Oxebridge has learned that the ASQ headquarters in Milwaukee WI had attempted to scuttle a planned presentation by Oxebridge founder Christopher Paris on the troubled development run-up to ISO 9001:2015 and the controversial approach to risk management, called “risk based thinking.” Emails show that the ASQ main office acted on behalf of the “leadership” of the US Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC 176, the committee responsible for development of ISO 9001 and the invention of risk-based thinking.
In November 2013, Mr. Paris launched an international speaking tour called “Risky Business: Surviving the Future of ISO 9001:2015.” The first event was held in Lima Peru and subsequent events were held across the United States, mostly at ASQ Sections, but also for private companies, with additional events for the US Air Force, NASA and the US Marine Corps. In November 2014, Oxebridge gave its final presentation to ASQ Section 300 in New York City.
Prior to the NYC event, ASQ Standards Manager Jennifer Admussen contacted Section 300 leadership by phone and requested that the section use one of their pre-determined speakers, from the pool of active TAG 176 members or leaders. Ms. Admussen was concerned that Mr. Paris was misrepresenting his role with TC 176, by claiming to be a “former member of the US TAG.” Sources tell Oxebridge that the ASQ Section requested the concern be documented, and Ms. Admussen then reiterated the concern in an email dated October 17. In that email, Ms. Admussen implied suspicion over Mr. Paris’ credentials, by falsely claiming “[Paris] was a member back in 2004-2005 but hasn’t been a member since that time.” Ms. Admussen also wrote that “the leadership of TAG 176 wanted to let you know that he does not represent TAG 176 or the views of the TAG. “
Contrary to the claim, Christopher Paris was a formal member of the US TAG between 2004 through 2007, and at no time did any Oxebridge materials claim otherwise, nor did Mr. Paris ever claim to be speaking on behalf of the TAG. He continues to be an adviser to active members of the US TAG, as well as TC members throughout the world.
Ms. Admussen then suggested that Mr. Paris be replaced with a speaker more palatable to the TAG: “As we get closer to the expected publication date (September 2015) and you have any questions related to the revision or are looking for a speaker who is a TAG member, you can feel free to contact me.” She then went on to direct the Section 300 leaders to an official ASQ set of talking points and slides on the subject. The materials avoid critical discussion of ISO 9001, and are instead entirely promotional.
Approved Speakers Cash In
The US TAG leadership, along with top TC 176 representative for ISO 9001 Nigel Croft, are all appearing at the upcoming ISO 9000 Conference, which charges a $1,000 admission fee. The Oxebridge speaking events were held for free, or for ASQ-sponsored events, a minimal fee of about $25 was charged by ASQ; none of the revenue went back to Oxebridge or speaker Paris.
Mr. Paris has been critical of the US TAG leadership, specifically Jack West and Lorri Hunt, for “profiteering” from their involvement in standards development, and for having “personal financial interests which lead them to block participation by others, in order to maintain their income.” Both Ms. Hunt and Mr. West have written previous books on ISO 9001, using their credentials as a selling point, and are expected to release books on ISO 9001:2015 shortly.
Both Ms. Hunt and Mr. West are Organizing Committee members of American Quality Institute, which presents the annual ISO 9000 conference. ASQ typically co-sponsors the event.
In 2011, Ms. Hunt and Mr. West gave speeches at another $1,000 per-ticket event on the new coming 2015 standard, even though ISO had just announced that it was still determining the direction for the revision and that no serious work had begun on it.
In 2014 Mr. Paris chastised TAG “ethics expert” Paul Palmes, for representing the TAG at an event hosted by G31000, a provider of unaccredited “risk manager” certifications. Palmes stepped in to replace planned speaker Dr. Karen Hardy, the senior White House advisor on risk management, after she dropped out due to concerns over G3100’s lack of accreditation, evidence of plagiarism by its founder and dubious marketing tactics.
ISO Technical Management Board member Susan LK Briggs also spoke at G31000 event, and recently joined registrar NQA for their “ISO 9001:2015 Transition Roadshow” which charges up to $600 a head. Ms. Briggs is also scheduled to attend the ISO 9000 Conference.
Sources tell Oxebridge that another TAG member may have blocked speaking engagements in the Los Angeles area, although this has not been independently confirmed and is being investigated for possible legal action.
TAG representative Sidney Vianna of registrar DNV openly boasted on LinkedIn of having banned Mr. Paris from participation in online debates. Mr. Vianna was upset after Oxebridge exposed comments he made online that called standards user feedback “moronic” and that “too much democracy and openness can kill standards development.”
In 2005, Mr. Paris was shouted down from the podium by then-TAG Chair Jack West for asking incoming Chair Alka Jarvis to present her vision of management for the TAG before she was elected. Mr. Paris had raised concerns over the election process, specifically that Ms. Jarvis had been hand-picked by a closed door “nominating committee,” that she was running unopposed, and the TAG did not allow sufficient time for any competing candidacy. Ms. Hunt said that TAG “bylaws” did not require Ms. Jarvis to say anything prior to being unanimously elected. Mr Paris estimated by head count that there was insufficient attendance to form a quorum for the vote, but it was held anyway, and Ms. Jarvis was appointed Chair.
Mr. Paris has since said that he believes Ms. Jarvis was selected as a “silent seatholder” for West, allowing him to continue to control the US TAG beyond his term limit, because she would not challenge his decisions nor publish competing books on ISO 9001. West continues to represent the US at TC 176 meetings, and Ms. Jarvis has not written any competing publications on ISO 9001.
Much Ado About Nothing
Ironically, the “Risky Business” presentation was supportive of the US TAG, and its defense of American interests in voting against the latest DIS of the standard. According to Mr. Paris, “the presentation was mildly critical of the general TC 176, with most of its criticism aimed at the ISO Technical Management Board.” Mr. Paris argues that the TMB created an impossible scenario for TC 176, forcing it to rush a poorly-crafted early draft through the approval stages without proper consideration of user feedback or TC 176 member comments, in order to meet arbitrarily set “dashboard” goals for reducing standards development time. The presentation made no mention at all of the US TAG or its leaders, nor of ASQ, who Oxebridge has strongly supported.
The full slides of the Risky Business presentation maybe downloaded here.
Christopher Paris is the founder and VP Operations of Oxebridge. He has over 35 years’ experience implementing ISO 9001 and AS9100 systems, and helps establish certification and accreditation bodies with the ISO 17000 series. He is a vocal advocate for the development and use of standards from the point of view of actual users. He is the writer and artist of THE AUDITOR comic strip, and is currently writing the DR. CUBA pulp novel series. Visit www.drcuba.world
