A case study of a simultaneous integration in an SME: Implementation process and cost analysis
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 5 February 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the simultaneous implementation of an integrated management system (IMS) in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and its impact on costs.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a case study, the paper presents and analyzes the implementation of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management system (MS) standards. The organization analyzed is an SME of the heating and air conditioning sector that had no MSs implemented (common in the sector) and decided to implement an IMS based on both function-specific MS standards (MSSs) and also achieving the separated certification. The analysis of expected and real costs is also presented.
Findings
The results show that a simultaneous integration is possible and the cost analysis evidences the improvement of the organization’s efficiency. The certificates for both MSSs were also achieved. These findings help in confirming theoretical statement posed in the literature of the integration of MSs: integration strategy, methodology and level. The organization values this integrated implementation as very positive internally and externally, as this is one of the first organizations of the sector implementing and integrating the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Originality/value
Although studies analyzing empirically the integration of MSs have been widely published in recent years, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers analyzing the implementation of an IMS directly and analyzing its costs. In addition, this paper provides evidence that those organizations implementing integration later than others, can learn from the beginners’ experience.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section entitled Selected Papers from the 2nd International Conference on Quality Engineering and Management.
Citation
Llonch, M., Bernardo, M. and Presas, P. (2018), "A case study of a simultaneous integration in an SME: Implementation process and cost analysis", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 319-334. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-11-2016-0193
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited