Continuous improvement training endorsed by Nic Sharman MSc, FIFST, RFoodSM, RPFAM
Nic has reviewed our continuous improvement eLearning courses and materials and has provided us with feedback based on her knowledge and expertise in this subject.
You can read more about Nic here.
The following continuous improvement training have been assessed by Nic:
- Understanding improvement and non-conformance actions: for accountable managers, non-conformance action system managers, staff responsible for completion of actions, the root cause analysis team, auditors, GMP inspectors, and staff involved in monitoring or handling non-conforming product.
- Managing the non-conformance action system: for staff who are responsible for managing the system.
- Identifying conformance and non-conformance: for staff who carry out monitoring exercises, such as internal auditors, GMP inspectors, laboratory staff, and QA’s.
- Completing root cause analysis: for staff who are accountable and responsible for the root cause analysis team and staff who are members of the team.
- Defining and completing corrective and preventive actions: for staff who are accountable and responsible for defining and also completing corrective and preventive actions.
- Verifying corrective and preventive actions: for staff who verify corrective or preventive actions.
- Managing the internal audit programme: suitable for staff who are responsible for managing the internal audit programme.
- Completing a GMP inspection: for staff who complete GMP inspections.
- Completing a system audit: for staff who carry out internal audits.
So what did Nic think of our continuous improvement training?
We asked Nic a few questions about our continuous improvement training, and here’s what she said…
Based on what you know of us as a business, how would you describe Techni-K?
Techni-k are a business you can trust who provide valuable, current information to support food business operators meet audit requirements. Their knowledge in food safety and integrity is industry leading which is demonstrated in the learning material they produce which is high quality and industry specific.
How well do you think that the courses explain this subject?
The series of courses within the topic of Continuous improvement all explain the topic well and have the same format for each module. They help the learner understand the GFSI requirements plus how to achieve the requirements.
Is the level of learning relevant to the specified roles?
Yes, the level of learning is suitable for anyone who is just starting to conduct audits or anyone looking for a refresher in the topic of continuous improvement.
What are your thoughts on the assessment questions?
The multiple choice questions are not always obvious, so will get the learner to really consider their answers. The smaller exercises can sometimes be a little confusing, its important that you read the potential answers clearly to get the correct answers – as it does not allow the learner to move on until they are correct, so could take some a while to complete.
Techni-K response: the answers to the exercises can now be found in the back of the downloadable lesson guide, which will assist the learner with progressing more easily if wanted.
What do you think of the quality of the training materials (interactive videos and lesson guides)?
The courses are very detailed and accurate, the lesson guides are good material to go back to look at for reference. Due to the nature of the topic, it requires the learner to know facts and be taught how to undertake each principle – therefore, the courses are less interactive and have lots of text and voice overs to learn the subject.
Are there any aspects of the courses in this subject that you would see as best practice?
The subjects really provide clarity on what the GFSI standards are looking for and then how to achieve the requirements. The tools provided in the modules will help any continuous improvement team. The approach used for Root Cause ‘Smart Analysis’ is very good, and helps the learner understand the process required to get to the root cause of a problem.
How does this course add value to the industry?
The courses allow the learner to be taught the theory and put learning into practice with the interactive activities used in the GMP and System audit modules. It was good for the learner to go through the process of identifying conformance and non-conformance and then later see what they could have missed in the remaining part of the course.
What would you improve?
Include more characters and bring the topic to life, by learning from how they interact, to learn how best to approach this subject in a real-life situation.
Is there anything that’s missing?
I have not identified anything that is missing from the subject area.
Are there any aspects in the courses that are not pitched at the right level?
No. The courses would suit anyone who is new to continuous improvement or looking for a refresher in the subject.
Are there any aspects of the course that are confusing or misleading?
The content of the courses in this subject are not confusing or misleading.
Meet Nic Sharman, MSc, FIFST, RFoodSM, RPFAM
Nic Sharman is a pragmatic professional with a MSc in Food Safety Management and nearly 30 years’ experience in the food industry, specialising in food safety and integrity technical compliance. She is an experienced and enthusiastic Factory Standards Manager with a demonstrated history of working in food manufacturing, catering and retail sectors. She has global experience as a food safety and integrity auditor with knowledge across all food and beverage categories.
Throughout her career she has conducted a variety of audits; GMP, system audits, factory approval and compliance audits. During her time at M&S she was responsible for developing the food safety and integrity manufacturing standards for all M&S suppliers. She also developed and implemented the corresponding food safety and integrity audits that were carried out by an independent audit company. As part of her role, she audited new suppliers to M&S to assess their safety, legality and quality systems were suitable to supply.
Now as an independent Nic audits factories for compliance to retailer requirements, GFSI standards and various targeted topics such as foreign body controls or management of Listeria.