The IODE maintains a global network of National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC) and Associate Data Units (ADU) responsible for the collection, quality control, archive and online publication of many millions of ocean observations. The concept of quality management has become increasingly significant for these centres to meet national and international competency standards for delivery of data products and services. The IODE Quality Management Framework encourages NODCs and ADUs to implement a quality management system which will lead to the accreditation.

This training workshop provides an introduction for NODCs and ADUs to the development, implementation and management of a Quality Management System which will assist in the adoption of comprehensive management practices and increased confidence in the quality of their data, products and services.

Aims and Objectives

• To introduce the IODE Quality Management Framework
• To introduce the ISO 9000 series of standards
• To provide a description of a Quality Management System
• To describe the importance of quality management for oceanographic data
• To describe the accreditation process for NODCs and ADUs

This is a practical workshop. The participants will work in teams to complete workshop exercises for each topic to reinforce learning and understanding of the requirements for a quality management system and the IODE accreditation requirements for NODCs and ADUs.

• By the end of the course, the learners are expected to:
• Understand key steps needed to implement a Quality Management System
• Describe how the principles of quality management are demonstrated in a successful QMS
• Understand the IODE Accreditation Requirements for NODCs and ADUs

Instructors

Greg Reed. Chair, Steering Group for the IODE Quality Management Framework

Lesley Rickards. Emeritus Fellow, British Oceanographic Data Centre / Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level, National Oceanography Centre

Mark Hebden. British Oceanographic Data Centre

Marte Strømme. Senior Engineer, NMD, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen

Rob Thomas. European Data Management Project Team Leader, Ocean Science and Information Systems, Marine Institute Headquarters, Galway

Target Audience

Course participation is restricted to representatives of NODCs and ADUs. Applicants must include an endorsement letter from their institution stating their commitment to work towards IODE accreditation of their data centre. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their organization's workflow and processes.

NOTE: UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore, applications from women are strongly encouraged.

OTGA is offering sponsorship to the participants (flight, hotel and breakfast, lunch dring the training days and transport in Belgium). Dinner  and any other expenses can't be covered.

Language of instruction:

English

Course Pre-requisites

• Good working knowledge of English is required

A certificate of participation will be issued to all successful students (90% attendance to the classroom course mandatory).

Duration and format

20 hours, face-to-face

Application process:

• Please fill the online application form: https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/zijuzy71btjhjh/
• No tuition fee applies. A limited number of fellowships is available.

Contact:

• OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org

In case of questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat always using the name of the course as email subject.

Cancellation policy:

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.