Author: Maria Birse

5 Tips for Businesses & Employers Struggling to Find a Quality Assurance Professional

Introduction The world of quality assurance can often feel like a maze of acronyms: ISO 9001: 2015, ISO/IEC 17025: 2017, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 13485:2016, ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2018, AS9100, AS4801:2001, and AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015. For businesses and employers, it is common to prioritise candidates with experience in specific standards. However, true excellence in quality assurance it is […]

Decoding QA vs. QC: Not Just Answering Questions (Q&A)

Demystifying Quality Assurance (QA) The world relies on countless products to function smoothly. Years ago, I was a research and development chemist in a laboratory producing web offset inks for the newspaper industry. I am going to use this experience as an illustrative example to showcase the concepts of Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), […]

3 Success Stories: How Technical Writers Can Slash Costs & Boost Brand Image

In this blog post, discover how three successful companies used technical writers to cut costs and enhance their brand. 1. IKEA Assembly Manuals While IKEA isn’t a single success story, it’s a well-known example of how technical writing can impact a business. Their furniture assembly manuals, known for their clear visuals and minimal text, have […]

Tender Opportunities: 5 Different Types of Projects You Should Know About

Are you on the lookout for new business opportunities? Tenders are a great way to secure contracts and expand your business ventures. From government projects to private sector initiatives, there are a multitude of tenders currently available across various industries. Here are five examples of tenders that are currently open for submissions: These tenders present […]

Unleash Your Inner Cyberhero: ISO’s Double Punch for SMEs

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on for businesses. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their perceived lack of resources and understanding. Here’s where leveraging two powerful standards, ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022, can be a game-changer.  What are ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO/IEC […]

5 Examples of Success & Struggle in Grant & Tender Pursuits

The Rollercoaster Ride of Grant Applications: Triumphs, Tears, and Tenacity  The world of grants and tenders can feel like a high-stakes lottery – applications fly out the door, but only a select few secure funding. But behind the cold statistics lies a human story, a narrative woven from triumphs, tears, and unwavering tenacity. In “Grant […]

Uncovering Truths: 3 Stories of Dispelling Myths in Grant and Tender Writing

Grant and tender writing often comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. These myths can cloud our judgment, hinder our progress, and even prevent us from achieving success in securing funding for our projects. However, by shedding light on these misconceptions and sharing stories of real experiences, we can dispel these myths once […]

5 REASONS TO EMBRACE MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION

The significance of cybersecurity for small businesses cannot be emphasised enough. As businesses continue to depend on online platforms, the importance of strong security measures becomes crucial. One key defence mechanism is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is part of the Essential Eight Mitigation Strategies developed by Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). In this blog, I’m going […]

6 Reasons for Cybersecurity Awareness in Small & Micro Businesses

In today’s digital age, small and microbusinesses are facing a growing risk of cyber threats. It is imperative for these enterprises to prioritise cybersecurity awareness to protect their operations, data, and reputation. In the financial year 2022-23, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) responded to over 1,100 cyber security incidents from Australian entities. Separately, nearly 94,000 […]