Market Analysis Tools and Services - UNCTAD Virtual Institute

15
Analysis and Comparison of Standards
A common taxonomy was developed to classify compliance policies:
Compliance at principle level: Compliance to the standard requirement is
assessed based on a general principle – e.g. « …the production unit shall
not drain waste water to the river...”
Compliance at indicator/criterion level: Compliance to the standard
requirement is assessed based on measurable indicators or criterion – e.g.
« …workers shall be paid extra hours, a minimum of 20% more than the fee
rate applied for normal work hours... »
16
Analysis and Comparison of Standards
A common taxonomy was developed classify assessment methods :
Pass or Fail: This method is black and white: one may pass or fail, hence
not become certified or be suspended from certification. Corrective actions
may be taken depending on the standard.
Threshold: Compliance to the standard requirement is assessed based on a
specific objective to be met, which is made explicit in the standard document.
Scoring: Compliance to the standard requirement is assessed based on a
scoring system against which auditors are working.
Traffic light system: Compliance to the standard requirement is based on
traffic light set of indicators: « Red » / « Orange » / « Green » that indicate
good or bad practices and provide guidance to improve business practices
over time.