Management system

A management system is a set of policies, processes and procedures used by an organization to ensure that it can fulfill the tasks required to achieve its objectives.[1] These objectives cover many aspects of the organization's operations (including financial success, safe operation, product quality, client relationships, legislative and regulatory conformance and worker management). For instance, an environmental management system enables organizations to improve their environmental performance and an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) enables an organization to control its occupational health and safety risks, etc.

Many parts of the management system are common to a range of objectives, but others may be more specific.

A simplification of the main aspects of a management system is the 4-element "Plan, Do, Check, Act" approach. A complete management system covers every aspect of management and focuses on supporting the performance management to achieve the objectives. The management system should be subject to continuous improvement as the organization learns.

Elements may include:

• Leadership Involvement & Responsibility
• Identification & Compliance with Legislation & Industry Standards
• Employee Selection, Placement & Competency Assurance
• Workforce Involvement
• Communication with Stakeholders (others peripherally impacted by operations)
• Identification & Assessment of potential failures & other hazards
• Documentation, Records & Knowledge Management
• Documented Procedures
• Project Monitoring, Status and Handover
• Management of Interfaces
• Standards & Practices
• Management of Change & Project Management
• Operational Readiness & Start-up
• Emergency Preparedness
• Inspection & Maintenance of facilities
• Management of Critical systems
• Work Control, Permit to Work & Task Risk Management
• Contractor/Vendor Selection & Management
• Incident Reporting & Investigation
• Audit, Assurance and Management System review & Intervention