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1 – 10 of over 4000A sample consisting of senior executives of 61 companiues in Saudi Arabia was obtained to examine the nature of their attitudes toward ISO 9000 quality standards. Results indicate…
Abstract
A sample consisting of senior executives of 61 companiues in Saudi Arabia was obtained to examine the nature of their attitudes toward ISO 9000 quality standards. Results indicate that those companies that are highly and positively inclined toward ISO 9000 standards are mostly manufacturing firms with an ownership status of joint ventures or partnerships, have a large number of employees and market products in both domestic and foreign markets. The personnel of these companies have been persuaded and educated about ISO 9000 standards through direct contact and personal involvement. Most of these have traced overall quality improvement, an d improved flow of activities and coordination to the influence of ISO 9000 standards. Service and trading sectors and small companies in Saudi Arabia seem less concerned about ISO 9000 standards.
Assesses the latest revisions to the ISO 9000 quality system, which seek to embrace the principles of total quality management (TQM) more closely. Highlights some of the TQM…
Abstract
Assesses the latest revisions to the ISO 9000 quality system, which seek to embrace the principles of total quality management (TQM) more closely. Highlights some of the TQM elements introduced into the system, such as: quality improvement; management commitment with a greater emphasis on executive roles; operational processes showing linkages to the overall system; and customer satisfaction. Compares the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems and discusses the practicality of the revised ISO 9000 system as a highway to TQM.
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Low Sui Pheng, Tan Boon Kee and Allen Ang Aik Leng
To enhance and promote quality construction, the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) was introduced in Singapore in 1989 to evaluate the quality performance of…
Abstract
To enhance and promote quality construction, the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) was introduced in Singapore in 1989 to evaluate the quality performance of building contractors using numerical scores. Apart from the CONQUAS system, the ISO 9000 quality management standards were also introduced in the Singapore construction industry in 1991. Is there a relationship between certification to ISO 9000 standards and the achievement of higher construction quality standards as indicated by CONQUAS scores? As several years have passed since the introduction of the CONQUAS system and ISO 9000 in the Singapore construction industry, this paper aims to ascertain if the implementation and certification of quality management systems to ISO 9000 standards in construction firms has helped them to achieve higher construction quality standards through higher CONQUAS scores.
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Prakash J. Singh, Mei Feng and Alan Smith
While manufacturing organisations were early adopters of ISO 9000, lately, many service sector organisations have also pursued adoption. The aim of this paper is to compare the…
Abstract
Purpose
While manufacturing organisations were early adopters of ISO 9000, lately, many service sector organisations have also pursued adoption. The aim of this paper is to compare the experiences with the standard of the two sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
The research collected data from 149 service and 160 manufacturing organisations using a common survey measurement instrument.
Findings
Results show that there are no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of time and cost of obtaining registration. Also, there are only small points of differences in motivation for registration and difficulties faced. There are greater differences between the groups in terms of benefits gained and management practices associated with the standard.
Originality/value
These results provide interesting insights into how the two groups perceive and engage with the standard, how cross‐industry diffusion could be taking place, and the veracity of the claims made about the universal applicability of the standard. These findings imply that service organisations can learn from the experiences of the manufacturing sector, but copying carte blanche the implementation strategies is fraught with risks. Further, the standard is not universally applicable and may need industry‐specific tailoring.
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Olivier Boiral and Marie‐Josée Roy
The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study of the impact of motivational factors underlying ISO 9000 certification on several aspects of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study of the impact of motivational factors underlying ISO 9000 certification on several aspects of organizational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
An extension of a typology based on motivational factors is proposed and four integration rationales (quality enthusiasts, ISO integrators, ritual integrators, and dissidents) are exposed. The paper then evaluates how each of these four rationales related to potential organizational problems and benefits. Various statistical analyses were conducted on data obtained from a sample of 872 certified Canadian firms. A factor analysis was completed to develop an instrument allowing to develop a typology distinguishing between the four integration rationales.
Findings
The results demonstrate that the nature and intensity of motivations behind a decision to adopt the ISO 9000 standard play a key role in the success of the implementation process and the emergence of organizational problems arising from certification.
Research limitations/implications
The main contribution of the study was to develop a typology of certified organizations based on a theoretical framework explaining some paradoxes and pervasive effects of ISO 9000 adoption.
Practical implications
The typology helps characterize certified firms and anticipate potential consequences ancillary to the certification process; it can assist firms in evaluating whether they should go forward with the certification process.
Originality/value
Contrary to many studies focusing on traditional performance criteria only, this study sheds light on organizational problems and the possible ineffectiveness of ISO 9000 certification depending on their integration rationale. This approach led to a more comprehensive and tempered vision of ISO 9000 impacts.
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Hongyi Sun, Sapphire Li, Karis Ho, Frank Gertsen, Poul Hansen and Jan Frick
This paper investigates the pattern or trajectory of implementing ISO 9000 standards versus TQM in Western Europe from a longitudinal perspective, using empirical data. The…
Abstract
This paper investigates the pattern or trajectory of implementing ISO 9000 standards versus TQM in Western Europe from a longitudinal perspective, using empirical data. The research is based on three large‐scale surveys conducted in 1992‐1993, 1996‐1997 and 2001‐2002 respectively, in 13 Western European countries. The results of the surveys show that European companies have put considerable effort into ISO 9000 certification. However, the results also reveal that, around 1996‐1997, European companies had also planned to implement TQM. However, the result of the planned “go beyond ISO to TQM” fell short of the anticipated extent, indicating that the adoption of TQM in Europe was slower than expected. Early in the twenty‐first century, European companies are still very keen on implementing TQM, indicating an obvious intention to shift from ISO 9000 to TQM. To ensure that the shift will occur this time however, the two approaches must be integrated properly. Although both ISO 9000 standards and the TQM/EFQM model have been recently updated or modified, how to best incorporate the two systems remains one of the major tasks of quality management in the future.
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Frederic Marimon Viadiu, Martí Casadesús Fa and Iñaki Heras Saizarbitoria
In an economic environment characterized in recent years by globalization and the integration of economic processes, standardization in management systems has had a high growth…
Abstract
Purpose
In an economic environment characterized in recent years by globalization and the integration of economic processes, standardization in management systems has had a high growth. In this context, there has been a remarkable increase in certain standards, or norms, issued by international organizations. Among these standards, two main groups stand out, both issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO): one for quality management systems – the family of ISO 9000 standards – and the other for environmental management systems – the ISO 14000 standards. This paper aims to analyze the world wide diffusion process of these two standards, using data provided by the ISO itself.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology proposed is developed in four separate phases. The first two analyze the diffusion model over time with a model based on the logistic curve proposed by Franceschini et al. The next two phases analyze whether the diffusion process has proceeded in a relatively homogeneous way in the different sectors of activity. In order to do that, the use of indices of concentration and instability has been carried out.
Findings
The conclusion is that the diffusion of both standards is very similar – in general and in terms of the different sectors. This result coincides with certain hypotheses formulated in the theoretical literature.
Originality/value
This is the first paper where it can be demonstrated that, world‐wide, both the ISO 14000 and the ISO 9000 standards have followed very similar patterns of diffusion in their expansion.
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Since they were introduced internationally in 1987, ISO 9000 standards have been criticized for their lack of flexibility, emphasis on bureaucracy and paperwork, deficiency in…
Abstract
Since they were introduced internationally in 1987, ISO 9000 standards have been criticized for their lack of flexibility, emphasis on bureaucracy and paperwork, deficiency in quality improvement, usefulness of application in small businesses and service organizations, confusing terminology and structure. As the standards are about to enter the new millennium in a revised format, challenges are still many. This paper attempts to look at some of the concerns and misconceptions about the ISO 9000 series, explain their inter‐relationships and to provide at least a partial answer to the ever‐lingering question: “Does ISO 9000 have a future?”
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Louise Boulter and Tony Bendell
The ISO 9000 standard has been revised as of December 2000. It has been thought that the implications of addressing the changes may be particularly acute for small businesses, for…
Abstract
The ISO 9000 standard has been revised as of December 2000. It has been thought that the implications of addressing the changes may be particularly acute for small businesses, for which the impact of requirements and relative commercial costs of compliance can be greatest. In view of this, the Quality Research Group at the University of Leicester in collaboration with the Centre for Enterprise has conducted a research project with representatives from major internationally accredited UKAS certification bodies to explore the implications that the revision to ISO 9000 is likely to have on the small business community. This current paper reports on the study undertaken by the University of Leicester team with financial and collaborative support from Lloyds Register Quality Assurance and SGS Yarsley, two of the largest international ISO 9000 certification bodies. A detailed survey involving more than 1,000 respondents from UK‐based SMEs has provided a detailed empirical profile of the company’s own views of the value of ISO 9000:2000 on the path to excellence and what they will need to do to make it work. Face‐to‐face interviews were also used to provided verification and views from non‐certified companies. The results of the study are very positive and indicate a changing view and use of a standard that used to be seen as bureaucratic, officious and complacent.
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The academic library is an important component of any university and is responsible for providing academic and research support to all members of the university community. At…
Abstract
The academic library is an important component of any university and is responsible for providing academic and research support to all members of the university community. At present, higher education institutions in Thailand are trying to evaluate and improve their quality by implementing quality assurance models/mechanisms. Libraries, as critical supporting organizations in these institutions, also need to improve their quality. As a service organization, academic libraries are faced with the need to satisfy their clientele and to measure and evaluate their services. There is a need, therefore, for librarians to take positive steps to insure that their clients receive quality services.