The philosophy of accreditation is discussed in a paper commissioned by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for a project on "Rethinking Accreditation." After defining accreditation and distinguishing it from assessment, evaluation and "meta-evaluation" are discussed, including the nature of accreditation in…

Quality circles may be regarded as a form of organizational intervention strategy to enhance productivity and product quality through employee participation. Operationally, small groups of individual employees voluntarily meet regularly to (1) identify problems relating to productivity and product quality, (2) discuss them, (3) identify and…

In four sections, this document reports on the activities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which provides audit, investigation, fraud detection and prevention, and certain security services to the U.S. Department of Education. Section 1 presents data on OIG audit activities, money recovered or saved, and the problem of unresolved audits,…

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), mandated to provide audit, investigation, fraud detection and prevention, and some security services to the U.S. Department of Education, presents its third semi-annual report in this document. OIG audit activities are recounted in the first section, which details audit accomplishments and highlights audits…

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) describes its provision of audit, investigation, fraud detection and prevention, and certain security services to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Audit activities are reviewed in the first section, which discusses audit accomplishments, OIG audits by government and independent auditors, audits on…

This second in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes the predominantly used leak test methods in nuclear power plants. More specifically, the module describes these test methods, the testing techniques, and the associated quality assurance requirements. The module follows a typical…

This fifth in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I explains the radiographic process, from radiation source selection to equipment and specimen selection and arrangement, and film processing. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

This sixth in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I explains radiographic inspection as a means of nondestructively examining components, assemblies, structures, and fabricated piping. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

This seventh in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes radiographic specifications and code requirements. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject…

This first in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes the role and responsbilities of the quality assurance/quality control technician in welding inspections. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This fourth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection discusses the nomenclature, symbols, and the purposes of most common joint designs, preparations, and fit-ups. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This sixth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes procedures review, process monitoring, and weld defect analysis. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject matter, (6)…

This ninth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes the purposes, essential elements, and application of a weld control program. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject…

This fourth in a series of eight modules for a course titled Mechanical Inspection describes the classifications of pipe and fittings, the types of connections used in the installation of piping systems, the typical marking schemes, the preinstallation and installation verifications, and the tests of the completed installation. The module follows…

This second in a series of eight modules for a course titled Quality Assurance Practices describes the quality assurance requirements for the qualification of suppliers, for evaluating subsequent supplier performance, and for accepting items or services furnished by the supplier. The module follows a typical format that includes the following…