Kuwait City, October 5th 2010: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), the state-owned entity responsible for Kuwait's hydrocarbon interests, announced that its Services Department has achieved the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certification with the assistance of Protiviti Member Firm (Middle East) Region (Protiviti). Protiviti supported KPC by recommending and implementing process improvements to meet the ISO standards. These were then assessed by an independent body which resulted in these processes qualifying with 100% pass mark. 

"We have undertaken extensive preparations to complete the ISO certification process and we are very heartened at the results of our efforts. The ISO certification is a commendable achievement for KPC and its employees, demonstrating an organizational commitment to quality-of-service standards" said Mr. Ahmad Al Gharib, Manager of Services Department at KPC.

This certification attained by KPC recognizes that systems have been put in place that promote efficient management control, improved process efficiency, productivity and quality consistency, employee satisfaction, staff morale and motivation, enhanced internal communications, supplier control and above all international recognition for service quality.

The ISO 9001:2008 standard specifies Quality Management System (QMS) requirements focused on the organization's ability to meet and improve upon service delivery and quality requirements. Protiviti managed the process in a structured and concise manner to position KPC for the ISO 9001 certification.

As part of the certification process, Protiviti developed the QMS Manual for KPC.  The manual outlines policies and procedures necessary to establish a base to maintain and improve service quality on a regular, quantifiable and demonstrable basis. They also delivered training sessions for the Services Department team members on ISO 9001 and internal audit procedures.

Andrew North, Managing Director of Protiviti added "To achieve a 100% pass with zero defaults is truly outstanding and a testament to the good work and commitment by the Services Department project team and employees of KPC".

Protiviti has several years of ISO experience and has successfully completed more than 40 ISO implementations in the GCC region assisting organizations that pursue the strategic use of quality to achieve a competitive edge and management excellence. The spectrum of ISO advisory services offered by Protiviti includes ISO standards consultancy, gap analysis, design and documentation of processes, implementation and training on different ISO standards, public and in-house training courses, maintenance and upgrading of existing systems, six sigma consultancy and training and pre-certification assessment.

Protiviti is currently supporting the Information Technology Department at KPC to attain ISO 27001 and ISO 20000 certifications for the Information Security Management System.

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About Kuwait Petroleum Corporation 
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is fully owned by the State of Kuwait. Its diverse business interests encompass all aspects of the hydrocarbon industry, from onshore and offshore upstream exploration through production and refining, marketing, and retailing petrochemicals, as well as, marine transportation.

The Services Department manages and controls procurement and contracts, maintenance of the KPC office premises and utilities, office supplies, and other services provided to employees.   

About Protiviti Member Firm (Middle East) Region
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global business consulting and internal audit firm composed of experts specializing in risk, advisory and transaction services. The firm helps solve problems in finance and transactions, operations, technology, litigation, governance, risk, and compliance. Protiviti's highly trained, results-oriented professionals provide a unique perspective on a wide range of critical business issues for clients in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

Protiviti serves clients in the Middle East region through its Member Firm.  Protiviti Member Firms are regional risk consulting providers who jointly provide services with Protiviti. This combination of global and local expertise delivers to companies the highest level of service and solutions for identifying, measuring and managing the risks that challenge their business objectives.

As a global company, Protiviti has 60 locations worldwide and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half International is a member of the S&P 500 index.  

For more information, please contact:
Amna Al Jarery/ Sara Al Saleh
Action Kuwait
+965 2491 5616
+965 9737 5161
Amna.j@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2010