| Australian Market & Social Research Standard (AS ISO 20252) was published by Standards Australia in January 2007. Market and social research organizations are now encouraged to obtain certification. AS ISO 20252 The new International ISO standard for market, social and opinion research (AS ISO 20252) was published worldwide in May 2006. Australia was represented during the development of the standard, which was subsequently closely reviewed by the Australian Technical Committee. Australia has ratified the adoption of this new standard. AS ISO 20252 has become the Australian standard for our industry from 1 January 2007.
Accredited Australian companies will be able to confirm their commitment to quality assured processes in the international arena.
What does this really mean for standards in the Australian industry? - The Australian standard, AS4752 has evolved into the international standard.
Companies which have already achieved, or are in the process of gaining, AS4752 accreditation will be able to maintain and quote that standard until it would be due for major audit and renewal. They will need to maintain the review schedule and requirements.
- Companies wishing to gain the international standard will be able to apply for accreditation from 1 January 2007 and can book audits in advance by contacting the SAI Global www.sai-global.com and NCSI www.ncsi.com.au.
Getting the new Standard? The Standard can be purchased from SAI Global - www.sai-global.com Assessment and Certification Assessment and certification to AS ISO 20252 will be available from AMSRO approved certification bodies. Companies wishing to be assessed and certified to AS ISO 20252 will be able to seek price quotations from the AMSRO approved certification bodies. Fees will be typically charged at consultant day rates with the number of days related to the size of the company assessed and as per the assessment specification. The fees will include a small annual levy collected by the assessment bodies. For more information on assessment and certification please contact AMSRO Secretariat on: 02 9552 4618 amsro@amsro.com.au
What are the benefits of certification to AS ISO 20252? The adoption of consistent, standardised process in an AS ISO 20252 based Quality Management System can: - Puts your company on the world platform
- Reduces risk
- Increases efficiency and productivity
- Improves buyer confidence
- Increases loyalty & satisfaction
- Meets or exceeds best practice
- Improves product and service quality
- Improves corporate profile and competitive edge
- Increases opportunities for international business
- Assists in the protection of respondent privacy
- Demonstrates a commitment to internal standards
- Becomes a training platform for new employees
- Fosters a culture of quality / continuous improvement
- Increases value of your company
Additional benefits: - It can reduce waste
- It can streamline processes and avoid duplication
- It can minimise exposure to risk
- It can reduce staff turnover
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