Overview The concept of quality management has become increasingly significant for many National Oceanographic Data Centres to meet national and international competency standards for delivery of data products and services. The IODE is developing a Quality Management Framework for NODCs that includes the implementation of technical standards and quality management systems which will lead to the accreditation of NODCs.   This training workshop provides an introduction for NODCs and ADUs involved in 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 describe the importance of quality for oceanographic data - To introduce the ISO 9000 series of standards - To provide a description of a Quality Management System - To discuss the requirements of a quality manual - To describe accreditation process for NODCs This is a practical workshop. The participants will work in teams to complete workshop exercises on each topic to reinforce learning and understanding of the requirements for a quality management system and the IODE accreditation for NODCs. 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. Course language Pre-requisites: - Working knowledge of English A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all successful students. Further Info: IOC Manuals and Guides 67: IODE Quality Management Framework for National Oceanographic Data Centres (http://www.iode.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=12465)

Interested candidates can register for the course by submitting the following documents: - Application form - short CV - Endorsement letter from NODC/ADU stating the organisation's commitment to implement a quality management system and to submit it for IODE accreditation. - copy of passport Both full- and co-sponsoring is available for a limited number of participants from developing countries only. Sponsored participants will receive one or a combination of the following cost items: 1) air ticket, 2) living and accommodation support, 3) tuition fee and 4) medical insurance. The selection of participants who will be sponsored will take into consideration: - Applicant country’s development status (preference will be given to LIFDCs) - Endorsement of the candidate’s application by his/her employer - Expected impact of the training for the applicants’ institution - Possibility of any co-sponsorship Note that a tuition fee of 200 Euros applies (cost recovery basis). Complete applications should be sent by e-mail directly to the OceanTeacher Global Academy Coordinator within the deadline (11 October 2015). Please send all the documentation together (one email).