Which item should be included in the audit program?

The inclusion of auditing methods in the audit program is essential as it outlines the specific approaches and techniques that will be deployed to conduct the audits effectively. These methods provide a structured framework for assessing compliance with the Quality Management System and ISO 9001 requirements. They can encompass various strategies such as interviews, document reviews, process observations, and performance evaluations, ensuring that the audits are thorough and systematically address all necessary aspects of the QMS.

Incorporating the auditing methods into the audit program also promotes consistency and reliability in the auditing process, allowing for better comparisons and evaluations over time. It ensures that auditors are aligned with the best practices and requirements set forth in the ISO standards, enabling them to gather relevant evidence that informs conclusions about the effectiveness of the QMS.

Other options, while relevant to different aspects of audit management, do not provide the same level of direct impact on the execution of the audit itself. The mandatory steps define processes but don’t necessarily guide the specific nature of the audits. Contact persons are important for coordination but irrelevant to the methodological approach during the audit. Resumes may provide background on the auditors but do not influence the mechanics of the auditing process. Thus, outlining the audit methods is a foundational element that enhances the overall effectiveness and integrity of