Quality Management System Certification Research Articles

Будущее качества и систем менеджмента качества

Objective Discussing the gap between the ISO 9001 requirements and the trend of modern management development. Methods abstractlogical correlation analysis. nbsp Results the authors analyzed the practice of quality management systems certification according to the requirements of the ISO 9001. The analysis has shown that this standard is not consistent with the trends of management in the 21 century because it lacks orientation to person systemic approach and understanding of variability. In addition one of the key problems of the ISO 9001 is a considerable bureaucracy in the quality management systems certification. To substantiate the inconsistency of the standard to contemporary reality the authors make an attempt to evaluate the impact of certification on the development indicators of countries and to determine the need for such certification. To conduct the assessment we analyze the dynamics of the number of the issued certificates in terms of countries and industries. Basing on the analysis we come to the conclusion about the permanent reduction in the growth rate of the number of certificates. Then we make the correlation analysis between the number of the issued certificates and the number of indicators of socioeconomic development in the same countries such as GDP education level index corruption perception index etc. The result was the conclusion about the absence of a significant relationship between these indicators thus we consider it inappropriate to continue the certification of quality management systems to comply with the ISO 9001 requirements. In conclusion we set out proposals for the way out of the situation. Scientific novelty the use of economicmathematical methods to justify the rejection of further certification according to ISO 9001. Practical significance the conclusions formulated by the authors can be used in practical activities of organizations when deciding about the need for certification in accordance with ISO 9001 or rejection of such certification.

Identyfikacja skali wdrażania certyfikowanych systemów zarządzania jakością w przedsiębiorstwach usługowych

Głównym celem artykułu jest zidentyfikowanie popularności certyfikowanych systemów zarządzania jakością w przedsiębiorstwach usługowych. Autor podejmuje próbę zdefiniowania systemów zarządzania jakością oraz oceny ich wpływu na zarządzanie jednostką. Część pierwsza stanowi rozważania na temat istoty usług i działalności usługowej oraz prezentuje elementy różnicujące usługi od innych typów działalności. Druga i trzecia część zawierają teoretyczne aspekty systemów zarządzania jakością oraz prezentują dane ilościowe dotyczące implementacji certyfikowanych systemów zarządzania jakością w Polsce i na świecie. W pracy przeprowadzono analizę piśmiennictwa naukowego z zakresu zarządzania jakością, marketingu usług i ekonomii oraz zastosowano metody indukcji i dedukcji. Sektor usług jest bardzo rozległą i zróżnicowaną gałęzią gospodarki. To przedsiębiorstwa usługowe wysoko rozwiniętych gospodarek tworzą 80% dochodu narodowego. Jakość realizowanych usług wpływa na wynik finansowy organizacji. Do odniesienia sukcesu na bardzo konkurencyjnym, globalnym rynku, gdzie klient dyktuje warunki dotyczące jakości usługi, najważniejsze staje się wdrożenie systemu zarządzania jakością, który pozwala efektywniej zarządzać jednostką. Rozwiązania te stają się coraz bardziej popularne i powszechne na świecie.

ISO 9001 certification and corporate performance of Italian companies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify a possible relationship between quality management system certification according to ISO 9001 standard and risk of failure of Italian companies.Design/methodology/approachA synthetic index which summarize the most crucial economic/financial aspects of the studied companies is assumed as the response variable of a statistical model for studying the effects of four specific factors: certification, company size, regional development and manufacturing sub-sector. The analysis is conducted on a sample of Italian companies belonging to different manufacturing sub-sectors. The used data are obtained from the database Aida® by Bureau van Dijk and from the database of the Italian accreditation body Accredia. The study is based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and contingency tables.FindingsPreliminary results of ANOVA show that only company size, regional development and manufacturing sub-sector can be considered fully significant. Furthermore, the major conclusion from the analysis of contingency tables is that ISO 9001 certification is connected to the legal status (active, not active) of a company only for a portion for the studied manufacturing sub-sectors. Hence, the scenario is quite variegated and a significant positive interaction between certification and corporate performance is not always confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research shows some interesting results, it is liable to extensions and improvements. In particular, at the current exploratory level, it is limited to a specific period of time and considers only the Italian sector, but it could be extended to a wider number of years and to European and international level.Practical implicationsThe study opens a way for a number of important questions about the meaning, usefulness and effectiveness of ISO 9001 certification. In particular, it may be time to ask whether the paradigm of certification actually needs a radical rethink.Originality/valueThis work represents a first exploratory attempt to correlate the risk of failure with the achievement of ISO 9001 certification. There are several similar works in literature which, however, focus mainly on sectorial aspects of the corporate background.

Implementation of the Islamic Quality Management System MS1900 and its Benefits: A Case Study at the Department of Hajj, Waqf and Zakah, Malaysia

The MS 1900 is an Islamic Quality Management System (QMS) which was launched by the Government of Malaysia in 2005. It is a structured system to assist organisations to deliver products and services that meet customer requirements, as well as the regulatory requirements and dictates of the Shari'ah (Islamic commandments). The Shari'ah requirements are additional to the requirements of ISO 9001, and aim to close the gap between the ISO 9001 standard and the Islamic perspective. MS 1900 has attracted considerable attention from Malaysian organizations but only a number of empirical studies have analysed the process of its implementation. Additionally, organisations that have successfully obtained QMS certification are still plagued with problems. Therefore, there is a need to study how MS 1900 is being implemented in certified organisations. The objective of this study is to examine activities conducted within the MS 1900 implementation process at the Department of Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage), Waqf and Zakah (DHWZ) in Malaysia and explore the benefits accrued from its implementation. A qualitative approach and case study strategy was used to investigate MS 1900 implementation at the DHWZ. Semistructured interviews were employed as the main data collection method to obtain in-depth information on the subject. Interviews were then triangulated with information from documents. The study found six main activities that were undertaken in MS 1900 implementation at the DHWZ, namely gap analysis, preparing the documentation, creating quality groups, implementing work procedures, as well as internal and external audits. The study also identified three benefits accrued from MS 1900 implementation; that is achieving the client's charter, the listing of being an outstanding religious department and systematic job management. The MS 1900 implementation has also helped managers implement strategic planning at the DHWZ. This study adds to knowledge of the emergence and development of the Islamic QMS MS 1900 and contributes particular insights into its implementation within Malaysian Islamic institutions. Findings from this paper could be used by managers in government or private institutions as a guideline in their endeavours to implement the MS 1900 effectively.

Quality Management Systems That Serve the Subsea Oil & Gas Industries:

This research project was to investigate the motives for gaining an ISO 9001 certified quality management system in companies that serve the subsea sector of the oil and gas industries: is certification a strategic business tool or just a marketing badge? A literature review revealed that if implemented rigorously, ISO 9001 could deliver increased efficiency and improved business processes. Many authors stated that certification was gained principally to allow trading in the European and global markets, and, to gain entry to the Approved Vendors List of prospective customers. Primary research consisting of interviews with approximately 55 professionals across 12organisationsindicated that a majority agreed, stating that certification was gained for marketing purposes or to satisfy customer requirements. However many went on to say that their companies had subsequently realized the full benefits of ISO 9001. Therefore the motives for certification could be aligned. Secondary research also revealed that a number of firms operated an integrated management system. Findings of this project point to two conclusions. First, if ISO 9001 is implemented rigorously enough, companies can realize its benefits despite alternative reasons for gaining certification. Second, both motives for gaining certification can be aligned. This is a significant that is absent in the literature. All of the companies operating in this industry that were researched in this study had an ISO 9001 certified QMS. Because of the absence of publications on the use of ISO 9001 in the subsea sector of the oil and gas industries, further research into the possible alignment of the motives investigated in this project is warranted, and recommended. Additional areas for further research include integrated management systems rather than ISO 9001 quality management systems and limiting the scope of analysis to a current single subsea project, such as the Gorgon Project (Hatch 2013).

Effects of quality management on hospitality performance in different contexts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to test the role of the managerial team’s commitment to quality deployment, quality performance and firm performance; second, to shed light on the effects of a certified quality management system on this chain; and third, to analyze the effects of changes in this chain on different management team attitudes, namely, innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey conducted in a sample of 370 hotels from the region of Madrid (Spain), the model and hypotheses were validated using structural equation modeling analysis. Findings – The results reveal the importance of a commitment to quality for quality deployment. In addition, quality deployment has a strong impact on operations and employee and customer performance. However, only impacts derived from customers’ perceptions of service quality affect firm performance. In addition, a contextual analysis was performed to verify whether various contextual factors (certification in a quality management standard and the innovative attitude of the management team) could modify the previously obtained results for the full sample. Practical implications – The management team should understand that its attitude toward quality management could affect the company’s overall performance. On the one hand, the team should be aware that the cost of implementing quality practices could be a burden for employees in the performance of their daily activities. On the other hand, there is a positive relationship between involvement in addressing customers’ requirements and financial performance. Therefore, a balance between the efforts to maintain a certain level of quality by the firm’s employees and the service quality offered to the customers is crucial to achieving better financial performance. Originality/value – The impact of the implementation of quality management practices on performance has been widely studied; however, the role of intangible factors has not been commonly discussed in service industries in general and even less so in the hospitality sector. This paper analyses the influence of the quality management team’s attitudes toward innovativeness and the implementation of a quality management standard.

Quality-based model for Life Sciences research guidelines

Nowadays, the requirement to define adequate standards and to identify and validate general guidelines for scientific activity is becoming increasingly apparent also in non-regulated scientific research. Guidelines are fundamental tools to provide valid indications for proper conduct in a research laboratory, the correct use of equipment and procedures, as well as for aligning and standardizing the procedures used in different scientific contexts. The identification, dissemination and application of common guidelines can improve significantly the reproducibility of the scientific results and the exchange of materials and data in the context of scientific consortia, comprising also industrial partners and meta-analysis projects. A Quality and Project Management OpenLab research network was formed in 2012 to develop and apply Total Quality Management models to Life Sciences research laboratories. One of the main tasks of the network has been the definition of a model for the drafting of guidelines, firmly based on quality principles and documentation management. The outcome is an operational flow describing all the phases of the process, which has been validated by four different drafting groups through the production of 13 guidelines ranging from research activity to equipment and facility management. Different institutes of the National Research Council are currently following these guidelines; some of them have also been used to define the procedures included in a certified Quality Management System for a research laboratory. Our experience shows that the model for guidelines we have developed makes drafting guidelines easier and more immediate, and significantly, it is applicable to different scientific contexts and disciplines, including both non-regulated research and technology transfer-oriented research, and also the Quality Management System of a scientific laboratory.

Sustainable Process Performance by Application of Six Sigma Concepts: The Research Study of Two Industrial Cases

The current approach to business management focuses on increasing the performance of business processes. To achieve the required processes performance means to ensure the required quality and capability of processes. The partial aim of this paper is to confirm the positive effects of the Six Sigma methodology (SSM) on the corporate performance in the Slovak Republic and an investigation of the dependency of SSM implementation on the certified quality management system (QMS) as a set-forward condition via a questionnaire survey carried out in Slovak industrial enterprises. The survey results confirmed the above-mentioned assumptions. The SSM using DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) was applied in real conditions of two manufacturing enterprises with a different level of quality management system. The results of the research study proved a possibility to implement SSM and to use the same methods in enterprises aside from a level of QMS. However, more remarkable results were achieved by the enterprise which introduced QMS. The first application of SSM in enterprises within specific conditions of furniture production processes can be considered to be a contribution of the research study, as well. The result of the work is the model including the methodology and the appropriate combination of methods and tools for assuring the sustainable performance of the business processes.

The Quality Management System as a Key Factor for Sustainable Development of the Construction Companies

The implementation of the quality management system (QMS) is an important milestone for any construction company. Sustainable development of the company and its competitiveness are directly dependent on the proper functioning of the QMS. Certification of Quality Management System according to ISO 9001 can help to maintain a long trusting relationship with consumers. The purpose of this study is consideration of the basic QMS implementation problems and choosing the certification body. The results of the study show that there is a lot of suggestions about how to obtain a certificate of quality, but there is no algorithm of actions for the implementation of the system design companies in the construction industry. It is therefore necessary to develop guidelines for the implementation of QMS, previously classified construction companies and determine the main parameters of the choice of certification bodies.

Assessing the Impact of the Effectiveness of Certification of Quality Management Systems on Corporate Operational Benefits in China

Assessing the Impact of the Effectiveness of Certification of Quality Management Systems on Corporate Operational Benefits in China

Study on Creating a Simplified Model of Quality Management System in a SME from the Central Region of Romania

Quality management system (QMS) implementation and certification, especially for small and medium enterprises, involves, sometimes quite large volume of documents and records relating to the number and duties of the employees. The paper deals with efficient organizational and monitoring solutions, focusing on document management, which could improve the system. Thus, the case study is focused on a small size company from the automotive sector, whose QMS is certified according to ISO 9001, aiming at two aspects: reducing the number of QMS specific procedures and presenting a software solution.

Sistemas de gestión de la calidad: un estudio en empresas del sur de España y norte de Marruecos

This paper analyze the levels of quality management systems (QMS) implementation in companies from southern Spain and northern Morocco, as well as motivations, benefits or barriers identified. It has been taken for a sample of 202 companies in southern Spain and 120 in northern Morocco. Unlike other studies mainly oriented to know the perception of companies with QMS certified, this one has also oriented to the perception of companies without QMS and the challenge of the implementation. The results of this study highlight the differences between the two regions, such as levels of QMS certification, but also the similarities, such as the consideration of the costs and the lack of time as major barriers to implementation, or a better processes standardization and quality of products and services as primary benefits.

Zasady zarządzania jakością w polskich przedsiębiorstwach - studium przypadków

One of the most widely implemented standardised management systems is the quality management system functioning in accordance with ISO 9001 guidelines. The implementation of practical management methods and tools that help to keep the standard of the offer at an appropriate level is assurance that the company seeks to continuously improve its products and processes. Eight quality management principles form the basis for the standards of the ISO 9000 family. The article presents the implementation of these principles of quality management in Polish companies, which have stopped certification of the implemented quality management system. Assessment of the studies indicated that in organisations in which the implementation of the quality management system was conditioned by the desire to improve the functioning of the company, use of the eight quality management principles is seen in a positive light and as a useful tool in helping to achieve daily objectives. On the other hand, in companies where the management system has been implemented somewhat under orders - as a prerequisite - use of the eight quality management principles does more harm than good.

Changes in technical efficiency after quality management certification: A DEA approach using difference-in-difference estimation with genetic matching in the hospital industry

Hospitals in Germany have been required to have an internal quality management system (QMS) since 2000. Although formal certification of such systems is voluntary, the number of certifications has increased steadily. The most common standards in Germany are ISO 9001, which is also widely used internationally, and KTQ (Kooperation für Transparenz und Qualität im Gesundheitswesen), which was developed specifically for the German health care sector. While a large body of literature has investigated the impact of QMS certification on performance in many industries, there is only scarce evidence on the causal link between QMS certification and technical efficiency. In the present study, we seek to elucidate this relationship using administrative data from all German hospitals from 2000 through 2010 combined with information on certification. Our analysis has three steps: First, we calculated efficiency scores for each hospital using a bootstrapped data envelopment analysis. Second, we used genetic matching to ensure that any differences observed could be attributed to certification and were not due to differences in sample characteristics between the intervention and control groups. Third, we employed a difference-in-difference specification within a truncated regression to examine whether certification had an impact on hospital efficiency. To shed light on a potential time lag between certification and efficiency gains, we used various periods for comparison. Our results indicate that hospital efficiency was negatively related to ISO 9001 certification and positively related to KTQ certification. Moreover, coefficients were always larger in the period between first certification and recertification.

Implementing and certifying ISO 14001 in Portugal: motives, difficulties and benefits after ISO 9001 certification

The purpose of this study is to characterise the environmental management systems (EMS) certification process (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001) in Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following quality management system (QMS) certification (ISO 9001). The study is based on a sample from Portuguese SMEs which characterise the local reality in terms of companies certified in accordance with ISO 14001 after ISO 9001 certification. Some Portuguese SMEs have the EMS implemented but not certified, mainly given the lack of investment support and because it is considered merely a form of marketing. As such, they do not feel motivated to certificate an EMS in the company since they consider that it is a form of advertising and not a way to protect the environment. Nonetheless, it is already evident form other Portuguese SMEs that gained EMS certification that gains supersede marketing benefits and allow for evermore enduring benefits such as prevention of environmental risks, environment protection, improved company image, compliance with legislation and efficient use of natural resources. This paper also presented the main difficulties in achieving an EMS certification, including high certification costs, human resources, motivation issues and difficulties in changing the company's culture.

Headmasters Training for Creating the In-School Quality Management System

The paper looks at the issue of the further professional training of educational staff for developing quality management systems. Mastering the qualitative educational practices provides the effective school training quality assessment, as well as optimization of staff, material, technical and financial resources, and consideration of the requirements of educational process participants. The peculiarities of the quality management penetration into the general educational sphere are analyzed. The factors obstructing the innovative experience spreading are denoted along with the corresponding ways of experimental practices. The content and organizational technological aspects of headmasters and teaching staff readiness for implementing the above innovation in the system of further professional training are defined. The stages of a lyceum readiness for certification of in-school quality management system according to the international standard ISO 9001:2008 are described. The author points out the necessity of developing the training system for managerial and teaching staff with regard to the person oriented and humanity approach.

Внедрение международного стандарта железнодорожной промышленности IRIS в систему менеджмента качества промышленного

This article reveals the peculiarities of adoption of the international railway industry standard IRIS into quality management system of industrial enterprise. The essence of the international railway industry standard IRIS is revealed. Basic requirements of IRIS are characterized. the process of certification of quality management system of industrial enterprise according to the IRIS is described.

Feasibility of certified quality management in a comprehensive stroke care network using telemedicine: STENO project.

Stroke care networks with and without telemedicine have been established in several countries over the last decade to provide specialized stroke expertise to patients in rural areas. Acute consultation is a first step in the management of stroke, but not the only one. Methods of standardization of care and treatment are much needed. So far, quality management systems have only been used for single stroke units. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first stroke network worldwide to aim for certification of a network-wide quality management system. The Stroke Network Using Telemedicine in Northern Bavaria (STENO), currently with 20 associated medical institutions, is one of the world's largest stroke networks, caring for over 5000 stroke patients each year. In 2010, we initiated the implementation of a network-wide 'total' quality management system according to ISO standard 9001:2008 in cooperation with the German Stroke Society and a third-party certification organization (LGA InterCert). Certification according to ISO 9001:2008 was awarded in March 2011 and maintained over a complete certification cycle of 3 years without major deviation from the norm in three external third-party audits. Thrombolysis rate significantly increased from 8·2% (2009) to 12·8% (2012). Certified quality management within a large stroke network using telemedicine is possible and might improve stroke care procedures and thrombolysis rates. Outcome studies comparing conventional stroke care and telestroke care are inevitable.

The influence of manufacturing flexibility on strategic behaviours

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether the influence of manufacturing flexibility on firms’ exploration/exploitation differs between firms that possess Certified Quality Management Systems (CQMS) and firms that do not.Design/methodology/approach– The authors analyze a sample of 231 Spanish manufacturing firms, 131 of which had received some form of Quality Certification. The data were collected through a structured telephone questionnaire addressed to company CEOs. The relationships are modelled using regression equations, including interaction terms, in order to test for the existence of a moderating effect.Findings– The results show that certified companies exploit their own abilities, whereas uncertified firms tend to explore new knowledge. The authors also justify the importance of manufacturing flexibility for both options, exploration and exploitation.Research limitations/implications– The limitations of this research include the fact that the authors study a variety of forms of certification, not only ISO, and the fact that all companies belong to the same country.Practical implications– This study contributes to developing empirical knowledge of the benefits of CQMS in the firm.Originality/value– The paper develops a new model to improve manufacturing flexibility and Quality Management.

Quality And Safety Management Systems: Joint Action For Certification Of Small Firms In An Industrial Cluster In Brazil

This paper presents and discusses a proposal for joint action among small firms in an industrial cluster in Brazil for the certification of quality and safety management systems. It proposes a management system model, the implementation process, and periodic auditing. It is the result of an action-research project developed in a metal-mechanical cluster. Its originality lies mainly in the proposal for a joint action programme for the certification of companies, led by the cluster governance agency, to increase the collective efficiency of a cluster. Despite the obstacles encountered, this proposal can help to reduce the difficulties faced by small businesses in implementing and maintaining management systems, and in the long run to foster a culture of quality and safety management. It also contributes to joint actions within the cluster. The challenge faced by the cluster governance agency is to sustain the certification programme in the long term.