Patent ID: 8000987
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: identifying a plurality of phases for an assessment and certification process for an identified plurality of quality models, the plurality of phases comprising: an internal preparation and pilot phase, a pre-external audit phase, an external audit phase and a post-external audit phase; determining a first same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the internal preparation and pilot phase for the identified plurality of quality models, wherein the plurality of quality models use the first same standard set of activities for conducting the internal preparation and pilot phase; determining a second same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the pre-external audit phase for the identified plurality of quality models, wherein the plurality of quality models use the second same standard set of activities for conducting the pre-external audit phase; determining a third same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the external audit phase for the identified plurality of quality models, wherein the plurality of quality models use the third same standard set of activities for conducting the external audit phase; determining a fourth same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the post-external audit phase for the identified plurality of quality models, wherein the plurality of quality models use the fourth same standard set of activities for conducting the post-external audit phase; identifying a first team to perform the first same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the internal preparation and pilot phase; identifying a second team to perform the second same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the pre-external audit phase; identifying a third team to perform the third same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the external audit phase; identifying a fourth team to perform the fourth same standard set of activities to be performed for conducting the post-external audit phase; identifying first cost elements and first cost drivers to be assigned to the first team conducting the internal preparation and pilot phase; identifying second cost elements and second cost drivers to be assigned to the second team conducting the pre-external audit phase; identifying third cost elements and third cost drivers to be assigned to the third team conducting the external audit phase; identifying fourth cost elements and fourth cost drivers to be assigned to the fourth team conducting the post-external audit phase; determining requirements for a particular assessment and certification project; and calculating a cost estimation from at least one of the first through fourth standard set of activities, the first through fourth cost elements, the first through fourth cost drivers, and the requirements, using a processor.