Outline of the Structure of Documentation in Quality Manual

[Jim Wynne]

Well, he stated that the quality manual does not contain the outline of the structure, etc. (my emphasis). This, to me, would lead one to believe that there is a specific diagram outline or some other specific document....

Your QM includes a description of the structure that is not graphical, correct? Just ask the auditor to provide some rational basis for his apparent belief that "outline"="drawing." You may want to show him this, from the American Heritage Dictionary:

[SIZE=-1]NOUN:[/SIZE]1a. A line marking the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure. b. The shape of an object or figure. 2a. A style of drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading. b. A sketch done in this style. 3a. A general description covering the main points of a subject: an outline of American literature. b. A statement summarizing the important points of a text. c. A summary of a written work or speech, usually analyzed in headings and subheadings. 4. A preliminary draft or plan, as of a project or proposal.

 

[GStough]

Your QM includes a description of the structure that is not graphical, correct? :

Yes, that is correct. It is a statement that fits perfectly the definition of "outline" in 3b, according to the dictionary excerpt posted above.