Pass the PECB ISO 9001 ISO-9001-Lead-Auditor Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.3 (Roles and Responsibilities of Guides and Observers):

The auditee assigns a guide to assist the audit team.

The guide provides logistical support, helps with navigation, and arranges access to necessary personnel and records.

The audit team leader does not assign the guide, but they may request one.

According to the guidance on conducting the audit closing meeting1, the audit team leader should provide a summary of the audit findings and conclusions, invite discussions, and agree on timelines for any corrective actions. The audit team leader should also be respectful, constructive, and objective when presenting the nonconformities, and avoid any personal or emotional comments. The audit team leader should also consider the impact of the disruptive event (such as the Covid-19 pandemic) on the auditee’s context, interested parties, and risks2, and acknowledge any good practices or improvements observed during the audit. Therefore, option D is the best option, as it follows the best practices for the closing meeting and allows the auditee to understand the nonconformities and their implications, and to participate in the analysis and resolution of the issues. Option A is not correct, as it is not respectful, constructive, or objective, and it does not invite any discussion or feedback from the auditee. It also assumes that the audit team leader has the authority to recommend the removal of the supplier from the approved list, which may not be the case. Option B is not correct, as it does not provide enough information or explanation to the auditee, and it does not allow any discussion or feedback from the auditee. It also does not follow the best practices for the closing meeting, such as providing a summary of the audit, acknowledging any good practices, and agreeing on timelines for corrective actions. Option C is not correct, as it does not involve the other managers who are responsible for the functions or processes that were audited, and who may have valuable input or information to share. It also does not follow the best practices for the closing meeting, such as providing a summary of the audit, inviting discussions, and agreeing on timelines for corrective actions. References: 1: Conducting the Audit Closing Meeting: Sharing the Results2: Auditing ISO 9001:2015 in the Context of a Disruptive Event.

According to the ISO 9000:2015 quality management principles document1, risk-based approach is not one of the seven quality management principles that ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and other related quality management standards are based on. The seven quality management principles are:

Customer focus

Leadership

Engagement of people

Process approach

Improvement

Evidence-based decision making

Relationship management

Therefore, risk-based approach is not a quality management principle under ISO 9001:2015.

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.3.2, the audit plan is a document that provides the basis for agreement regarding the conduct of the audit. The audit plan should include the following information1:

•the audit objectives, scope and criteria

•the audit team members and their roles and responsibilities

•the audit schedule, including the date, time and location of each audit activity

•the expected time and duration of meetings and interviews

•the allocation of appropriate resources to critical areas of the audit

•the identification of the audit client and the auditee

•the identification of the guides and observers, if any

•the documents and records to be reviewed before and during the audit

•the audit methods and tools to be used

•the audit language and terminology

•the audit report content, format, distribution and expected completion date

•the risk to achieving audit objectives and the contingency plan, if any

Therefore, the issue which is not expected to be included in the audit plan is C, expectations of the organisation’s management. This issue is not relevant to the conduct of the audit, as the audit is based on the audit criteria, not on the management’s expectations. The management’s expectations may be considered during the audit initiation or the audit programme management, but they are not part of the audit plan.

To demonstrate top management’s leadership and commitment with respect to the quality management system, the following four actions would be indicative:

B. Briefing staff on the development of an improvement culture: This shows that top management is actively involved in promoting a culture of continuous improvement, which is a key aspect of the quality management system1.

C. Chairing management review meetings: By leading these meetings, top management demonstrates their involvement in the quality management system’s ongoing performance and commitment to its continual improvement1.

E. Investing time and money in corrective actions arising from nonconformities: This indicates that top management is committed to addressing issues and ensuring that the quality management system is effective and continually improving1.

G. Promoting the importance of following procedures: When top management emphasizes the importance of adherence to procedures, it reinforces the significance of the quality management system and its processes1.

These actions align with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, which emphasizes the need for top management to take accountability for the effectiveness of the quality management system and to promote a focus on continual improvement and customer satisfaction123. Approving company car budgets, conducting disciplinary meetings, and not attending the audit closing meeting do not directly demonstrate leadership and commitment to the quality management system1.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

An autocratic management style is characterized by:

Top management making all decisions without delegation.

Strict control over employees.

A lack of employee input in decision-making.

Centralized management (Answer C) refers to decision-making being concentrated at the top, but it does not necessarily imply strict control. Laissez-faire management (Answer B) allows employees high independence, which contradicts the scenario.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to ensure competence of personnel whose work affects quality performance.

Clause References:

Clause 7.2 – Competence: Organizations must determine, provide, and evaluate competence of employees performing work under the QMS.

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.6 – Audit Evidence: Auditors should use a combination of document review, interviews, and observation to verify competence.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

The organizational chart shows reporting structures and helps verify roles and responsibilities.

Job descriptions outline required qualifications, skills, and competencies for each role.

These documents provide objective audit evidence that personnel meet the required competencies for their positions.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Sufficient evidence) → Partially correct, but competence verification often requires multiple sources of evidence, including training records, certifications, and observations.

B (Not relevant) → Incorrect because verifying competence is crucial for ensuring effective QMS implementation.

D (Direct observation only) → Observation alone is insufficient; documentation and interviews are also required to confirm competence.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to measure and monitor customer perceptions to determine whether customer requirements are being met.

Clause Reference:

Clause 9.1.2 – Customer Satisfaction states that organizations must monitor customer perceptions using relevant methods such as customer surveys, feedback forms, and complaint analysis.

One of the most effective ways to do this is gap analysis, which identifies differences between customer expectations and actual service or product performance.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Gap analysis helps determine discrepancies between current performance and customer expectations, allowing organizations to improve quality.

It is a standard quality improvement tool used to assess customer satisfaction.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (PEST analysis) → Focuses on external macroeconomic factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) rather than customer satisfaction.

B (Market-share analysis) → Examines business performance relative to competitors, not customer perceptions.

D (Competitive benchmarking) → Involves comparing processes with competitors but does not directly monitor customer perceptions.