Assessment of ISO 9001:2015 implementation factors based on AHP

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss factors to support ISO 9001:2015 implementation. A framework for identification and prioritization of factors is applied in Brazilian power train suppliers (Tier 1). Brazil is the eighth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Design/methodology/approach The data analysis presented in this paper is grounded in an empirical study involving ISO 9001 certified Brazilian companies (47 plants) that supply auto parts to power train assembly plants. They represent almost 50 percent of the Tier 1 Brazilian power train suppliers. Data collection and analysis is performed with the participation of managers who are experts in quality management systems and ISO 9001. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) supports the mixed methods approach. The data analysis is broken down by electrical components, machining, sub-components and small parts manufacturers. Findings The factors assessed are top management commitment, team commitment, training, responsibilities and authorities defined, schedule for implementation, quality culture, resource availability, integration between departments, level of bureaucracy as well as level of awareness regarding the ISO 9001 significance. A new factor was identified, which was not cited in the literature, quality staff reliability. Research limitations/implications The research is applied to suppliers of powertrain manufacturers and could reflect other sectors. It is important observe that the automotive sector represents a microcosm of the organization in general and many production models stem from there. Practical implications Understanding the critical factors is important to ensure that managers allocate resources appropriately during implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001:2015. Social implications Organizations around the world have, until 2018, to upgrade their quality systems to ISO 9001:2015 and the results of this paper can support strategies and decision making about that. Originality/value This paper evidences the relative importance among factors and ranks item in order of importance for ISO 9001:2015 implementation. Prior studies indicate the need to develop a mixed methods study to examine the role of the critical factors to support the ISO 9001:2015 implementation as done in this paper.

Insights into the reasons behind the limited implementation of ISO 9001 certification: empirical evidence from Yemen

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Organisational Resource Capacity and ISO 9001 QMS Implementation in the Local Government. Evidence from Poland

“…The list of resources that is related to the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001 certification contains, among other, the following: consultant fees, certification fees, equipment calibration fees, the costs of purchasing additional equipment, the costs of establishing the documentation system, staff training, and additional time spent on setting up and maintaining the ISO 9001 system (Leung et al 1999). However, the significance of the factors supporting the ISO 9001 implementation can differ among different business sectors (Almeida et al 2018). Moreover, even companies from the same industry differently assess the significance of obstacles to ISO 9001 certification (Sfakianaki and Kakouris 2018).…”

Comparative Analysis of Factors for Supplier Selection and Monitoring: The Case of the Automotive Industry in Thailand

“…ISO 9001:2015 has become the leading industry standard to improve productivity and efficiency. Aiming to produce quality products and provide services, as well as to develop an effective quality management system (QMS), many organizations work towards adopting ISO 9001 [30,31]. There are two specific requirements for applying ISO 9001 in a company-namely, the ability to consistently provide products and the ability to enhance customer satisfaction through useful applications of the system [32].…”

“…In this connection, in a case study on the Brazilian automotive sector, Almeida, Pradhan, and Muniz [31] proposed a set of critical factors to support ISO 9001:2015 implementation based on AHP. The factors were deemed to be essential in the automotive industry to ensure that managers appropriately allocate resources during the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001:2015.…”