PurposeThis research paper aims to explore the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and organisational performance by developing an ISO 9000 relationship model.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was used for quantitative data collection based on a global survey in collaboration with the Anderson School of Business, UCLA. All items were measured on a five point modified Likert scale. The data were analysed statistically by means of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Factor analysis was performed. Multiple regressions was used to test the hypotheses. Both validity and reliability of the measures were checked in order to reduce measurement error.FindingsThe results show a positive and significant relationship between certification practices (implementation, organisational commitment and planning) with operational performance. However, the relationship between these practices with business performance was found to be positive but not significant of the variables we studied, organisational commitment to certification was found to be most strongly related to operational and business performance.Practical implicationsThe success of implementing ISO 9000 certification would be increased (operational and business performance) if it is well planned and implemented when the philosophical quality aspects of the organisation are coupled with employee training, periodic audits, corrective action and commitment at all levels of the organisation.Originality/valueThis paper's unique contribution to the literature is the rigorous research and analysis which statistically identify the best predictors for successful ISO 9000 implementation. The results demystify the confusion and contradictions which exist in the literature on the efficacy of ISO 9000 certification.

Robust quantum state transfer (QST) is an indispensable ingredient in scalable quantum information processing. Here we present an experimentally feasible mechanism for realizing robust QST via topologically protected edge states in superconducting qubit chains. Using superconducting Xmon qubits with tunable couplings, we construct generalized Su-Schrieffer-Heeger models and analytically derive the wave functions of topological edge states. We find that such edge states can be employed as a quantum channel to realize robust QST between remote qubits. With a numerical simulation, we show that both single-qubit states and two-qubit entangled states can be robustly transferred in the presence of sizable imperfections in the qubit couplings. The transfer fidelity demonstrates a wide plateau at the value of unity in the imperfection magnitude. This approach is general and can be implemented in a variety of quantum computing platforms.

We propose an experimental scheme to simulate and detect the properties of time-reversal invariant topological insulators, using cold atoms trapped in one-dimensional bichromatic optical lattices. This system is described by a one-dimensional Aubry-Andre model with an additional SU(2) gauge structure, which captures the essential properties of a two-dimensional Z 2 topological insulator. We demonstrate that topologically protected edge states, with opposite spin orientations, can be pumped across the lattice by sweeping a laser phase adiabatically. This process constitutes an elegant way to transfer topologically protected quantum states in a highly controllable environment. We discuss how density measurements could provide clear signatures of the topological phases emanating from our one-dimensional system.

PurposeWhile 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/approachThe research collected data from 149 service and 160 manufacturing organisations using a common survey measurement instrument.FindingsResults 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/valueThese 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.

Photonic waveguide arrays provide an excellent platform for simulating conventional topological systems, and they can also be employed for the study of novel topological phases in photonics systems. However, a direct measurement of bulk topological invariants remains a great challenge. Here we study topological features of generalized commensurate Aubry‐André‐Harper (AAH) photonic waveguide arrays and construct a topological phase diagram by calculating all bulk Chern numbers, and then explore the bulk‐edge correspondence by analyzing the topological edge states and their winding numbers. In contrast to incommensurate AAH models, diagonal and off‐diagonal commensurate AAH models are not topologically equivalent. In particular, there appear nontrivial topological phases with large Chern numbers and topological phase transitions. By implementing Thouless pumping of light in photonic waveguide arrays, we propose a simple scheme to measure the bulk Chern numbers.

Searching topological states in artificial systems has recently become a rapidly growing field of research. Meanwhile, significant experimental progresses on observing topological phenomena have been made in superconducting circuits. However, topological insulator states have not yet been reported in this system. Here, for the first time, we experimentally realize a tunable dimerized spin chain model and observe the topological magnon insulator states in a superconducting qubit chain. Via parametric modulations of the qubit frequencies, we show that the qubit chain can be flexibly tuned into topologically trivial or nontrivial magnon insulator states. Based on monitoring the quantum dynamics of a single-qubit excitation in the chain, we not only measure the topological winding numbers, but also observe the topological magnon edge and defect states. Our experiment exhibits the great potential of tunable superconducting qubit chain as a versatile platform for exploring non-interacting and interacting symmetry-protected topological states. arXiv:1901.05683v2 [quant-ph]

We propose a simple method to simulate and detect topological insulators with cold atoms trapped in a one-dimensional bichromatic optical lattice subjected to a time-periodic modulation. The tightbinding form of this shaken system is equivalent to the periodically driven Aubry-Andre model. We demonstrate that this model can be mapped into a two-dimensional Chern insulator model, whose energy spectrum hosts a topological phase within an experimentally accessible parameter regime. By tuning the laser phase adiabatically, such one-dimensional system constitutes a natural platform to realize topological particle pumping. We show that the Chern number characterizing the topological features of this system can be measured by detecting the density shift after one cycle of pumping.

We propose an analog quantum simulator for the Holstein molecular-crystal model based on a superconducting circuit QED system in the dispersive regime. By varying the driving field on the superconducting resonators, one can readily access both the adiabatic and anti-adiabatic regimes of this model. Strong e-ph coupling required for small-polaron formation can also be reached. We show that small-polaron state of arbitrary quasimomentum can be generated by applying a microwave pulse to the resonators. We also show that significant squeezing in the resonator modes can be achieved in the polaron-crossover regime through a measurement-based scheme.