"Gain a Competitive Edge by Preventing Recalls"

Trevor White and Renata Pomponi

Quality Progress

August 2003, pp. 41-49

The authors address the issue of re-calls by examining research on product stewardship, which "integrates regulatory compliance and health, safety and environmental considerations into product development and maintenance."

Four key components of product stewardship capability are identified:

1. Strategy—This includes demonstrated senior leadership; commitment of the necessary resources to implement and maintain safety, regulatory, environmental and health management practices
2. Organization—Elements here are a safety oriented culture; established goals and responsibilities; and teamwork across organizational boundaries
3. Processes—Included here are structured processes to integrate product safety, regulatory, environmental and health considerations into product development activities; best practices decision processes; and risk management and characteristics
4. Systems—This includes knowledge management systems and risk management systems

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