laboratory, such as: the
laboratory’s Quality Manual, management strategy and
personnel responsibilities and qualifications, equipment and
instrument monitoring, laboratory supply testing, quality
control and proficiency testing in the analytical processes,
and traceability and documentation requirements.
The NELAC and the new EPA drinking water checklists will be
discussed. The course will not cover sampling, holding times
and conditions, matrix effects, data handling, nor specific
analyses.
Internal Audits
(Monday, 4/11/05, 1:00 – 5:00 pm)
Gary Johnson
An internal audit is an audit conducted by an organization
on itself. Internal audit programs provide organizations
with opportunities for assessing the conformity and
effectiveness of their quality systems and processes and at
times needed by the organization. Such programs may be
particularly beneficial in assuring that an organization is
adequately prepared for an external audit by a third party.
Other benefits can include lowering costs and expenses,
finding and correcting problems, and identifying
improvements.
This workshop describes internal audit techniques and
applications. Key differences from traditional external
audits are emphasized. Course attendees will be able to:
- apply the basic
underlying principles of auditing for both technical and
management systems audits to internal audits,
- design and develop the
steps, resources, and authorities necessary to plan and
implement an internal audit program,
- apply the process of
planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on
individual internal management and technical audits, and
- recognize and apply
the personal attributes, knowledge and skills, work
experience, and audit experience necessary for internal
auditors.
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