Appendix J: Sample Quality Management Charter

Scope:

It is the policy of the Management Information Service Organization to provide a SYSTEMS ASSURANCE function as an internal means of maintaining the quality and effectiveness of applications, facilities, and services provided by MIS.

A primary purpose of the Systems Assurance function is to assure that adequate MIS policies, standards, and guidelines exist and are followed in accordance with the company's strategic direction. The major emphasis is on the measuring and monitoring of the internal development and operational process at appropriate times ensuring quality systems and reduced business risk.

In defining the scope of Systems Assurance, the following should be highlighted:

1. The Systems Assurance function performs reviews from an internal MIS perspective primarily evaluating the installed systems development and methodology to assure through reviews that systems are being designed and implemented according to MIS policy, standards, and/or guidelines. Reviews of operational systems will determine the effectiveness of, and adherence to, policy and standards and design criteria related to overall controls and security features.

2. Systems Assurance reviews will frequently be conducted on MIS policies, procedures, standards, and/or operating guidelines without respect to a specific system. The internal coordination of these procedures and standards from one MIS group to another (i.e., Systems to D.P. Services) will be reviewed for effectiveness.