Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to assess both internal and external issues that could impact the effectiveness of their Quality Management System (QMS).

Clause Reference:

Clause 4.1 – Understanding the Organization and Its Context states that organizations must determine external and internal issues that affect their ability to achieve intended results.

Internal issues include:

Knowledge within the organization (documented or undocumented)

Organizational culture

Resource availability

Technological advancements

Infrastructure and capabilities

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Knowledge (Clause 7.1.6) is a critical internal factor that directly affects the implementation and maintenance of a QMS.

Organizations must identify, maintain, and make available the necessary knowledge to achieve quality objectives and meet customer requirements.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Social and economic environments) ? These are considered external issues rather than internal.

B (Competitive environment) ? Competition is external, not an internal issue affecting the QMS.

D (Expectations of suppliers) ? Supplier expectations relate to external interested parties, covered under Clause 4.2 (Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties).

? Clause Reference – ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.6 (Release of Products and Services):

ISO 9001 requires that products and services are not released to the customer until:

All planned verification activities have been completed.

Acceptance criteria have been met.

Any necessary approvals have been obtained.

In this scenario:

The sacrificial anodes for Project DK were shipped before the galvanic efficiency test results were analyzed.

This constitutes a nonconformity against Clause 8.6 because the products were released without completing the required tests.

? Option Analysis:

A. A retrospective concession was not sought from the customer once the test results had been approved by the Quality Manager:Incorrect. While obtaining a concession might mitigate the situation, the nonconformity pertains to the process failure of releasing the products without completing required tests, not the absence of a concession.

B. Release of the product without acceptable test results has been accepted by the customer for Project DK:Incorrect. The customer was not informed before the release, and there is no indication that this was accepted beforehand. Furthermore, ISO 9001 requires planned processes to be followed, regardless of later acceptance.

C. Products for Project DK have been released before product approval through the quality control process:Correct. This description accurately reflects the nonconformity. The quality control process required test results to be analyzed and verified before release, which did not happen.

D. The untested product was not recalled until the galvanic efficiency of the anodes was verified:Incorrect. The issue is not about recalling the product but about releasing it without completing the required tests. Recalling the product is not mentioned in the scenario.

? Why C is Correct:

The nonconformity is a clear breach of Clause 8.6, where the products were released without meeting the planned verification requirements.

This demonstrates a failure in adhering to quality control processes, which is a critical aspect of ISO 9001 compliance.

? Key ISO 9001 Reference:

Clause 8.6: Products and services shall not be released to the customer until all planned activities (e.g., testing) have been satisfactorily completed, or the customer has approved the release with knowledge of deviations.

The quality system failed to control the laundry services provided for customers in five shops. The equipment used was not capable of consistently producing the required service.