Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
14.4.3 ISO Certification
The acronym ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardiza-
tion. It is the largest international organization for standardization. Founded
in 1947, the ISO developed standards to cover many different industry sec-
tors (ISO, 2014). Today, it comprises the national standardization bodies of
148 countries. The ISO certification procedures are followed by 2981 technical
corporate bodies (technical committees, subcommittees, working groups, and
study groups). In Greece, the ISO is represented by the Greek Organization for
Standardization.
There are more than 14,000 international standards of the ISO, and among
them is the ISO 9000 series, which includes standards related to the creation
(development) and implementation of quality management for organizations of
all types.
In the area of education, international standardization helps bring technologi-
cal, economical, and societal benefits altogether. It helps the harmonization of edu-
cational products and services, thus fostering sustainability and social welfare. A
lot of systematic work has been done in different areas, such as the repository of
resources and teaching materials, good practices, and cooperation between differ-
ent educational institutions and bodies. As we noted in Section 14.2, it is a com-
mon belief that standardization can be the starting point of resurgent innovation
(Blind & Gauch, 2008).
A common standard in education is ISO 9001:2008, which is strongly focused
on the continuous improvement of overall performance and efficiency of an orga-
nization, aiming to serve the needs and expectations of its stakeholders in the best
manner. The ISO 9001:2008 is based on applying a continuous improvement
cycle (the Deming cycle) consisting of four distinct parts: “plan-do-check-act”
(Deming & Edwards, 1982). It is applicable to educational organizations as well.
To anticipate and accept results in the area of vocational education and train-
ing, Greece has created a national, statutory coordination point for qualifications
named EOPPEP (2012). This organization develops and implements the National
Accreditation and Certification System for nonformal education (including initial
and continuing adult education) and provides scientific support, vocational guid-
ance, and counseling services in Greece. Among its principal fields of activity and
responsibility are the accreditation of providers of nonformal education (institutes,
teacher profiles, etc.), the development of national qualifications framework (e.g.,
Europass), and the certification of personnel and the career development for youth
and adults.
14.4.4 Employment of the eGov Tool
According to the United Nations, the term governance includes laws and proce-
dures through which the state, individuals, and social groups promote their views
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