A qualitative study on integrated management systems in a non-leading country in certifications. (23rd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bernardo, Merce; Gotzamani, Katerina; Vouzas, Fotis; Casadesus, Marti
• Is Part Of: Total quality management & business excellence. Volume 29:Number 3/4(2018)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2018-02-23
• Subjects: Audits -- Greece -- integration of management systems -- ISO 9001 -- ISO 14001; Total quality management -- Periodicals; Quality control -- Periodicals; Quality assurance -- Periodicals; Production management -- Quality control -- Periodicals; 658.401305
• DOI: 10.1080/14783363.2016.1212652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-3363

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this study is to analyse the integration of management systems (MSs) in a country with low certifications number and growth rate and propose a research agenda towards improving the competitiveness of organisations that implement multiple MSs. The main research questions focus on the implementation process itself and the effect of low level of national certification to the integration process. To serve this research purpose, an exploratory research is designed in Greece (a country with relatively low certification counts and rates to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management standards). A case study approach is employed to enable deeper and comprehensive reasoning. A cross-case analysis is presented to explore patterns, similarities and differences among organisations. Findings show that four out of five organisations analysed are integrating its MSs at different levels, the integration methodology applied is similar for all organisations but audits are the most dissimilar aspect. This study is one of the first that addresses MSs' integration in Greece exploring contingency factors.