What is the French Language Special Interest Group (SIG)?

This is a special group for French-speaking people interested in TL 9000 and QuEST Forum. The French Language SIG is a “Community of Practice” – people who want to increase their knowledge of TL 9000 through regular interaction and also promotes adoption of TL 9000, best practices, and business excellence models in the local telecommunications industry. The group meets regularly and brings in speakers or holds round-table discussions on topics of common interest.
 
People

• The French Language SIG is a volunteer organisation and requires committed people drive it, normally from within the QuEST Forum EMEA Region Leadership Team. The contact list is maintained by the QuEST Forum EMEA Region secretary, with support from member representatives based in French speaking countries, to provide contacts to be including in the distribution.
• The SIG owns it’s goals and objectives, as well as maintaining the following key roles:
• Chair – appointed/elected to lead meetings and serve as point of contact for the SIG
• Secretary – add new members to group (for electronic communication), distribute meeting notices and maintain attendance records
• Optional positions include a Vice Chair (to assist the Chair)

Planning

• Meeting Space – The French Language SIG uses a few regular meeting places to help with attendance. Meetings are hosted wherever possible by a QuEST Forum member organisation, although alternative locations may include space from a college or non-profit agency willing to providing a room and refreshments. A key requirement is that the meeting room has or can accommodate audio/visual equipment.
• Meeting schedule– Dates are chosen that do not conflict with other telecom or quality events happening locally, but will often compliment or attach to QuEST Forum EMEA Region workshops. Although bi-annual meetings are planned for the French Language SIG, meetings may occasionally need to be moved. The time frame (morning, evening, etc.) is determined by consensus of the members.
• Meeting topics – Communications and publicity are easier if meeting topics are determined in advance. The group agrees topics of interest; and once determined, looks for appropriate speakers, preferably experts and leaders. If there is someone in another city known for speaking on a particular topic, the chair will see if they are in the area at a time that coincides with a SIG meeting.
• Logistics – the meeting host, chair and secretary are responsible for ensuring that rooms are ready for the meeting, including checking for anything needed – computer, mouse, projector, screen, extension cord, etc. The SIG secretary maintains a roster with regular attendee names on it that people initial, with space on it for guests or newcomers. The chair and secretary may use surveys to obtain feedback from attendees after meetings.

Communication

• Email – The French Language SIG uses an email account for main communications; normally the emea@questforum.org account that can be identified with the region, but, by exception, the email account of the Chair or Secretary of the SIG.
• Web page – The QuEST Forum EMEA web page facilitates communication about the SIG and other regional events. It also provides a vehicle for people wishing to join the SIG and subscribe to its mailing list, and is managed via the QuEST Forum EMEA Leadership Team.