ESA to hold training course for industry and SMEs

The European space agency (ESA) is holding a training course on 'Materials and processes' for industry and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) at its space technology research centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands on 23 and 24 September.

ESA's industrial policy now includes active measures to encourage SMEs to participate in its technology programmes. This policy aim is implemented through ESA's SME Initiative, set up in 1999 to help SMEs access ESA programmes. This includes action to improve SMEs' technical skills and competencies through training courses and technical assistance.

The September course aims to provide participants with a basic understanding of the principles of quality management, assurance and control and how they can be applied to increase customer satisfaction and productivity. Topics will include:

- the role of management in setting quality objectives for an organisation;
- formal quality systems;
- quality in design;
- quality in manufacturing, integration, testing and storage;
- statistical methods.For further information, please consult the following web address:

http://www.estec.esa.nl/conferences/02C22/index.htm(opens in new window)