Improving quality management: ISO 9001 benefits for agrifood firms

Anne E. Wilcock and Kathryn Boys

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 2017, vol. 7, issue 1, 2-20

Abstract: Purpose - ISO 9001 can offer users substantial management benefits. For developing country firms, this standard could offer both important management improvements and serve as a quality signal to foreign suppliers and potential buyers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of ISO 9001 on food manufacturing firms in Guyana. Design/methodology/approach - A multiple case study approach, using interviews with multiple managers, was used to assess the impacts of ISO 9001 in six registered and non-registered firms. Findings - ISO 9001 offers supply chain management benefits. Non-registered firms reported using the standard to formalize their monitoring procedures and improve planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery efficiency. Registration helped firms formalize their quality management systems; it provided guidance on improving their customer/supplier relationships, and offered tools to monitor internal processes. Registered and non-registered firms reported increased customer satisfaction, market share and inventory turnover, and reduced lead times, rework, waste, and customer complaints. Research limitations/implications - The number of cases examined in this study is limited. Interview data are based on managers’ perceived experiences; it was not possible to verify this information independently. Originality/value - The paper examines management benefits of adopting an international quality management standard in developing country agrifood firms.

Keywords: ISO 9001; South America; Developing countries; Supply chain management; Food industry; Quality management; Guyana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jadeep:jadee-12-2014-0046

DOI: 10.1108/JADEE-12-2014-0046

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