Ton van der Wiele

Smaller enterprises’ experiences with ISO 9000

Discusses the experience of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with ISO 9000 series certification, based on the results of a Western Australian questionnaire survey. It explores issues ranging from why certification was sought, the benefits derived and disappointments. Also examines the problems encountered by SMEs and how they dealt with them. Comparisons are made between those SMEs perceiving more success with ISO 9000 series certification and those which do not. Findings suggest that SMEs are experiencing mixed results from ISO 9000 series certification. Some are reporting considerable internal benefits while many are not experiencing external benefits. An encouraging outcome is that a number of SMEs see ISO 9000 series certification as a useful first step in the quality journey with a view to moving forward in the direction of a broader quality management approach.

A corporate social responsibility audit within a quality management framework

In this paper a corporate social responsibility audit is developed following the underlying methodology of the quality award/excellence models. Firstly the extent to which the quality awards already incorporate the development of social responsibility is examined by looking at the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the European Quality Award. It will be shown that the quality awards do not yet include ethical aspects in relation to social responsibility. Both a clear definition of social responsibility and an improved audit instrument are required. A definition and an audit instrument are developed which stimulate movement in that direction and help organisations to reflect on their position in relation to social responsibility.

Applying SERVQUAL to Web sites: an exploratory study

In an effort to identify the quality factors perceived to be most important in relation to the use of Web sites, a survey was undertaken. The questionnaire utilized was based on the SERVQUAL instrument that identifies five quality dimensions in service environments. The results indicate that the quality dimensions found applicable in the service sector are also applicable to Web sites. The items that have been identified as most important in relation to the quality of Web sites are tangibles (the appearance of the Web site, navigation, search options, and structure), reliability (the ability to judge the trustworthiness of the offered service and the organization performing the service), responsiveness (the willingness to help customers and provide prompt service), assurance (the ability of the Web site to convey trust and confidence in the organisation behind it with respect to security and privacy), and empathy (the provision of caring, individualized attention to customers, including user recognition and customization).

Perceptions about the quality of web sites: a survey amongst students at Northeastern University and Erasmus University

A survey was undertaken to identify the quality aspects perceived to be most important in the design and use of web sites. The questionnaire utilized was based on preliminary research by Cox and Dale who had previously developed a model for assessing the quality of web sites. The results were compared to the SERVQUAL dimensions as developed by Zeithaml, Parasuraman, and Berry for bricks-and-mortar service environments. Our results indicated that the quality dimensions found applicable in the service sector are also applicable to web sites. No major differences have been found between the attitudes of students at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) and those at Northeastern University (NEU), Boston on web quality aspects. Minor differences can be explained by age, gender and field of study. Overall, NEU students make more use of the Internet than EUR students.

Perceptions About The ISO 9000 (2000) Quality System Standard Revision And Its Value: The Dutch Experience

The aim of the research reported in this paper is to assess the relative value of the 2000 version of the ISO 9000 series of quality management system standards in comparison to the 1994 version. 773 organisations in the Netherlands which have all been certified to the ISO 9000 standard were surveyed (a response rate of 21.4%) and of these only 22 had not yet converted to the 2000 version of the standard. Amongst the major findings are an overall positive perception of the value of the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard and a consistently higher appreciation of the 2000 version compared to the 1994 version.

Critical failure factors of Lean Six Sigma: a systematic literature review

Purpose – Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a continuous improvement methodology that aims to reduce the costs of poor quality, improve the bottom-line results and create value for both customers and shareholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore the critical failure factors for LSS in different sectors, such as manufacturing, services, higher education, etc. Design/methodology/approach – The following research is based on a systematic literature review of 56 papers that were published on Lean, Six Sigma and LSS in well-known academic databases from 1995 to 2013. Findings – There are 34 common failure factors of LSS cited in this paper. There are some common factors for failure, such as a lack of top management commitment and involvement, lack of communication, lack of training and education, limited resources and others. Many gaps and limitations are discussed in this paper and need to be explored in future research. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first systematic literature reviews to explore ...

Quality management over a decade: A longitudinal study

Quality management activities in five large Australian organisations have been monitored over a decade and present the basis for an insight into the factors which impact on the sustainability and direction of quality management over the longer term. Using a longitudinal research approach, the quality management strategies and activities in these organisations have been examined through periodic interviews with quality managers along with examination of relevant company documents. Findings identify a number of factors which impact on the continuity of quality management over the longer term. These include: the tenure of the CEO and the executive board; the quality foundations which have been created through quality initiatives in the past; the driving force behind the quality management journey; the management system and the extent to which quality is integrated into the system. Other factors include the role of audits and assessments, the role of quality frameworks, customer orientation and information systems. Even dramatic downsizing within an organisation does not necessarily curtail the attention given to quality management issues, although in all cases it forces it to create stronger linkages between the business plan and quality management activities.

Business improvement through quality management systems

This paper focuses on the use of the ISO 9000 series certification and the use of self‐assessment against an excellence model, as two examples of management fads which have survived for a long period of time. The literature suggests that two variables are related to the perceived success of the implementation of a fad. First, the degree of intrinsic as opposed to extrinsic motivation which is present, and second, the depth of organisational change which is demanded by the implementation. The two fads described in this paper differ in relation to these two variables.

A Typology of Approaches to ISO Certification and TQM

This paper reports on research which explores the links between quality assurance, or certification of the quality system according to the ISO 9000 (AS 3900) series and the broader approach of Total Quality Management. The first part of the paper outlines a typology of approaches to introducing TQM and ISO. Some organisations see ISO 9000 as an end in itself while others consider it to be the first step towards TQM. Others may have TQM firmly in place prior to embarking on certification. The second part of the paper applies the typology to data from a questionnaire survey of Western Australian organisations with ISO 9000 certification. Empirical support for several of the groups in the typology is found in this analysis.

Self-assessment practices in Europe and Australia

Based on two quality management self‐assessment survey projects conducted in Europe and Australia, the authors compare practices in these parts of the world. The main questions addressed are: why do organisations use self‐assessment?, how do they implement self‐assessment?, and what are the benefits which they obtain from it? Findings suggest companies in both regions differ slightly in how they implement self‐assessment. Both internal and external factors driving self‐assessment are identified, although in the case of Australia there are two different internal factors. One is related to rejuvenating flagging interest in TQM. Several approaches to self‐assessment are also identified including: assessor driven, management driven, employee driven and tools and techniques driven. Some variations between the two samples were identified here. Analysis of the links between success with self‐assessment and methods used suggested that a management driven approach which may be combined with a quality maturity matrix tended to work best.