This article describes the Gironacel[R] project--a virtual learning environment produced by the University of Girona. The purpose of this tool is to make it easier for students studying quality management courses within engineering schools to understand what the "quality culture" is and how to implement the ISO 9001:2000 standard in a very practical way. The tool creates a fictitious virtual company, called Gironacel[R], that is used as an example. The original aim was to provide companies using the tool with all kinds of information concerning the challenges that the Gironacel[R] company faces during its evolution--and all the difficulties and consequences that come with these challenges. In this paper we explain how this new tool was designed and implemented. We also outline the nature of the results that we expect to gain from its use. (Contains 4 figures and 1 table.)