Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Publication Title

International Journal of Engineering

Volume

3

Issue

3

Pages

220-228

Abstract

This conceptual paper provides guidance for the implementation of a functional ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To help a SME understand its starting point, four initial states for QMS implementation are defined. Five paths for moving the QMS from the initial state to the desired state are described. To support the transition from the initial to the desired state, some key considerations in implementing a QMS in SMEs are discussed. The paper is based on site visits and implementation assistance the authors have provided to several SMEs. It is anticipated the paper will help managers in SMEs understand the process of implementing ISO 9001 and help them avoid the development of a paper-driven QMS that provides limited value.

Rights

© 2009 The Authors.

Published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY NC 4.0) License.

ORCID

0000-0003-0144-9099 (Sousa-Poza)

Original Publication Citation

Sousa-Poza, A., Altinkilinc, M., & Searcy, C. (2009). Implementing a functional ISO 9001 quality management system in small and medium-sized enterprises. International Journal of Engineering, 3(3), 220-228. https://www.cscjournals.org/library/manuscriptinfo.php?mc=IJE-28

Share

COinS