DQM Core Units
Quality Audit glossary
Every term this guide defines, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it. Open it when a word in a question is unfamiliar, and test yourself on it in the last week: cover the definition and say it in one sentence.
12 terms from the free first chapter
A
- Audit plan
The detailed plan for one specific audit, its scope, criteria, schedule and team.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- Audit programme
The organisation's overall schedule of audits over a period, covering every process or area in rotation.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- Auditee
The organisation, process or person being audited, expected to provide access and evidence.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- Auditor
Gathers evidence and evaluates it against the audit criteria.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
F
- Financial resources
Budget covering auditor time, travel and any external certification costs.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- First-party (internal) audit
Conducted by, or on behalf of, the organisation itself, for internal purposes.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
H
- Human resources
Competent auditors, and staff to support and be interviewed during the audit.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
L
- Lead auditor
Manages the audit team and takes overall responsibility for the audit.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
S
- Second-party audit
Conducted by a party with an interest in the organisation, a customer auditing its supplier.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
T
- Technical expert
Provides specialist knowledge the audit team itself may not hold.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- Technology, hardware and software
Tools for planning, recording and reporting the audit.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
- Third-party audit
Conducted by an independent body, typically for certification against a standard.
Taught in Planning a quality audit
The full glossary adds every term from the other 3 chapters, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it.