Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices related to key negotiating Tactics.

Negotiation – Process or Event?

In fact, the negotiation should be considered as a process rather than an event, in turn, this highlights the importance of building relationships as a key driver to successful negotiations.

» Poor Negotiators will try to control the conversation attempting to sell their position to the other side.
» Good Negotiators will listen intently to understand red flags and develop appropriate responses.

Certain Parts will require special attention due to the size for example Aircraft Landing Gears and Engines. To ensure adequate inspection techniques are followed the following should be included.

a) Written procedures?

b) Internal quality audit procedures?

c) Signature procedures?

d) Procedures for checking for physical damage and defects?

e) Preservation procedures?

f) Procedures for quantities received controls?

g) Verification procedures for part/model/serial numbers?

h) Documentation matches part(s)/material(s) received?

Analytical Techniques (RCA Tools)

“Five Whys” Approach

The “five whys” approach. By using this approach, root cause contributors can be identified along with the antecedent events, and potential mitigation or prevention strategies can be suggested on the basis of the answers.

Once the initiating problem is specified, a consecutive series of “why” questions are asked, with each answer becoming the subject of the next question.

Note that with each response, not only does a deeper investigational dive occur, but opportunities for implementing mitigation strategies are highlighted.

Ishikawa Fishbone Diagrams

A fishbone diagram, which is essentially a cause and effect diagram provides for a graphic representation which categorises the potential causes related to a problem in order to identify the root causes.

Let’s consider the purpose and role of an EASA compliant Audit, and at the same time to consider how it differs from other types of Audit.

What the Audit is?

The Joint Airworthiness Authority (JAA) implemented and EASA continued the role of Quality Assurance (It should be noted that the one of the unique aspects of this role is the need to demonstrate independence from the function or activity).
A Quality Assurance Audit (Now referred to also as a Compliance Audit specifically looks at the organisations process and procedures with too primary objectives).
Firstly to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements and secondly to demonstrate also compliance with the company procedures.