This research examines the ISO 9000 certification program and its developing role. The thesis of this examination is that the advantages of ISO 9000 certification outweigh the disadvantages for United States-based firms operating globally. While the growing importance of ISO 9000 certification is recognized by most United States-based firms operating globally, many of these firms argue that such certification is not desirable for either specific industries or for specific firms.
This examination found that ISO 9000 is the set of standards that was created in the pursuit of quality in output. The system is not a quality check within the context of classical standards employed in other quality assurance systems. Rather, ISO 9000 is a way of doing business wherein commitment must be made by top-level management toward the implementation and certification process. An ISO 9000 certification indicates that a company has documented how workers perform every function that affects product and/or service quality, and has installed mechanisms, systems, and procedures that are being followed in 18 different areas·which include: design, process control, purchasing, service, inspection, and testing. The great majority of companies that have gained ISO 9000 certification consider the process and the system to be worth the effort. The conclusion drawn from the findings of this research is that ISO 9000 certification will accrue net benefits to the United States-based company operating globally. Doubters among American managers, however, continue to challenge the process.
C. Problem confronting United States-based firms.
E. What ISO 9000 certification means.
F. Assumption underlying ISO 9000 certification.
B. Specific elements of the ISO 9000 system.
IV. ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
D. Nature of the ISO 9000 auditing system.
G. Maintaining ISO 9000 certification.
V. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ISO 90...