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\u00a0development run-up to ISO 9001:2015 and the controversial approach to risk management, called “risk based thinking.” Emails\u00a0show 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.<\/p>\n
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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\u00a0US Marine Corps. In November 2014, Oxebridge gave its final presentation to ASQ Section 300 in New York City.<\/p>\n
Prior to the NYC event, ASQ Standards Manager\u00a0Jennifer 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\u00a0over Mr. Paris’ credentials, by falsely\u00a0claiming “[Paris]\u00a0was a member back in 2004-2005 but hasn\u2019t been a member since that time.”<\/em> Ms. Admussen also wrote that “the\u00a0leadership of TAG 176 wanted to let you know that he does not represent TAG 176 or the views of the TAG. “<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.” \u00a0<\/em>She then went on to direct the Section 300 leaders to an official ASQ\u00a0set of talking points and slides on the subject.\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0The materials avoid critical discussion of ISO 9001, and are instead entirely promotional.<\/p>\n Approved Speakers Cash In<\/strong><\/p>\n 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. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Both Ms. Hunt and Mr. West are Organizing Committee members of American Quality Institute, which presents the annual ISO 9000 conference.\u00a0ASQ typically co-sponsors the event.<\/p>\n In 2011, Ms.\u00a0Hunt and Mr.\u00a0West gave\u00a0speeches at another $1,000 per-ticket event\u00a0<\/a>on the new coming 2015 standard, even though ISO had just announced that it was\u00a0still determining the direction for the revision and that no serious work had begun on it.<\/p>\n In 2014 Mr. Paris chastised TAG “ethics expert” Paul Palmes, for representing the TAG at an event hosted by G31000<\/a>, 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<\/a> over G3100’s lack of accreditation, evidence of plagiarism by its founder<\/a>\u00a0and dubious marketing tactics<\/a>.<\/p>\n ISO Technical Management Board member Susan LK Briggs also spoke at G31000 event, and recently joined registrar NQA<\/a> for their “ISO 9001:2015 Transition Roadshow” which charges up to $600 a head. Ms. Briggs is also scheduled to attend the ISO\u00a09000 Conference.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"isoconference\"](\"http:\/\/www.oxebridge.com\/emma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/isoconference1.jpg\")
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