Clustering of European countries based on ISO 9000 certification diffusion

What determinants influence the diffusion of ISO 9001 by countries?

Purpose

This study has the main aim of analyzing the influence of six factors on ISO 9001 implementation: Economic Development, Exporting to Europe, Reputation, Competitiveness, Innovation and Business Sophistication. As a complement, a new factor relating to quality by country has been added: the World Quality Scoreboard.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are proposed that establish a (positive or negative) linear relationship between the diffusion of ISO 9001 and the indicators of the different factors analyzed in each country. The SPSS program was used to evaluate the hypotheses using data from 2009 to 2018.

Findings

The results indicate strong positive relationship for the country's economic development only when countries with low levels of income are considered. For the rest of the variables, the results indicate that their behavior varies according to the degree of development of the countries. When only developed countries are considered, significant and negative correlations are obtained for reputation, competitiveness, innovation and business sophistication, while considering the group of less developed countries, the results are reversed. The new World Quality Scoreboard has the same behavior whereas regarding exports; we did not obtain conclusive results.

Originality/value

This study adds important information on the studying of ISO 9000 phenomenon diffusion/evolution by analyzing the effect of six variables on the degree of implementation of the ISO 9001 standard in different countries. This information is interesting for companies and certification bodies across the world because it allows a better understanding of the reasons and conditions of implementing a quality management system.

Integrated management systems diffusion models in South European countries

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to dissect the diffusion of the number of organizations that implemented multiple management systems (MSs), considering the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards (quality, environment and safety) in the South European countries: Italy, Portugal and Spain. In addition, based on the data collected, forecasting models were developed to assess at which extent the multiple certifications are expected to occur in each studied country.

Design/methodology/approach

Data concerning the evolution of the amount of multiple MSs in Italy, Portugal and Spain were collected for the period between 1999 and 2015. The behavior of the evolution of the number of MSs over the years was studied adopting both the Gompertz and the Logistic models. The results obtained with these two models were compared and analyzed to provide a forecast for the next years.

Findings

The diffusion throughout the years of the number of MSs presents an S-shaped behavior. The evolution of the amount of MSs in countries with a lower saturation level are properly fitted by the Gompertz model whereas the Logistic model fits more accurately when considering countries with a larger saturation level.

Research limitations/implications

The data related to the early years are not available in some of the countries. To overcome this shortcoming missing data were extrapolated from the data set provided by the annual ISO survey. Additionally, the integration level attained by each company was not assessed and, on this regard and in the scope of this paper, an integrated management system is understood as implemented when organizations have multiple MSs implemented.

Practical implications

The results provide a cross-sectional portrayal of the diffusion of MSs certifications in the South European countries and enable a forecast for the trend in the next years.

Originality/value

This study aims for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to analyze the diffusion of multiple MSs throughout the years.

Exploring the status and effects of balanced scorecard adoption in the non-western context

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of corporate performance management (PM) in the Middle Eastern context, represented by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In addition, the current study investigates the effects of the adoption of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and aims to explore the impact of the BSC on workplace attitudes and behaviors, as shown by accountability, inspiration, and motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the limited knowledge about the subject matter and the limited number of companies adopting the BSC in the Middle East, this study has adopted a descriptive approach to verify the significance of the BSC and to explore the causal relationship amongst the performance perspectives and the different dimensions of the BSC. The sample was drawn from five major business sectors in the UAE and KSA.

Findings

The results indicate that the BSC indicators are effective tools to evaluate and reflect on corporate performance. The concept of the BSC is considered good practice in the UAE and the KSA. Because of the concept’s compatibility with the local culture and business practices, it can be used to balance shareholder and stakeholder demands.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations of this study is that the sample is drawn from only two countries from the Middle East and, hence, cannot be generalized.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to explore the status of the corporate PM systems in a non-western context using a BSC technique created and typically applied in the western world. In addition, this study is considered a valuable attempt at exploring the effects of the adoption of this technique on an organization’s performance.

Analysis of the Environmental Management System based on ISO 14001 on the American continent

The American continent is in broad economic and industrial development. Consequently, a more detailed discussion of the impacts generated by such development is needed. Moreover, there is an increase in the number of ISO 14001 certificates issued to this continent. Given the above, no studies were found that bridge the gap to identify the influence of different factors on ISO 14001 in the Americas. Thus, this article has as its main aim to check which economic, environmental and cultural factors have influence on ISO 14001 Certification in the American Continent. The data were collected in the ISO Survey, World Bank, United Nations Development Programme and International Energy Agency. Among the countries of that continent, thirteen were analyzed and only two did not show the economic factors as the influence factor in the multiple regression models fitted with Brazil and the United State. In these models, all presented environmental factors as influencing factors. Only in Brazil the index HDI presented as cultural factor in multiple regression model fitted. The economic factors: Gross Domestic Product and exports of goods and services and environmental: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and fossil fuel consumption were the most influential in ISO 14001 certification. Venezuela, Uruguay, Colombia and the United States were countries that had factors dependent on each other, featuring the environmental marketing. Briefly, this study brings up several implications: to the academy, with the proposal of new concepts and guidance on the factors that assist in ISO 14001 certification in the American Continent. Additionally, taking into account the industry, the factors serve as efficiency parameters for the implementation of ISO 14001 standard, and for the Government to improve through factors that do not fit in multiple regression models.

Food integrated management systems: dairy industry insights

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the management systems integration from both sector and size perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature is reviewed focussing on food-related management topics. A single case is used to delve into the understanding of integrated management systems (IMSs) using the contingency approach. Data are drawn from documents and archives, on-site observations and by interviewing employees of all hierarchy levels.

Findings

This case shows how size and sector-related constraints may condition integration in terms of IMS scope, strategy, level, audits, resources, motives, benefits and difficulties. Traceability is identified as an integration “catalyst” for multiple MSs in food companies. It is further discussed, how an environmental management system would be embedded within the existing integrated structure.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions bring to light the sustained business leverage provided by food IMSs. Thus, food industry managers are driven to streamline the quality, food safety and environmental processes following an IMS approach. Future research on multiple cases of different size would reflect a wider IMS sector-specific perspective. Research on other sectors is expected to provide different particular aspects of integration, as well.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first in-depth study on the adoption of an integrated generic and sector-specific MS from the contingency perspective. The case visualizes the contribution of integration when addressing the critical food safety and quality operations and the significant environmental aspects.

Gastronomy management

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the existing management system standards in the gastronomy sector.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of secondary data, the most implemented management system standards within this sector are analyzed, namely, the ISO 9001 focusing on the sector of “hotels and restaurants,” the ISO 22000, the “Q” Spanish tourism-specific standard, and the Michelin stars system.

Findings

The results, although descriptive, show the differences among them. Regarding the content, the main difference between the documented management system standards and the Michelin stars system is in the evaluation and certification process, as it is known and planned in the former group but not in the latter. The scope is also different, as the former group refers mainly to the process and the latter to results. The diffusion results confirm the increase in sectoral management system standards.

Originality/value

Although studies analyzing the importance of sectoral standards have been published, this study is one of the first focusing on four different management system standards in the gastronomy sector. Implications for both practitioners and academia are also discussed.

The impact of ISO 9001 implementation on organizational performance in Kenya

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of ISO 9001 implementation on the performance of organizations in Kenya. It specifically targeted organizations listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) which is the leading securities exchange in East Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey made use of web content analysis to collect data from these organizations’ web sites. Data were collected on net profit, turnover and net assets over a four-year period (2010-2013). The research used statistical data analysis to investigate the association between ISO 9001 implementation and performance.

Findings

– Results of the survey reveal that ISO 9001 certification influenced return on net assets of the organizations thereby influencing their performance. There was significant differences in net asset value among organizations with ISO 9001 certification and those that did not possess the certification. On profit and revenue, there were no significant differences between the ISO 9001 certified and non-certified organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– The research findings are limited to those organizations listed in the NSE and may not be generalized to other organizations. The study is further limited by the number of organizations participating in the study which was 20.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study provide justification for adoption of ISO 9001 standard in organizations in all key sectors of the Kenyan economy for sustained quality management practices. The ISO 9001 certified companies will enhance their quality management practices to achieve the successes documented in this paper while those yet to embrace the standards will draw lessons from such successes which may offer them compelling arguments to adopt them.

Originality/value

– Since the adoption and uptake of ISO certification in Kenya over a decade ago, no study has been carried out that directly relates ISO certification to organizational performance. This study will thus be useful as a starting point in documenting the ISO standard’s impact.

The impact of ISO 9000 certification on firms’ financial performance

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the acquisition of an ISO 9000 certification and the overall financial performance of the certified firms. More specifically, the study proposes a multidimensional conceptual framework, including “customers’ demand”, “ISO adoption”, “operation efficiency”, “market efficiency” and “overall financial performance”. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been explored in the existing literature, making the examination of the proposed conceptual framework an interesting research topic.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed conceptual framework was tested on a sample of Greek ISO 9000-certified companies of various economic sectors. Quality managers were used as key respondents. The final sample consisted of 168 companies. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined. Empirical data were analyzed using the structural equation modelling technique. The findings are based on the 2000 version of the ISO series, which is generally accepted and has widespread use, as it has eliminated most of the disadvantages of the 1994 version. The present study is empirical (it is based on primary data), explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses) and quantitative (includes the analysis of quantitative data collected with the use of a structured questionnaire).

Findings

– The findings of the study provide strong evidence that ISO 9000 implementation is highly associated with improvements in overall financial performance. Moreover, it was found that ISO implementation is directly associated with significant improvements in quality awareness, operations execution, market share, customer satisfaction and sales revenue. Finally, customers’ demand was not found to be the most important motivation for implementing an ISO certification. Rather, it seems that companies seek for quality improvement due to internal motives.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation stemming from the implemented methodology is the use of self-report scales to measure the constructs of the proposed model. Moreover, the present paper lacks a longitudinal approach, since it is cross-sectional and provides a static picture of ISO implementation.

Practical implications

– The paper makes an analytical effort in order to point out areas that companies should emphasize in order to successfully implement ISO 9000 and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits. Certain practical implications are offered in the final part of the paper.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes an enhanced conceptual framework that examines vital issues concerning the successful implementation of ISO 9000, thus, providing valuable outcomes for decision makers and academics. Moreover, the results of the study may be generalized in other developed countries whose economy faces similar significant challenges as Greece.

Performance measures of ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies with regard to performance measures, both financial and non-financial.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research study was carried out in 140 Greek manufacturing companies by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail and it was requested that it should be answered by a company representative. Exploratory factor analysis is applied in order to extract the latent factors of performance measures. The differences between the ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies are determined through non-parametric tests such as the χ2-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Findings

– The ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies significantly outperform the non-certified with regard to product quality, customer satisfaction, operational, market and financial performance. This is evident in a business environment where an economic downturn and financial crisis dominates.

Research limitations/implications

– The sub-samples of the responding ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies are small sized and they are limited to small- and medium-sized enterprises. The subjective character of the data collected through the company representatives involves the risk of receiving biased responses regarding the performance measures. The above limitations suggest future research recommendations.

Practical implications

– The increased performance measures of the ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies may motivate the non-certified ones to implement the ISO 9001 standard and apply for the certification in order to increase their performance and withstand the current economic downturn and financial crisis. The present study may also stimulate manufacturing companies to adopt traditional and modern benchmarking techniques, in an additional effort to improve their businesses and competitiveness.

Originality/value

– The present study compares performance measures of ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies operating under unprecedented circumstances due to the current economic downturn and financial crisis.

Organizational performance management system: exploring the manufacturing sectors

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the various performance management systems utilized by the manufacturing units.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the performance management literature to extract the factors that would help to explain the effect of performance management system on manufacturing units.

Findings

This research revealed important issues and practices of performance management in manufacturing sectors.

Originality/value

The paper improves understanding of the different approaches utilized to manage and measure performance management system in the manufacturing sector.

A proposal of a new paradigm for national quality certification systems

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to suggest a new incentive model that is capable of creating the conditions for the autonomous growth of diffusion and credibility of the ISO 9000 national quality certification system.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of this work contains some considerations about the general interest of organisations in quality certification systems, emphasising the advantages and the drawbacks in being certified. Next, the attention shifts to future scenarios. Specifically, a new model is proposed that is capable of encouraging certified organisations (COs) and certification bodies (CBs) that operate blamelessly and seriously, while at the same time penalising those that do not.

Findings

The suggested model consists of two inter‐connected sub‐models relative to COs and CBs, respectively. Each sub‐model includes different states with different incentives/penalties. The switch‐over from one state to another depends on the practical results recorded in recent years by the CO/CB of interest. The switching rules are based on a set of objective, transparent, and non‐manipulable indicators.

Research limitations/implications

On‐site analyses and simulations are necessary so as to tune optimal switching rules to balance the whole model.

Practical implications

The (possible) future implementation of the model could have great impact on COs' and CBs' modi operandi, promoting the real implementation of quality management practices but – at the same time – not requiring significant additional effort from the state and the authorities accrediting/controlling CBs.

Originality/value

The proposed model is absolutely new and may represent a proper way to combine the interests and expectations of COs and CBs into a unique “virtuous circle” for improving the real implementation of quality management.