Overcoming barriers to integrated management systems via developing guiding principles using G-AHP and F-TOPSIS

Abstract

Implementing Integrated Management Systems (IMS) has become a prerequisite for transforming businesses into more competitive and sustainable enterprises. However, the various barriers impede the effective implementation of IMS. Although prior studies have associated several barriers with implementation, they neither elaborate on the degree to which these barriers hinder integration nor offer any strategies to overcome them. To fill this gap in the literature, this study offers a systematic decision-making framework to prioritize barriers and develop various guiding principles to overcome them. First, we conducted a literature review to identify twenty-three sub-barriers nested in five main barrier categories of Resources & Assets, Employees, Implementation, Financial, and Organization Culture. The literature review also helped us to develop fifteen guiding principles. Next, we employed the Grey Analytical Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) method to prioritize barriers and sub-barriers. Finally, the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS) is used to evaluate the guiding principles for sustainable implementation of IMS. The results of the G-AHP method reveal “Resources & Assets”, “Employees”, and “Implementation” as the most critical IMS barriers. Besides, the results of the F-TOPSIS method show that “Encourage standardization of processes”, “Standardize organizational practices and concepts”, and “Engage employees in IMS development” are the most feasible guiding principles to overcome the IMS barriers. Finally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to check the robustness of the results. The contributions of this study help managers and policymakers overcome the barriers of IMS integration while simultaneously fostering sustainability through the implementation of guiding principles.