Integrating standardized management systems: A generic model and supporting methodologies for implementation and auditing

Implementation of Management Systems (MSs) in accordance with standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality or ISO 14001 for environmental management, is usually done with minimum considerations for the underlying organizational structure. As a consequence, organizations often develop MSs that suffer not only from isolation, but also from conflict of interest and lack of achievement of the very objectives that initially led to their implementation. Based on an extensive literature review, this research first identifies the need for a conceptual structure to integrate isolated MSs, including a model for the integration of selected Management System Standard (MSS) requirements and a supporting methodology to enable such integration.; Subsequently, a comprehensive Integrated Management System (IMS) framework is developed, encompassing: (1) A generic (IMS) model that facilitates the integration of four standardized MSs: Quality (QMS), Environment (EMS), Occupational Health & Safety (OHSMS) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSRMS). (2) A flexible implementation methodology for acquiring an IMS at two different levels of performance: standardized-requirement level (S-IMS) and excellence-requirement level (E-IMS). (3) A set of guidelines for auditing the IMS with the aim of enhancing its performance.; A number of concepts and techniques were applied in an innovative fashion to support the design of this IMS framework. The concepts applied included the QFD technique to determine the requirements of IMS stakeholders, a modular scheme for the IMS implementation methodology which can be used regardless of the starting and finishing points or sequences of integration, and a verification process using a group of Canadian quality experts involved with the development of standards at both the national and international levels. To validate the IMS framework in different organizational contexts and sequences of integration, two IMS implementation processes were simulated using information obtained from two Canadian companies.; It is concluded that the IMS framework conceptualized in this thesis provides a comprehensive guideline for the integration of standardized MSs. Major contributions are generated to support Canadian and international work on integration of standardized MSs as well as the development, implementation, evaluation and improvement of MSSs. However, some IMS requirements, such as the duration of the implementation cycle and a performance measurement system can be improved by further research.