Figure 2. Implementation of the EQIPD Quality System (QS): From Core Requirements (CR) to assessment of a fully functional system.

The 18 CRs are the expectations formulated by EQIPD that serve as the starting point for implementing the QS. At any step during the implementation, the use of EQIPD tools is voluntary and serves only the purpose of making the implementation and maintenance of the QS easier. As the first step, unless such information is available from other sources, the research unit may consult with the Toolbox to obtain relevant research quality-related information. Once the necessary information is obtained, the research unit applies this knowledge and monitors the progress. This can be done using the Planning Tool, using alternative project management resources or even without any such tools. The Dossier is a repository of documents and information that are specific to the user’s research unit and that is organized according to a structure suggested by EQIPD (to keep all research quality-related information in one place and make it easily findable). However, the research unit may also opt to use its own way to store information. Finally, once the implementation is completed, the research unit may initiate an assessment to get feedback from experts outside of the research unit (either quality professionals within the same organization or a third party).